What To Look For In An Asphalt Paving Contractor

Hiring the right asphalt paving contractor can mean the difference between beautiful pavement that will last for many years and an unsightly expanse that will deteriorate long before its expected life has been reached. If you have little or no experience in selecting a paving contractor, these tips can help you feel more confident.

Ask Your Asphalt Paving Contractor Questions

Reputable asphalt paving contractors do not expect their customers to be experts. They know that there will be many questions that need to be answered before you contract for his services. Reputable contractors welcome your questions; miscommunications or misunderstandings can sour relationships. Good contractors also understand that you need assurance that your job will be completed on time and for the price quoted, that it will be quality work and that work will be performed in such a manner as to minimize your disruptions.

Determine the Contractor’s Expertise

The contractor’s years of experience can provide you with a good starting point, but you must also ask whether he has experience in the specific work you need. For example, a contractor could conceivably have 20 years of experience paving highways, but he might never have dealt with the special problems involved in paving the parking lot of a mega-store that operates 24/7.

Make Sure the Contractor is Insured

If he is uninsured, anything that goes wrong on your property could wind up costing you money. His crew needs to be covered under his workers comp policy. His vehicles should have the proper insurance, and he should carry $500,000+ in general liability insurance. Ask him for copies of his proof-of-insurance cards, and if you have reservations, call the insurance company listed to verify that the policies are currently in force.

Research the Contractor’s Professional Reputation

Ask for references — and check them. You want customers for whom he has worked within the last year. Ask his other customers about the quality of his work and his professionalism. Ask them if they would hire the contractor again.

Get Several Quotes

Ask at least three contractors for quotes on your job, and then compare them carefully. Make sure that you are comparing “apples to apples.” Look for things like the thickness of the asphalt layer, the area to be paved, the asphalt quality, the estimated tons needed and the labor charges. Ask contractors to explain any items you do not understand. If you note entries on a quote that does not appear on the others, ask for explanations from each contractor.

To Learn More

Dirtworks provides a full line of asphalt paving services as well as excavations, site work and demolition to customers in the Cape Cod area. Whether you need paving, sealcoating, repairs, pavement markings or any other type of asphalt service, we have the experience you need. We are proud to offer exceptional results at competitive prices. You can request a free estimate by completing our online form, or you can call us at 508-240-5541 to discuss your project in detail.