The contractor you choose for your asphalt paving is a critical factor in determining whether or not the project will go well. From a new driveway, parking lot, or patch filling to any repair you may need to do on an existing one, you want a contractor that makes the job right and lasts for years to come. But with so many of them, how can you determine which asphalt paving contractor is the best near you? This article will step-by-step guide you through the process.
1. Start with Research
If a reliable, top-notch asphalt paving contractor is what you are looking for, the first thing that you should do is research. Start by searching for a home services company online that you can trust. Search “asphalt paving contractors near me” or “local asphalt paving companies.” If possible, check out their websites and read about the services they provide, their experience level, and any customer testimonials. You also want to check on Yelp and Google My Business for reviews of local businesses.
Pro Tip:
Seek out asphalt paving contractors, as opposed to general contractors. This helps to ensure that they possess certain skills and equipment for your project.
2. Check for Proper Licensing and Insurance
Insurance and Licensing — What Factors to Consider for an Asphalt Paving Contractor State or local regulations require a license for any professional contractor to perform paving work. Additionally, they must have general liability and workers’ compensation insurance to safeguard both you and your employees in the event of an accident.
Ask for proof of both licensing and insurance — before you sign a contract. Hiring an unlicensed or uninsured contractor could leave you liable for damages and injuries.
3. Ask About Experience and Expertise
Asphalt paving expertise Experienced contractors possess the necessary equipment, have longer years of experience working, have to properly repair some materials, and know how to avoid typical problem areas. Find out how long the business has been operating and what types of projects they usually handle. What types of job do they undertake, i.e., residential driveways, commercial parking lots or both?
You should also ask about the team this data originates. A knowledgeable team ensures high quality workmanship that conforms to the industry standards. Long-time contractors have usually built up a strong track record of good work.
4. Review Their Portfolio of Completed “Asphalt Paving” Projects
Any contractor worth their salt will have a portfolio to show off. Check out their website or ask for examples directly. Look for projects that are the same scale or scope as yours. The quality of there prior positions will inform you on what to expect.
If applicable, go to the site nearby where they have worked so you can perform a quality check by hand. High-quality asphalt should be fastened with neat, straight lines and good water shedding characteristics.
5. Read Online Reviews and Testimonials
Customer reviews are a great way to assess the reliability and quality of a contractor. They provide real-world context about the kinds of experiences other clients who have used the service in question received, and this makes them so valuable. It is advisable to check the expert opinions of others on Google, Yelp or even The Better Business Bureau( BBB).
Avoid contractors who are sloppy or questionable in this way, and instead look for consistent records of: Arriving promptlyCompleting the job as expectedDominant labor practices Be wary of star ratings; read the comments if you want a complete perspective. Of course, no company will have nothing but glowing reviews all the time but how they deal with complaints and issues is vital.
6. Request Multiple Quotes
After you have picked out a few well-respected contractors, have them offer you thorough quotes. A capable and professional asphalt paving contractor will offer a thorough, itemized estimate listing all works to be done, the materials which will be used, the cost of workmanship and a timeline plan on project completion. Steer clear of those that provide nebulous quotes, or hesitate to provide their figures in writing.
There are also quotes that appear too good to be real. As budget-conscious as some contractors may be, be wary of bids that are significantly lower than the rest, which may indicate material or labor cuts. The best contractor will charge you a competitive price for the caliber of the work and materials needed.
Pro Tip:
If the video does not give a quote for prep, excavation of needed, paving or clean-up included after the project is over ensure your quote doesn’t leave part out from first to last.
7. Ask About Materials and Techniques
The type of asphalt that is laid and the method in which it is installed are both going to play a major role in how long your course will last. During installation, ask contractors about the materials they use and application methods. Recycling asphalt or opting for a higher grade of material than the base venue exists are also common tactics.
A good asphalt paving contractor takes the time to help you understand which type of material works best for your particular project. If the weather in your area gets very extreme, make sure the contractor is using high-quality asphalt mixes that meant to stand up to whatever nature throws at them.
8. Get a Written Contract for Asphalt Paving
Don’t begin an asphalt paving project without a signed contract. An expert contract for a home or building project will have a scope of work, total price, payments schedule, start and completion dates, in addition to warranties for labor and materials.
Examine it thoroughly and seek clarification on any aspects you find unclear. This ensures that the contractor and you complete the work in accordance with your requirements.
9. Understand the Timeline
Project timeline — How soon do you need your project to be completed as this will in part help you select the most suitable contractor? Inquire about the anticipated start date and completion time. The best contractors are often booked weeks, and sometimes even months out, so plan accordingly.
Avoid contractors that promise to start work right away or complete the job too quickly. Top-quality asphalt paving requires accurate site preparation, laying and curing times to deliver a durable result.
10. Don’t Forget About Maintenance
As is often said in the business world, your asphalt paving contractor relationship should not end once the work is done. If you want your asphalt surface to last as long as possible, you need to maintain it regularly, just as you should have done for the first five years. Question the contractor on their maintenance and how frequently you should book a checkup to avoid cracks and degradation.
You are also much more likely to get some great tips from a good contractor, and maybe even a maintenance schedule, so you can keep your pavement in pristine condition for many years.
Conclusion
Getting the best residential asphalt paving contractor in your locality is not a tough thing to do. Doing your research, verifying all licenses, reviewing portfolios and getting multiple quotes will help you select a qualified contractor that does good work. The key remember is that the time you invest in choosing the right contractor will save you money and headaches later with a quality, professional paved surface that stands up to lasting wear.
By hiring a reputable local asphalt paving contractor you can rest assured that your project whether it be for pavement installation or repairs will be done to the highest of standards.
