Searching for “compare interlock companies near me” in Ottawa? You’re not alone. With dozens of contractors claiming to be experts, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. The portfolio is often the deciding factor—but not all portfolios tell the truth.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to evaluate interlock portfolios like a pro, spot red flags instantly, and verify quality before you sign a contract. Whether you’re planning a new driveway, patio, or walkway, these insights will help you make a confident decision.
Portfolio Red Flags: What to Watch For
A portfolio should showcase real work, not marketing magic. Here are the five biggest warning signs that a contractor’s portfolio might be misleading:
1. Stock Photos and Stolen Images
The Problem: Some contractors use stock photos or images from other companies’ websites to pad their portfolios.
How to Verify: Use Google’s reverse image search. Right-click any portfolio photo, select “Search image with Google,” and see if it appears on other websites or stock photo platforms. Legitimate contractors use only their own work.
2. Heavily Filtered or Edited Photos
The Problem: Excessive filters, saturation adjustments, or strategic lighting can hide poor workmanship, color inconsistencies, and installation flaws.
What Quality Work Looks Like: Professional interlock installations look impressive in natural daylight without heavy editing. If every photo looks like it went through Instagram filters, ask for unedited versions or request a site visit to see the work in person.
3. Only Recent Projects (No Long-Term Examples)
The Problem: Any installation can look good when it’s brand new. The real test is how it holds up over time—especially in Ottawa’s harsh freeze-thaw climate.
What to Ask: Request photos of projects that are 5+ years old. A reputable contractor will gladly show you how their work ages. Look for installations that still have straight joints, level surfaces, and no significant settling or weed growth.
4. No Customer Testimonials or Photos from Homeowners
The Problem: Portfolios without homeowner names, testimonials, or verifiable references might not be authentic.
What to Look For: Trustworthy contractors feature testimonials alongside photos, ideally with the homeowner’s name and neighborhood (with permission). Even better: Google reviews with photos uploaded by actual customers.
5. Cherry-Picked Angles and Limited Views
The Problem: A single flattering angle can hide uneven grading, poor edge work, or sloppy cuts. If every portfolio shot is taken from the same distance and angle, it’s a red flag.
What to Request: Ask for full project sets—wide shots, close-ups of joints and edges, drainage details, and transitions to existing surfaces. Complete documentation shows confidence in the work.
Questions to Ask About Portfolio Projects
When reviewing a contractor’s portfolio, don’t just scroll through pretty pictures. Ask pointed questions that reveal the true quality and durability of their work:
- “Can I contact the homeowners from these projects?” If the answer is no or evasive, proceed with caution.
- “Do you have photos from year 1, year 3, and year 5 of the same project?” This shows how the installation ages and whether proper base preparation was done.
- “Where in Ottawa was this project completed?” Projects in similar neighborhoods face similar soil and drainage conditions.
- “What challenges did you encounter, and how did you solve them?” Problem-solving skills separate professionals from amateurs.
- “Can I visit one of these sites in person?” The best contractors are proud to arrange site visits.
At Interlock Experts, we encourage potential clients to speak with past customers and visit completed projects. Transparency builds trust.
What to Look for in Quality Interlock Work
Even if you’re not an expert, you can spot high-quality interlock work by checking these key details:
Straight Joints and Consistent Patterns
Look down the length of the driveway or patio. Are the joints aligned? Do the patterns run straight without wavering? Quality installations have crisp, straight lines that don’t curve or drift.
Level Surfaces Without Dips or Humps
A properly graded surface sheds water without creating puddles or tripping hazards. In portfolio photos, look for standing water—it’s a sign of poor grading. When visiting in person, bring a level or simply observe if water pools anywhere.
Consistent Color and No Efflorescence
White haze (efflorescence) on pavers indicates moisture issues, often from inadequate base preparation or poor drainage. Quality work shows consistent color across the entire surface, even years after installation.
Clean Edges and Professional Cuts
Edges should be crisp and restrained with proper edging (concrete, aluminum, or steel). Cuts around curves, steps, or obstacles should be clean—not chipped or jagged. Excessive saw cuts can indicate poor planning.
Proper Grading and Drainage
Water should flow away from the house and off the interlock surface. In portfolio photos, check for visible drainage solutions like catch basins, channel drains, or proper slope. In Ottawa’s clay-heavy soil, drainage is critical to prevent settling.
Installation Quality Indicators
Beyond aesthetics, these technical details separate amateur work from professional installations:
Pattern Alignment and Symmetry
Herringbone, basketweave, and running bond patterns should align perfectly. Misaligned patterns suggest rushed work or lack of experience. Check that patterns are centered on focal points like walkways or entries.
Minimal Cut Pavers
Experienced installers plan layouts to minimize cuts. Excessive cutting not only wastes material but often indicates poor planning. Quality portfolios show clean, whole pavers wherever possible.
Edge Restraints and Border Details
Proper edge restraints prevent pavers from spreading over time. Look for concrete curbs, soldier courses, or metal edging. Portfolios should clearly show how edges are secured—not just the pretty center sections.
Polymeric Sand Application
Joints should be filled with polymeric sand, not regular sand. In close-up photos, polymeric sand appears uniform and slightly hardened. Regular sand washes out and allows weed growth. Ask contractors to specify their jointing material.
Site-Specific Portfolios Matter in Ottawa
Ottawa’s unique climate and soil conditions demand specialized experience. When comparing portfolios, prioritize contractors with local project examples.
Why Ottawa Projects Are Different
- Freeze-thaw cycles: Ottawa winters cause extreme expansion and contraction. Improper base preparation leads to cracking and heaving.
