Hiring A Qualified Asphalt Paving Contractor
Hiring A Qualified Asphalt Paving Contractor
If you own or manage a commercial property, you have numerous responsibilities. You must ensure that the property is safe, well-maintained and attractive to prospective and current tenants or customers. At the same time, you must ensure that every dollar you spend represents a wise investment that will provide true value. When you need to have work performed on your asphalt pavement to meet your first goal, it can be difficult to ensure that your second goal is also being met. Bids on the renovation or installation of asphalt pavement can vary widely, and although it may be tempting to simply choose the lowest bid, this may not be the best decision. If the asphalt company lacks the experience, equipment or integrity to ensure that the job is done correctly, you could find yourself paying to have the work repeated in a relatively short time. The following advice can help you choose a qualified contractor for your commercial paving project.
Hiring A Qualified Asphalt Paving Contractor –
Look for a Contractor With Relevant Experience
Most paving companies begin by focusing on driveway paving, honing their skills before tackling small parking lots. Over the years, they gain experience, purchase additional equipment and build a reliable crew so that they can handle larger projects. Look for a contractor who has successfully completed projects similar in scope and complexity to the work that you need. Ask the contractors you are considering to provide you with a list of relevant references. Call the references, and if you can, visit the properties to see the quality of the contractor’s work.
Ask Questions and Request Pertinent Documentation
The contractor’s experience is important, but the experience of his crew members is also crucial. Ask how long the paving company has employed the crew members who will perform your work. Verify that they are his employees rather than temporary laborers. Ask for proof that each employee is covered by the contractor’s workers’ compensation policy.
Ask the contractor about his equipment. Discuss whether he owns the equipment and how he maintains it. Delays and quality issues can result if the contractor has to scramble to rent the right piece of equipment or a piece of equipment breaks down during the job.
A reputable asphalt paving company will carry general liability insurance with coverage limits of $500,000 or more. They may also carry an umbrella policy. Naturally, they should also have the required liability coverage on all of their vehicles. Ask the contractor to furnish you with proof of relevant insurance coverage.
Get Everything in Writing
The best asphalt companies guarantee their workmanship. Ask for a written confirmation of the contractor’s warranty. The manufacturers of the materials used should also warrant their products against defects, so you should also obtain copies of any applicable warranties issued by manufacturers.
The contractor should supply a written quote that details the project scope, the types of materials, the amount of each material, the project timeline and the labor costs. The quote should also specify who will be responsible for certain incidental charges, including any permits required or disposal fees. Comparing each line item on quotes furnished by different contractors can often reveal why disparities exist. For example, the square footage in one contractor’s quote may be significantly less, another contractor may not pay for permits or a different contractor may plan to use inferior products. You will also want to compare every line item on the quote to the written contract before you finalize it.
Choose Dirtworks for Your Commercial Asphalt Paving Projects
Dirtworks can handle all of your paving needs in Cape Cod and Southeastern Massachusetts. Our services include asphalt paving, asphalt repairs, asphalt overlays, sealcoating, asphalt reclamation and parking lot striping. We also offer site work, excavations, snow removal and dirt road repair. We have more than 25 years of experience and have established an exemplary reputation for quality work, integrity and customer service. Our commercial clients include a variety of hotels, hospitals, schools, retailers, office parks, restaurants and apartment complexes. If you would like to request a free estimate, complete the online form or call (508) 240-5541.
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