Key takeaways:
Some key questions to ask a potential paving contractor include the following:
- How long have you been in business?
- Do you have any references I can contact?
- What should I know about my project?
- What other services do you offer?
- What areas do you serve?
- Are you fully licensed and insured?
- How long will my project take?
- What do you charge for your services?
Meeting the right asphalt paving contractor is one of the most fundamental steps to a successful paving project. Whether for a new asphalt driveway or a repair job on an existing one, it’s essential to know what questions to ask to ensure you’re getting the most out of your contractor.
To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of critical questions you should ask a potential paving contractor before making any decisions. These questions will give you insight into what to expect and what to reject, making your final decision that much easier.
No. 1: How Long Have You or Your Company Been in Business?
An experienced paving contractor will have seen it all before. They will have the tools, equipment, and know-how to complete your job quickly, efficiently, and correctly. More importantly, an experienced contractor can identify potential problems with your project and find solutions before they become costly mistakes.
On the other hand, working with a new or inexperienced contractor comes with risks. They may not have the ideal level of expertise, which could lead to a lower-quality job. They may also be less likely to have the right equipment for the job, meaning the project could take longer than expected.
No. 2: Do You Have Any References I Can Contact?
Going back to the advantage of experience, a seasoned contractor will have a long list of references they can provide upon request. These are past clients who have been happy with the work the contractor has completed for them.
You should always ask for references from your potential paving contractor. This way, you can directly speak to other people who have employed their services in the past and get their honest opinion about the quality of work, timeliness, and pricing.
If a contractor you’re considering hiring doesn’t have any references they can provide, that’s a huge red flag. It’s likely they either haven’t been in business for very long or are not confident in their work. Either way, you should move on to another contractor.
No. 3: What Should I Know About My Project?
Suppose this is your first asphalt driveway project, or you’re unfamiliar with the process. In that case, there’s no shame in asking for clarification on any unclear points. A reputable contractor should be more than happy to outline the process for you and answer any questions.
Even if you are familiar with the basics of asphalt paving, asking your contractor about your specific project is still essential. Their answer will help you understand what to expect from them and give you a better idea of what the final product will look like.
Some critical questions to ask about your project include:
- What is the scope of the project?
- What type of asphalt mix will be used?
- What is the estimated thickness of the asphalt?
No. 4: What Other Services Do You Offer?
Asphalt paving isn’t the only service a contractor might provide. Many also offer sealcoating, line striping, and other maintenance services. Some might even offer concrete work. It’s essential to ask about these services to get an idea of the contractor’s range of expertise.
You might also want to ask if the contractor offers a warranty on their work. This will give you immense peace of mind knowing that the job will be done right the first time.
No. 5: What Areas Do You Serve?
This question might sound irrelevant initially, but everything falls into place once you consider your local temperatures and regulations.
You see, the materials used in asphalt paving are sensitive to temperature. That’s why it’s important to ask a contractor if they serve your area. The climate in your region will impact the schedule of when the work can be done.
Moreover, understanding where your paving contractor serves will prepare you for any additional fees associated with traveling to your location.
No. 6: Are You Fully Licensed and Insured?
A highly specialized and demanding service like paving an asphalt driveway requires a license and insurance. These are important because they protect you and the contractor in case of an accident or other unforeseen circumstances.
You should always ask to see copies of a contractor’s license and insurance policy before hiring them. Once you have this information, you can verify it’s current by contacting the issuing authority.
Without such verification, you could be held liable for any damages during the paving process.
No. 7: How Long Will My Project Take?
Setting realistic and achievable expectations with your contractor before work begins is always a good idea. This helps avoid frustration on both ends and ensures that the job gets done on time.
Ask your contractor for a timeline to get a sense of how long your paving project might take. They should be able to estimate a feasible deadline based on the scope of work. Make sure to factor in aspects like weather conditions and the size of your project when setting a timeline.
No. 8: What Do You Charge for Your Services?
This question might seem odd sitting at the bottom of this extensive list, but it’s an important one nonetheless. Be sure to ask your contractor for a price quote before work begins.
You don’t want to be bombarded by a large bill at the end of the job. A competent contractor should be able to provide you with a general idea of what the project will cost. However, the final price may vary based on the actual scope of work.
For more light shed on estimates, check out Forbes Home’s article on driveway paving costs.
Conclusion
Asking these questions before hiring an asphalt paving contractor will help you avoid any potential problems down the road. Be sure to do your research and ask around for recommendations. A little bit of preparation now can save you many headaches later.
If you’d like a little more guidance before taking the first step, check out our article on understanding asphalt paving.
We at American Paving are proud to serve Indian Trail, NC, with tried-and-true asphalt solutions. From driveways to parking lots and repair, we’re here to make your asphalt dreams a reality.