- Clay soil: Poor drainage in clay-heavy areas like Barrhaven, Kanata, and Orleans causes settling and shifting.
- Snow removal: Driveways must handle snowplows and salt without chipping or staining.
A contractor with a strong Ottawa portfolio understands these challenges. Look for projects in neighborhoods similar to yours—if you’re in Kanata, ask to see Kanata projects. Clay soil and drainage solutions vary across the city.
The Power of Before-and-After Sets
Before-and-after photos reveal more than just the finished product—they show problem-solving skills.
What to Look For:
- Challenging sites: Sloped yards, poor drainage, cracked concrete replacement—these “before” photos prove the contractor can handle complexity.
- Transformation quality: Did they just cover up problems, or did they address root causes like grading and base preparation?
- Realistic expectations: Before-and-after sets help you visualize what’s possible for your own property.
Our project gallery features extensive before-and-after documentation, including challenging sites with drainage issues, slope corrections, and full replacements of failed installations.
Where to Verify Portfolios Beyond the Website
Don’t rely solely on a contractor’s website. Cross-reference their portfolio across multiple platforms:
Google Local and Google Maps
Customer-uploaded photos on Google reviews are unfiltered and honest. Look for reviews with images—these are verified projects you can trust.
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
BBB profiles often include project photos and verified customer feedback. Check complaint history and resolution rates.
Instagram and Facebook
Social media portfolios show a contractor’s real-time work. Look for consistent posting, engagement from actual customers, and tagged locations. Be wary of accounts with few followers or no customer interactions.
HomeStars and Houzz
These platforms require verification and allow homeowners to upload their own photos. Reviews with photos carry more weight than text-only testimonials.
In-Person Site Visits: The Ultimate Verification
No amount of online research replaces seeing the work in person. Here’s how to make the most of site visits:
What to Bring
- A small level to check for evenness
- A camera or smartphone to take reference photos
- A list of questions for the homeowner (if present)
What to Inspect
- Edges and borders: Are they secure? Any signs of spreading?
- Joint sand: Is it intact, or has it washed out?
- Surface level: Walk across the entire area. Do you feel any rocking pavers or dips?
- Drainage: If it recently rained, are there any puddles?
- Color consistency: Do pavers show signs of fading or staining?
Questions to Ask Homeowners
- “How long ago was this installed?”
- “Have you had any issues with settling, weeds, or drainage?”
- “How was your experience working with the contractor?”
- “Would you hire them again?”
Contractors who are confident in their work will gladly arrange these visits. If they hesitate or refuse, consider it a major red flag.
Red Flags During the Selection Process
Beyond the portfolio, watch for these warning signs when comparing interlock companies:
- Pressure tactics: “This price is only good today” or “We have a crew available next week, but you need to commit now.”
- No written contract: Every detail should be documented—materials, timeline, payment schedule, and warranty.
- Cash-only payments: Legitimate businesses accept checks and credit cards, and provide receipts.
- No insurance or licensing information: Always verify WSIB coverage and liability insurance.
- Vague or incomplete quotes: Quality quotes specify paver brand, color, base depth, drainage solutions, and edge restraints.
How Interlock Experts Builds Trust Through Transparency
At Interlock Experts, we believe transparency is the foundation of trust. Here’s how we stand behind our work:
- Verified local portfolio: Every project in our gallery is a real Ottawa installation with verifiable addresses and customer references.
- Site visit encouragement: We actively encourage potential clients to visit past projects and speak with homeowners.
- Long-term documentation: We maintain photo records of projects over multiple years to demonstrate durability.
- Detailed proposals: Our quotes specify every material, depth, and technique—no surprises.
- Customer-uploaded reviews: Our Google and HomeStars profiles feature photos uploaded by actual customers, not just our marketing team.
We understand that choosing an interlock contractor is a significant investment. That’s why we go beyond pretty pictures to provide the evidence you need to make an informed decision.
Final Checklist: Comparing Interlock Portfolios
Before you commit to a contractor, use this checklist to evaluate their portfolio:
- ✅ Verified with reverse image search (no stock photos)
- ✅ Includes unedited or minimally edited photos
- ✅ Shows projects 5+ years old
- ✅ Features customer testimonials with names/neighborhoods
- ✅ Multiple angles and close-ups of each project
- ✅ Ottawa-specific projects in similar neighborhoods
- ✅ Before-and-after sets demonstrating problem-solving
- ✅ Cross-referenced on Google, BBB, social media
- ✅ Contractor offers in-person site visits
- ✅ Clear documentation of materials and techniques used
Ready to Compare? Start with a Consultation
Now that you know how to evaluate interlock portfolios like a pro, you’re equipped to make a confident choice. Don’t settle for flashy marketing—demand transparency, local references, and proven long-term results.
At Interlock Experts, we’re proud of our work and eager to prove it. Whether you’re planning a new driveway, patio, walkway, or need repairs to an existing installation, we invite you to:
- Browse our verified project gallery
- Read customer reviews with real photos on Google
- Request references and site visit opportunities
- Schedule a free consultation to discuss your project
Our team serves Ottawa, Kanata, Barrhaven, Orleans, Nepean, Stittsville, and surrounding areas with honest, high-quality interlock installation and repair services. We don’t hide behind filters or stock photos—we let our work speak for itself.
Call us today at +1 613 981 0199 to schedule your consultation. Ask us the tough questions, request site visits, and see why Ottawa homeowners trust Interlock Experts for projects that last.
Serving Ottawa and surrounding areas with transparent, quality interlock services since 2010. Licensed, insured, and locally verified.