Besides the obvious questions regarding design, materials and finish, there are a few additional things you should ask of the company installing your pavers.
How and when does your installer pay the paver supplier?
The supplier knows of each installation that occurs with their products because the product is shipped to the installation location. If the contractor doesn’t pay that supplier, the supplier will contact the homeowner. Make sure that the people supplying the pavers get paid.
How long will the installation take?
Every residential contract should include an approximate start date and completion date. While acts of God can get in the way, there shouldn’t be dramatic differences between one company’s stated project duration and another’s. That’s a red flag.
What is the schedule of payments?
You should never have to pay more than 10% or $1,000, whichever is less, upon signing the contract. There’s a great checklist of similar requirements from the California Contractors State Licensing Board here.