A well-built interlocking driveway lifts the look of a house and lasts for years. But beyond picking colours, an interlocking pavers project in Brossard has to follow municipal rules and sit on a solid base. Here’s what to know before you ask for quotes.
Pavers, asphalt or concrete?
The City of Brossard’s landscaping information sheet (tied to zoning by-law REG-362) lists asphalt, concrete, concrete pavers and paving with a plant-based binder as permitted surfaces for parking areas. Each has its strengths: pavers can be repaired section by section, asphalt is often quicker to lay, concrete gives a continuous surface. The right choice depends on budget, the style of the house and how much upkeep you want.
Landscaping rules to check
The same city information sheet highlights a few principles that matter for a driveway project:
- A minimum share of the front yard must stay landscaped (for example 50% for a detached or semi-detached single-family home).
- Driveways and walkways don’t count toward required landscaping.
- You can’t park a vehicle on a surface that must be landscaped.
- Nothing taller than 75 cm is allowed in a visibility triangle.
- The City cuts the curb or sidewalk for a driveway, for a fee.
- The water service box must stay visible and accessible.
The sheet notes it’s for information only and doesn’t replace the by-law. If you’re widening or moving the driveway, check with the City of Brossard whether a permit or certificate is required. Our guide to Brossard renovation permits can help.
The base: where it all happens
Most paver problems (sinking, ruts, stones shifting after frost) come from a poorly prepared base. Ask every contractor to spell out:
- the planned excavation depth;
- the type and thickness of crushed stone;
- how compaction is done, layer by layer;
- the slope to move water away from the house;
- the edge restraint used on the sides;
- the joint sand (polymeric or not).
What a quote should include
- The company’s legal name, address and full contact details.
- Exact surface area, with a plan or sketch.
- Paver brand, model, colour and thickness.
- Base and compaction details.
- Removal and disposal of the old surface.
- Drainage and transitions to the sidewalk and garage.
- Schedule, payment terms and a written labour warranty.
Red flags
- A price far below the others with no explanation.
- No detail on base thickness.
- A crew “working in the neighbourhood” offering to start right now.
- A large cash deposit.
- No written warranty.
Plan around the season
Good paving companies book up in spring and summer, so asking for quotes early gives you time to compare. Mind nearby trees too: if a tree or root is in the way, see our guide to tree cutting and pool permits. For old materials, check our page on Brossard ecocentres.
Looking after your pavers
A well-built paver driveway needs little upkeep, but a few habits will add years to its life:
- Sweep regularly and pull weeds from the joints.
- Top up joint sand when it starts to wash out.
- Clean oil stains quickly before they set.
- In winter, ask your snow removal company to raise the blade slightly so it doesn’t catch the edges of the stones.
- Watch for low spots: fixing a small dip early costs much less than redoing a whole section.
Ask the contractor exactly what the warranty covers if the surface settles, and for how long. Get the answer in writing, along with the paver model and colour, so matching replacement stones is easy later.
Getting quotes
Compare at least three detailed quotes on the same basis. Send a free request through our quotes page. Redoing the fence as well? Read our fence installation guide.
brossard.city is an independent guide, not affiliated with the City of Brossard. Information is provided for general guidance only; check with official sources before making any decision. Spotted an error? Let us know.