If you’re in need of a paving project, it’s important to do your research before hiring an asphalt contractor. Not all contractors are created equal, and not all of them will be the right fit for your specific project. Here are 8 questions you need to ask before hiring an asphalt contractor:
1. What is the scope of the project?
This question is the most important to answer. You need to know what exactly the contractor is going to do for you. They should be able to provide an accurate description and timeline of their planned work on your property.
2. What are your qualifications?
Does the contractor have any experience with asphalt paving? Do they have any industry certifications or awards? Find out what kind of training and education they have.
3. What is the timeline of the project?
You need to know the contractor’s estimated timeline so that you can make sure your project gets done in a timely manner. If they don’t know the timeline, chances are the contractor does not have significant experience and may not be the right fit for your project.
4. What is the estimated cost?
This one is a given, but you want to make sure that the contractor is transparent about their pricing. Ask for an estimate from the start so that there aren’t any surprises later on in the process if the cost ends up being higher than expected.
5. What materials will be used?
It’s important to know what materials will be used for your project, as well as the quality of those materials. If a contractor is using cheaper or lower-quality materials, you may end up paying more in the long run if those materials need to be replaced or repaired sooner than expected. The asphalt industry is known for its “gypsy” contractors, who come into town, lay down a few cheap asphalt driveways without a proper foundation or sufficient thickness and then head back to their home base.
6. Are there any permits required?
Your contractor should be able to tell you if permits are required for your project. If they can’t, that may be a red flag indicating that they do not have the necessary experience or expertise in asphalt paving projects.
7. How will the work be carried out?
If you have a larger project, it may disrupt traffic or your daily life for the duration of the work. You want to make sure that the contractor has worked out plans for how to carry out the work efficiently and effectively.
8. How do you deal with issues as they come up?
The best contractors are able to deal with any issues that come up during the project in a timely and efficient manner. They should be honest and upfront about any issues that arise, as well as their plans for resolving those issues.
Final Thoughts
Asking these 8 questions before hiring an asphalt contractor will help ensure that you find the best possible fit for your needs and that your paving project is carried out smoothly from start to finish. Don’t hesitate to ask these important questions so that you can move forward with confidence!
Find a commercial asphalt paving contractor that can handle your timeline, budget and expectations. Ask yourself a checklist of questions to narrow down your search. And further familiarity will provide visibility and improve safety, quality and productivity.
As a homeowner who recently hired an asphalt contractor for my driveway, I can’t stress enough the importance of asking these questions. I learned this the hard way when I didn’t inquire about the estimated cost upfront and ended up with a hefty bill that caught me off guard. Additionally, knowing the materials used is crucial because I had a previous bad experience with a contractor who used subpar asphalt that deteriorated quickly. Don’t make the same mistakes I did, be thorough in your questioning to ensure a successful and stress-free paving project!