5 Common Driveway and Paving Contractor Problems and When to Call a Professional

The problems that come up most

These are the jobs driveway and paving contractors are most commonly booked for. Catching them early almost always costs less:

• sinking or rutting where vehicles park
• weeds growing through joints
• poor drainage pooling water against the house
• edges spreading without proper restraints
• resin surfaces cracking or going patchy

What you can safely check yourself

Before calling anyone, gather information: when the problem started, whether it's getting worse, and clear photos. This helps a professional give you a realistic first assessment and helps you describe the job accurately when collecting quotes.

Basic observation is always safe; DIY repair is not always. If the problem involves gas, electrics, working at height or the structure of your home, stop at observation and call a professional.

Signs it's time to book someone

Book a professional when the problem is getting worse, when it involves safety, when your own attempts haven't held, or when you simply don't know the cause. A correct diagnosis is usually cheaper than a wrong repair.

For context on cost: Block paving typically costs £70–£110 per square metre installed; resin-bound £50–£80; tarmac £45–£70; gravel £30–£50. A typical two-car driveway runs £3,000–£7,000 depending on material and groundworks.

Choosing who to call

Paving is unlicensed and attracts doorstep crews. Ask for addresses of driveways they completed two or more years ago and go and look at them — sunken edges and weeds tell the real story.

Check recent reviews before booking — Hammerscore company pages for driveway and paving contractors combine ratings from several platforms, and the low-star reviews tell you most about how problems were handled.