Question 1

What areas do you serve on Long Island?

Accepted Answer

We serve all of Nassau County and Suffolk County, including towns from Great Neck to Wading River. Whether you're on the North Shore, South Shore, or central Long Island, our team is ready to help with your paving and masonry project.

Question 2

Are you licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Brothers Paving & Masonry is fully licensed and insured. We carry comprehensive general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage for your complete protection and peace of mind.

Question 3

How long have you been in business?

Accepted Answer

We have over 15 years of experience serving Long Island homeowners and businesses. Our crew has completed thousands of paving, masonry, and hardscape projects across Nassau and Suffolk County.

Question 4

Do you offer free estimates?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide free, no-obligation estimates for all of our services. We'll visit your property, discuss your vision, and provide a detailed written estimate. Call us at (631) 374-9796 or fill out our online form to schedule.

Question 5

Do you offer financing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer flexible financing options through Joist to help make your project affordable. You can apply during your free estimate consultation. Financing allows you to enjoy your new outdoor space now while spreading payments over time with manageable monthly installments.

Question 6

What types of services do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We specialize in a full range of paving and masonry services including driveways (asphalt, paver, and concrete), patios, walkways, stoops and porches, retaining walls, drainage solutions, pool hardscape, outdoor kitchens, and complete backyard transformations.

Question 7

How long does a typical project take?

Accepted Answer

Project timelines vary depending on scope and complexity. A standard driveway or patio can typically be completed in 3–5 days, while larger projects like full backyard transformations may take 2–3 weeks. We'll provide a clear timeline during your consultation.

Question 8

What is the best time of year to start an outdoor project on Long Island?

Accepted Answer

The ideal season for most paving and masonry work on Long Island is spring through fall, roughly April through November. However, asphalt paving requires warmer temperatures (typically 50°F and above) for proper compaction. We recommend scheduling your consultation early in the season to secure your preferred start date.

Question 9

Do I need a permit for my project?

Accepted Answer

Permit requirements vary by town and project scope. Most standard patio and driveway projects on Long Island do not require a building permit, but some municipalities require permits for retaining walls over a certain height or projects that change the grade of your property. We can advise you during the estimate process based on your specific town's requirements.

Question 10

How should I prepare my property before work begins?

Accepted Answer

We'll walk you through any preparation during the estimate. In general, it helps to clear personal items, planters, and furniture from the work area. If vehicles need to be moved from a driveway, we'll coordinate that with you in advance. Our crew handles all excavation, debris removal, and site prep.

Question 11

Can you work around existing landscaping?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We take care to protect existing landscaping, gardens, and structures adjacent to the work area. If plantings need to be temporarily relocated, we'll discuss that with you before starting. After the project, we restore lawn areas and clean up the entire jobsite.

Question 12

What is the difference between asphalt and paver driveways?

Accepted Answer

Asphalt driveways are cost-effective, installed quickly, and perform well in Long Island's climate. Paver driveways offer more design options with a higher-end look and are individually replaceable if a section is damaged. Both are excellent choices, and the best option depends on your budget, aesthetic preferences, and long-term goals.

Question 13

How long does an asphalt driveway last on Long Island?

Accepted Answer

A properly installed asphalt driveway on Long Island typically lasts 15–20 years. Factors that affect lifespan include base preparation quality, drainage, and traffic volume. A well-built base is the single most important factor in long-term asphalt performance.

Question 14

What kind of base do you use for paver installations?

Accepted Answer

We use crushed concrete NYS #1 as the base material for all paver installations. It's the gold standard for Long Island soil conditions, it compacts tightly, drains well, and meets New York State specifications for structural fill. A proper base is the single most important factor in how long your pavers stay level.

Question 15

Do you install driveway borders and aprons?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Paver or Belgian block borders add a finished, upscale look to asphalt driveways and help define the driveway edge. We also install driveway aprons at the street transition. Borders and aprons are one of the most popular upgrades our customers choose.

Question 16

What paver brands do you install?

Accepted Answer

We primarily install Cambridge pavers with Armortec technology and Nicolock pavers. Both are Long Island and Northeast manufacturers whose products are specifically designed for our climate, including freeze-thaw cycles and salt air exposure. Both brands offer lifetime limited manufacturer warranties on the pavers themselves.

Question 17

What is Cambridge Armortec?

