Choosing a contractor

                                 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A CONTRACTOR

     Is the contractor certified by the Interlocking Concrete Paver Institute (ICPI)?  ICPI sets industry standards that contractors should follow for the installation of hardscape materials. 
Nature by Design  is ICPI certified and we work at or above industry standards.

      Is the contractor certified by National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA)?  NCMA sets industry standards for the installation of landscape and retaining walls and masonry applications.   
Nature by Design is certified by NCMA. 

        Is the contractor a certified Techo Pro?
This is a contractor screening program which provides guidelines that include at least a 2 year written guarantee on all work performed, inspections of jobs being built, re-inspections 3 years from completion date, several customer referrals and interviews are required, industry certifications (ICPI and NCMA ) and insurance certificates to name a few.   
Nature by Design is a Techo Pro Contractor and offers a 5 year warr. 95% of what we  install  is Techo Bloc materials .
       What type of base is your contractor going to install and at what depth?  Your 1” aggregate blend base is one of the most important aspects of your hardscape project.  ICPI recommends a minimum 6” aggregate base.   
Nature by Design exceeds these  and installs a minimum base of 8” -10 " on all of our projects to insure your patio will stand the test of time.

      What type of setting bed will the contractor apply his pavers or slabs in?  ICPI as well as all paver manufacturers recommend a 1” sand bed.  Stone dust should not be used as a setting bed as it does not drain and breaks down over time.  If a contractor tells you they are using stone dust in a paver application ,you will have failures within a few years and your patio may need to be picked up and laid again on proper sand materials.
Nature by Design uses C33 sand setting bed on every job



     What type of paver joint sealer will your contractor use?  Polymeric sand ,which is a very fine sand that we activate with water , becomes as hard as a tile grout , plus it helps to prevent weeds and failures caused by water issues. (manufactured by Alliance & Techniseal)
Nature by Design uses polymeric sand on every job

     Will your contractor install a paver edge restraint system ?  This is important to hold your walkway or patio in place and the use of a concrete bead along the edge will fail over time with the freeze and thaw cycles. 
Nature By Design Installs the proper edging with every job.

      Is your  contractor should be  fully insured?  
Nature by Design carries a 2  million general liability coverage policy.