Checklist for Choosing a Driveway or Patio Painting Contractor
A good driveway contractor gives you a written, itemised quote with the m², the rate, the number of coats, the preparation, the exclusions and IVA as a separate line, and tells you honestly when a refresh is the wrong answer. Use the checklist below to compare any contractor, including us.
Send us a photo and the m²Who exactly are you dealing with?
Check that the contractor identifies itself clearly. Spanish rules for online services require a name, address, email and tax number to be available, and prices to state whether taxes are included.
- Full business name and address.
- Phone, WhatsApp and email you can actually reach.
- Tax identification number (NIF) on the quote or invoice.
We are Bauman Raymond Attila – Autónomo, based at Avenida Antonio Belón 3, 29602 Marbella, reachable on 613 656 443.
Does the quote show the areas and square metres?
It should list each area separately with its m². Without that, you cannot check the arithmetic or compare it with another quote.
If the m² differ between contractors, find out why before comparing totals. Our measuring guide helps you check the figures yourself.
Does the quote state the rate and what it includes?
A clear rate per m² and a list of included work let you see what you are paying for. Ours is approximately €15/m² + IVA, covering four stages.
- Pressure washing of the whole area.
- Filling of routine cracks and minor defects.
- Cut-in by brush along every edge.
- Two coats of synthetic resin paint.
If another quote leaves out a stage, it is a different job. The driveway painting cost page explains why each stage matters.
Is IVA shown separately and explained?
The quote should show the price before IVA, the rate applied and the total. The general rate is 21%; the reduced 10% rate depends on conditions about the client, the age of the dwelling and the share of materials.
Be wary of a contractor who promises 10% without asking about your situation. Whether the reduced rate covers driveways and patios has not been verified, and our IVA guide explains why.
Are the exclusions written down?
A good quote says what is not included as clearly as what is. That is how you avoid paying for something you thought was covered.
- Ground or structural work on a moving base.
- New paving or replacing broken sections.
- Parking lines and bay numbers.
- Municipal paperwork and fees.
Will the contractor tell you when a refresh is the wrong answer?
This is the best test of honesty. If cracks are caused by a moving base, a good contractor tells you that painting will not fix it, rather than taking the job anyway.
Routine cracks are a different matter and are filled as part of the work. The crack repair cost page explains where the line is drawn.
Are technical claims backed by the product data sheet?
Drying times, traffic times, slip behaviour and recoating intervals depend on the product and the conditions. A contractor who quotes fixed numbers without referring to the data sheet is guessing.
Likewise, be cautious with promises about lifespan. Ask where the figure comes from, and expect the answer to be the product data sheet.
Can they work with you from abroad?
If you do not live at the property, check that the contractor can quote from photos, communicate in your language and coordinate with a key-holder or property manager. Photos of the stages are the best way to follow the job remotely.
We work this way as standard. Start with the quote calculator, and see our article on red flags in a quote for the warning signs to watch for.
How do you turn the checklist into a decision?
Score each contractor against every heading above, then compare only those who pass all of them. Among those, the lower total for the same specification is the better buy.
If nobody passes every point, ask the missing questions in writing and give each contractor the chance to answer. How they respond is part of the test, and the written answers become part of the agreement.
Keep the checklist with the quotes, especially if co-owners or an administrator will look at them later.
Frequently asked questions
What should a driveway painting contractor put in writing?
Their business name, address, contact details and tax number, plus an itemised quote: each area with its m², the rate, the number of coats, the preparation included, the exclusions and IVA as a separate line. Anything unusual should be explained next to the figure.
How do I check a contractor is a real business?
Look for a full business name, a physical address, reachable contact details and a tax identification number on the quote or invoice. Spanish rules for online services require businesses to make this information available, so its absence is a warning sign.
What is the most important thing to compare between quotes?
The content of the work. Check that each quote uses the same m², includes cleaning and crack filling, specifies two coats and shows IVA separately. Only when these match is it fair to compare the totals and choose the lower one.
Should a quote include IVA?
It should show IVA clearly, either included or as a separate line with the rate stated. The general rate is 21%; the reduced 10% rate depends on legal conditions. Without a clear IVA line, the real cost may be 21% higher than it looks.
Is it a bad sign if a contractor refuses a job?
Not necessarily; it can be a good sign. A contractor who tells you that painting will not fix a moving base is protecting your money. Ask them to explain why in writing, so you can take that advice to the right specialist.
Should a contractor promise how long the finish will last?
Be cautious with any fixed lifespan. Durability depends on the product, traffic, sun and maintenance, and the product data sheet is the reliable reference. A figure with no source behind it is not something you can hold anyone to. Ask to see the data sheet itself.
What exclusions should I check for?
Ground or structural work, new paving, replacing broken sections, parking lines and municipal paperwork. Knowing what is excluded tells you what else you may need to budget for and avoids misunderstandings about what the quote covers. Ask for the list in writing so it forms part of the quote.
Can I hire a contractor without being in Spain?
Yes, if they can quote from photos, communicate in your language and coordinate access with a key-holder or property manager. Ask whether they can send photos of each stage, so you can follow the work and see the result without travelling.
How does your quote measure up against this checklist?
Our quotes show our business details, each area with its m², the rate of approximately €15/m², the four stages included, the exclusions and IVA as a separate line. We tell you before quoting if a refresh is not the right answer for your surface.
Where can I see examples of a contractor's work?
Ask for photos of finished jobs and of the stages in between. Our projects page shows the Marbella reference job from the faded start through washing, crack filling and cut-in to the deep, glossy finish, without testimonials or ratings.