How to choose a driveway bollard installer: 7 questions to ask

A driveway bollard looks simple. Fitting one properly isn't. It means drilling your drive, digging up to a metre down near buried services, and setting a steel sleeve dead level in concrete.

Here are the seven questions worth asking anyone before you let them start.

1. How do you check for buried pipes and cables?

The answer you want covers more than "we're careful". Look for:

• a utility search before the job (for example through LinesearchbeforeUdig)
• questions about private pipes and cables on your property
• a cable scan on the day before digging
• a written record of the checks

Our safe digging process shows what this looks like in practice.

2. What insurance do you have?

Ask for public liability insurance and the amount. £5 million is a sensible level for this kind of work. A good installer will happily send you their certificate.

3. Is the bollard independently tested?

Some telescopic bollards are tested against attack by independent bodies such as Sold Secure. If a post is sold as rated, ask which rating and ask to see the certificate. It helps if your insurer asks what security you've fitted.

4. What lock does it have, and how many keys?

Look for an integral lock built into the post rather than a padlock. You should get at least two keys, and the option to buy more.

5. Is the price fixed, and in writing?

You want a fixed price that includes everything: the checks, fitting, making good the surface, and taking the waste away. If the price could change on the day, ask under what circumstances, and make sure you'd get the choice to cancel.

6. Can I change my mind?

If you agree a price at home, by phone or online, you normally have 14 days to cancel. If an installer offers to fit sooner than that, they should ask you to confirm it in writing. Be wary of anyone pressuring you to sign and start on the spot.

7. Are you registered to take the waste away?

Fitting a bollard creates concrete and soil waste. A business that carries waste should be registered with the Environment Agency, and you can check the public register. If waste is fly-tipped, it can come back to the person who produced it.

A few other good signs

• They want to know about your car, your drive and how you'll use the post, rather than selling you the most expensive option.
• They tell you if the drive has another way out that a post won't block.
• They're clear about what a guarantee covers and what it doesn't.

Questions people ask

Should I get more than one quote? Yes, if you're unsure. Compare what's included, not just the price.

Is a cheaper bollard always worse? Not always, but cheaper posts often use padlocks instead of integral locks, and thinner steel. Ask what you're getting.

Do I need to be home during fitting? It helps at the start, to confirm the position and answer questions about any pipes or cables. After that, it's up to you.

Send us a photo of your drive for a fixed price