Driveway – FAQs

Who will be carrying out the driveway installation work?

All of the driveway installers working on your project are employed directly by Mainstream Driveways, we do not employ sub contractors. We are a family run business and all our driveway installers are skilled and experienced at what they do.

Do you use subcontractors?

We do not use contractors or sub-contract any of our driveways installation projects or indeed any projects to other companies. All work is carried out by our skilled and experienced driveway installation team.

What experience do your driveways installers have?

Mainstream Driveways have been operating in and around Coventry, Birmingham, Warwickshire, and the West Midlands for over 50 years. We have experience of almost all types of hard landscaping and road surfacing techniques, in particular, block paving, tarmacing, driveway entrance patterns and block paved driveways. We also maintain, repair, and sympathetically extend existing patios and driveways. We provide advice and ideas at the planning stage based on our extensive knowledge and experience in driveways and landscaping.

Other than installing Driveways, do you offer any other services?

Yes, we can help with fences and fencing, walls, brick steps, block paved patios, paths and paving. We also take great care to ensure the appropriate drainage and ground preparation is used on all our installations.

Will you be onsite everyday until the project is complete?

In most cases, once work commences we will work each day until the job is complete. We do not work weekends unless we feel it’s necessary or without your prior agreement.

Do you work at weekends?

Occasionally we may ask your permission to continue work at the weekend.

Will all rubbish associated with the driveway installation be removed from our property?

Yes, We will remove all rubbish associated with our work from your property upon completion of work, if not before. At the end of each working day, we will ensure that even where work is not complete that your property is accessible, tidy and safe.

How long will my driveway installation take?

Each project is different and the length of time required to complete the job will vary from project to project depending on the existing surface, the amount of groundwork preparation required, the area to be covered, the materials and method being used and the complexity of the project. We will always give you an estimate of the duration of your driveway or patio installation project and we will communicate with you throughout the job on our progress and our estimated completion date.

What is the lead time for new work? How long will I have to wait before you can start my driveway?

Generally our lead time is anything from 2 to 4 weeks however if you have a particular timeframe in mind please let us know at the quotation stage and we will let you know if we can accommodate your timeframes.

Is your work guaranteed?

All of our work is fully guaranteed against spreading or sinking. If you have any concerns about your completed driveways installation please get in touch.

What surface and groundwork is necessary to lay a new drive?

We will make a site visit to assess the job at the point of providing you with a quotation. This will include understanding what the existing surface is, what groundwork and preparation will be necessary for the new driveway or patio installation and any drainage requirements.

Can I get a reference from someone who has had work completed by you?

We have many examples of our completed projects in the gallery on our website. Examples include block paved driveways, paving and patios, tarmac driveways, driveways with entrance patterns, paths, steps, garden walls, fencing. Please speak to us for more information if you would like a reference.

Do you require a deposit? When is the balance due?

On some occasions a deposit is required upon commencement of work with the balance due on completion. The deposit required depends on the total value of the job and the type of work and materials required. We will advise you if a deposit is required at the quotation stage.

Can you lower the kerb to make access to my drive easier?

You may only lower a kerb for vehicular access with the permission of your local council. In some cases the council will use their own contractors, however, if permitted, we would be happy to help.

Can I drive on my new driveway as soon as you have finished work?

No, we will tape off the driveway or patio once complete and advise you on timescales for removing the tape and using your new drive or patio. Generally, this will be 24 – 48 hours, however, we will advise on each job individually.

Do you work in wet weather or frost / snow?

We work in most weather conditions, however, heavy rain or hard frost may delay work. We will not jeopardise the quality and standard of work by pressing on with things if we feel poor weather conditions will compromise the standard of our work.

Some areas of my block paved drive appear to be sinking. Can you help with a driveway repair?

Yes, we are happy to come out and make an assessment for a drive repair for you. We can provide advice and a quote to address any issues with your block paved or damaged tarmac drive.

How can I stop the weeds growing on my block paved drive?

If your driveway has been installed professionally and to a high standard then weeds should be minimal and certainly not for the first few years. Any weeds are likely to be brought in by wind or seeds dropped by birds. Options include regular brushing to disturb weeds before they establish, manually removing weeds with a hoe or scraper, weedkillers. Keeping the drive clean and free of dirt.