Should I get a final inspection before my Ottawa contractor leaves?

Absolutely yes — a thorough final inspection with your contractor present is essential before making final payment and before they leave the job site. This is your only opportunity to identify and address any issues while the crew and equipment are still on-site.

What to inspect depends on your driveway type, but common elements include surface quality, drainage, cleanup, and compliance with your contract specifications. Walk the entire driveway systematically with your contractor, checking against the original scope of work and any change orders. Take photos of any concerns and get written commitments for correction timelines before the crew departs.

Surface-Specific Inspection Points

For asphalt driveways, check for proper compaction (no soft spots when you walk on it), uniform thickness, smooth transitions at edges and joints, and proper slope for drainage. Look for any areas where the asphalt appears thin, uneven, or poorly bonded to the existing surface. The surface should be smooth enough that water flows toward drainage points without pooling. Check that the asphalt extends fully to property lines or existing concrete as specified in your contract.

For interlock installations, verify that all pavers are level and properly aligned, joints are consistent width (typically 2-3mm), and polymeric sand has been properly applied and activated. Walk across the entire surface checking for loose, rocking, or settled pavers. Edge restraints should be secure and properly installed. The pattern should be consistent and any cuts around obstacles should be clean and professional.

For concrete work, check for uniform thickness, proper finishing, control joints cut at appropriate intervals (every 3 metres maximum), and no visible cracking, scaling, or surface defects. Stamped or exposed aggregate finishes should be consistent across the entire surface. Concrete should be properly sloped for drainage and cured according to specifications.

Critical Drainage and Grading Check

Test drainage immediately while the contractor is present — this is crucial in Ottawa where poor drainage leads to ice buildup and foundation problems. Pour several buckets of water at different points on the driveway and verify that water flows toward the street, swales, or catch basins without pooling. Any standing water indicates grading problems that must be corrected before the contractor leaves. Check that water flows away from your home's foundation and doesn't drain onto neighboring properties.

Base and Structural Elements

If you can see any base preparation areas (around edges or where old driveway was removed), verify that granular base depths match specifications — minimum 300mm Granular B plus 150mm Granular A in Ottawa. Check that proper compaction was achieved and no soft spots remain in base areas. Edge restraints for interlock should be secure and properly backfilled.

Cleanup and Site Restoration

Verify complete cleanup of all construction debris, excess materials, and equipment. The contractor should remove all asphalt millings, concrete chunks, packaging materials, and construction waste. Lawn areas and landscaping disturbed during construction should be restored to original condition or better. Any damage to existing walkways, curbs, or neighboring property should be repaired.

Documentation and Warranty

Get written confirmation of warranty terms and contact information for future service. Quality Ottawa paving contractors typically provide 1-2 year warranties on workmanship and will address settling, cracking, or drainage issues that develop. Ensure you have clear contact information and understand what is covered under warranty versus normal maintenance.

Don't make final payment until you're completely satisfied with the inspection results. Holding back 10-15% of the contract value until all punch list items are completed is standard practice. Once the contractor leaves the job site, getting them back to address minor issues becomes much more difficult and expensive.

Need help finding a quality driveway contractor who stands behind their work? Ottawa Driveways can match you with local paving professionals who welcome thorough inspections and provide solid warranties on their installations.