Accepted Answer

Cambridge Armortec is a built-in surface protection technology integrated into Cambridge pavers during manufacturing. It protects against stains, oil spills, and weathering without requiring a separate sealer application. Cambridge pavers with Armortec come with a lifetime limited manufacturer warranty on the paver itself.

Question 18

How much does a paver patio cost on Long Island?

Accepted Answer

A standard paver patio on Long Island typically ranges from $19 to $35 per square foot installed depending on the material tier, which includes premium pavers, excavation, crushed concrete base, polymeric sand, edge restraints, and cleanup. A 20x20 patio typically ranges from $7,600 to $10,000 for Classic tier. Visit our pricing page for detailed breakdowns and what's included.

Question 19

Can you build a raised patio or multi-level patio?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We build raised patios, multi-level patios, and elevated patio areas with retaining wall supports. These projects require additional engineering for proper structural support and drainage, which we'll plan during the design phase. Raised patios are an excellent solution for yards with grade changes.

Question 20

Do you build outdoor kitchens and fire features?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We design and build custom outdoor kitchens with built-in grills, countertops, bars, and storage, as well as fire pits, fireplaces, and fire tables. All hardscape features are integrated with your patio design for a cohesive outdoor living space.

Question 21

What types of retaining walls do you build?

Accepted Answer

We build retaining walls using segmental block, natural stone, and paver-style materials. Our walls serve both structural and decorative purposes, from managing grade changes and preventing erosion to creating tiered garden beds, seating areas, and planter walls.

Question 22

Can you rebuild or repair an existing stoop or porch?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We repair and rebuild masonry stoops, porches, steps, columns, and landings. Whether your existing stoop has settled, cracked, or is showing its age, we can restore it with quality masonry to match or upgrade the look of your home's entrance.

Question 23

Do retaining walls need a footing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All of our retaining walls are built on a proper compacted base with a buried first course for stability. For taller walls, we use geogrid reinforcement and additional base work as needed. Proper footing and base preparation are essential for a retaining wall that stays straight and solid over time.

Question 24

How do I know if I have a drainage problem?

Accepted Answer

Common signs include standing water after rain, water pooling against your foundation, soggy or eroded lawn areas, water in your basement, or downspouts that dump water too close to the house. If you notice any of these issues, a drainage assessment can identify the problem and the right solution.

Question 25

What is a French drain and do I need one?

Accepted Answer

A French drain is a gravel-filled trench with a perforated pipe that redirects subsurface water away from problem areas. It's one of the most effective drainage solutions for Long Island properties where water collects in low spots, along foundations, or in areas with poor soil drainage.

Question 26

What is the difference between a French drain and a dry well?

Accepted Answer

A French drain collects and redirects water horizontally through a perforated pipe in a gravel trench. A dry well is a buried chamber that collects water and allows it to slowly percolate into the surrounding soil. Many drainage systems use both. French drains to move the water, and dry wells as the discharge point.

Question 27

Can drainage be added to an existing patio or driveway?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We install channel drains, catch basins, and drainage lines that integrate with existing hardscape. If your patio or driveway has settling or drainage issues, we can often add drainage solutions without a full rebuild, though every situation is different and we'll assess it during the estimate.

Question 28

What does your 5-year craftsmanship warranty cover?

Accepted Answer

Our 5-year craftsmanship warranty covers workmanship defects in the installation, including paver settling, shifting, or joint failure caused by improper installation. It does not cover normal wear and tear, Acts of God, damage from improper use, or issues caused by third-party modifications after our work is complete. Manufacturer warranties on materials are separate.

Question 29

How do I maintain my paver patio or driveway?

Accepted Answer

Paver maintenance is straightforward. We recommend occasional sweeping, rinsing with a garden hose, and re-applying polymeric sand to joints every few years as needed. Avoid using pressure washers on high settings, which can dislodge joint sand. If individual pavers shift or settle, they can be lifted and re-set without replacing the entire surface.

Question 30

What if I notice an issue after the project is complete?

Accepted Answer

Call us. We stand behind our work and we're always available to address any concerns. If there's a workmanship issue covered by our warranty, we'll take care of it. We value long-term relationships with our customers and many of our projects come from repeat clients and referrals.

Frequently Asked Questions

General

Project Planning

Driveways & Paving

Patios & Outdoor Living

Masonry & Walls

Drainage

Warranties & Aftercare

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