If you have decided that you want to give your outdoor space a makeover, one of the most important things to consider is finding the right company to provide the materials. It can be helpful to do some research about the various paving manufacturers available, so that you have the chance to learn about the product line and different styles of paving on offer. What’s more, it could make it easier for you to find an installer to get the job done.
Brett Landscaping, a leading manufacturer of paving materials, offer some tips on how to find the right paving manufacturer for your next landscaping project.
Understanding your proposed project
Whether you are hoping to redo your driveway or pave an area of your back garden, making any sort of change to your home is exciting. It can help to have an idea of material or style that you’d like to have, as you can keep this in mind as you search for a suitable manufacturer.
Consider the size of your project, how intricate you would like the design to be and if there are any must-haves for how you’d like the finished area to look. Use resources online to find designs you like, and try to find out which materials have been used to achieve it.
Once you have this knowledge under your belt, it can be much easier to find a manufacturer who can provide the products you need to achieve your dream garden.
Responsible sourcing and sustainability
One of the most important aspects of any building or construction work is a commitment to sustainability. It is at the top of many company’s priority lists, and is something today’s consumer is more aware of than ever before. When it comes to paving and landscaping, consider looking for a manufacturer who can demonstrate their commitment to responsible sourcing of materials and sustainability.
You will be able to tell if a manufacturer follows these values by looking for the relevant ISO accreditation on their website. These include ISO 14001 for environmental management and ISO 9001 for quality management.
Many manufacturers will also be transparent about their involvement in activity to help the restoration of sites where the materials come from, showing their commitment to creating sustainable products. You could also check if these companies are signed up to any industry initiatives, such as the Sustainable Construction Strategy for the UK Concrete Industries.
Ethical trading
As many of today’s supply chains are spread all over the country and even further afield, it’s important that you ensure you are working with companies that comply with ethical trading. You will usually find information on how a manufacturer does this on their website.
Typically this can include a commitment to following RSA Guidelines, such as ensuring employment contracts are provided and working hours meet legal requirements.
How do you access their products?
Some of the better paving and landscaping manufacturers will have built networks over the years to help customers access their products with ease. Look out for established networks of merchants and retailers who they trust to sell their products, as they will be well-informed on the product line too.
Similarly, quality manufacturers may have set up their own installer scheme, which allows you to find an approved installer who is experienced in working with that manufacturer’s products. Often these schemes have strict criteria and can offer products and support to local landscapers around the country, so you can feel confident that your project will run smoothly.