Questions to Ask When Choosing a Paving Contractor

Finding the right paving contractor – one that is locally based, reliable, and will work hard to provide you with the highest quality end product possible – can mean the difference between the success and failure of your paving project. If you’re just beginning your search for the right contractor for you, here are a few questions that will help you decide which one to choose.

• Are they locally owned and operated? Find out if the owners live locally, as well as how broad of an area they serve. Pavement is climate sensitive, so you’ll need a contractor that understands how the weather changes in your area, and how that will impact your paved surface. You’ll also want owners that live locally, so if need be you can contact them much more easily than if they live in another state, for example.
• How long have they been in business? Your paving contractor should have several years of experience. A new contractor may do a good job, but it’s better to choose a paving professional who has completed many projects in your area for a variety of different clients.
• Do they have references you can contact and can they point out their completed projects that you can see locally? Many reputable contractors who have been in business for several years will include a list of satisfied clients on their website, as well as photos of completed projects. But even if they don’t, they should be happy to provide you with that information.
• What services to they offer? Ask the contractor if they provide both asphalt and concrete services, for example. This is particularly important if you’re still deciding what kind of material to use for your paving project. It’s also important to find out if they offer maintenance after the job is done. Seal coating, for example, will extend the lifetime of your pavement, so you should choose a contractor who can handle that for you in the future, as well as one that can repair minor damage when needed.
• Do they provide a written estimate? Any reputable paving contractor should give you a written estimate that details what the project will entail, how much it will cost, and (if possible) a general idea of the timeframe involved.

Taking the time to ask a few simple questions of perspective contractors will help you to choose the right one for you and your paving project. Remember that it’s not just a matter of selecting the one with the lowest price; you’ll also need a dependable contractor who will give you the kind of quality and customer service you’ll need in the future.