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The checklist
What to check in your driveway quote
Each point lights up on the quote as you read.
- Whether the surface lets water through, or where rainwater drains
For a house’s front garden, the surface and drainage affect whether planning permission is needed. Ask where rainwater will soak into the ground. Restrictions can still apply.
- Who applies for a dropped kerb, if you need one
If a new dropped kerb is needed, agree who will make the application to the local council before that work starts.
- The quote is in writing
Citizens Advice says not to rely on a verbal quote and to get it in writing.
- A fixed price, not an estimate
A quote gives an agreed price for specified work. An estimate gives an approximate cost. Ask which you’ve been given.
- When each payment is due
Citizens Advice suggests agreeing payment stages, with a chance to put problems right before the final payment.
- When the work will start and finish
If no time is agreed, the law only says the work must be done within a reasonable time.
- The insurance the business holds
Ask what insurance the business holds and to see the policies. Citizens Advice includes public liability insurance among the cover to check.
- Who takes away the waste
You must take reasonable steps to make sure waste from your home only goes to someone authorised to take it, such as a registered waste carrier.
- Cancellation information, if you agree the job at home
For a contract agreed in your home, the business must give you set information and a cancellation form, on paper or another lasting form.
Before you agree
Registrations and certificates to ask for
- Check the surface and drainage arrangements
For a house’s front garden, water can drain through a permeable surface or to a lawn or border. Check that the proposed drainage is included in the quote.
- Agree who handles any dropped-kerb application
Check the council’s requirements and agree who will apply before any dropped-kerb work starts.
The money
Know what you’ll pay and when
Citizens Advice says to keep the deposit as low as possible and not agree to more than 25%.
NI Direct advises avoiding large deposits and never paying the whole amount up front.
If you agree a job in your home, you can usually cancel within 14 days of agreeing it.
If you asked for work to start within those 14 days and then cancel, you pay for the part already done.
Ask the business
Questions to ask before you agree
- Will water drain through the surface, or where will it soak into the ground? GOV.UK: permeable surfacing of front gardens
- Is a new dropped kerb needed, and who will handle the council application? Planning Portal: paving your front garden
- Is this a fixed price or an estimate? Citizens Advice: before you get building work done
- What insurance do you have, and can I see the policy? Citizens Advice: before you get building work done
- Can I pay in stages, with the last payment once the work is finished? Citizens Advice: before you get building work done
- Who will take the waste away, and are they a registered waste carrier? GOV.UK: waste duty of care code of practice
- If we agree this at my home, will you give me the cancellation information in writing? Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, regulation 10
Common questions
Questions people ask
Do I need planning permission for a new driveway?
For a house’s front garden, an impermeable surface over five square metres needs planning permission unless rainwater drains to a permeable area. Permeable surfacing can avoid an application, but property restrictions and other works may affect what permission is needed.
Do I need permission for a dropped kerb?
Yes. You need to apply to the local council for a new dropped kerb. Check its requirements before arranging the work.
How much deposit should I pay for a driveway?
Citizens Advice says to keep the deposit as low as possible and not agree to more than 25%.
Should a quote be a fixed price?
A quote gives an agreed price for specified work. An estimate gives an approximate cost. Citizens Advice recommends getting the quote in writing.
Can I cancel building work I agreed to at home?
If you agree a job in your home, you can usually cancel within 14 days of agreeing it.
This guide covers England. Rules for building work differ in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It is general information, not legal advice, and it does not say whether a price is fair.