Asphalt paving is becoming increasingly popular among property owners and businesses. This is due, in part, to its quick assembly, durability, and simplicity. However, not all paving projects are created equal. Choosing the right asphalt paving company will directly impact the quality of your paving job. Here’s what to look for in a professional paving contractor.
How do I choose an asphalt paving company?
The first step to completing your next asphalt project is to find a paving company that will meet all your needs. Thankfully, a few tips will help you pick out a quality paving company that can get the job done right and stand by its work.
Project History
The first thing to consider is an asphalt paving company’s project history. This is absolutely necessary. If their website doesn’t have pictures of past completed projects, they may be trying to hide something. Always ask to see examples of their work, and if possible, drive by a completed project and inspect it in person.
Saving a couple of bucks on a new, or inexperienced asphalt paving company rarely pays off. Work of low quality will chip away, crack, and need to be replaced quickly. Quality work, on the other hand, will last for years and continue looking great after use. When it comes to asphalt paving, experience is a must.
Licensing
Just as is true with any contractor, your asphalt paving company should be appropriately licensed for their work. Again, it may be tempting to choose a cheaper contractor that doesn’t have all of the necessary licensing, but this often costs more in the long run.
Asphalt paving companies should have and show you the necessary licensing and insurance information before they even begin the project. Otherwise, you could be held financially liable for poor work, damage to your property, or even employee injury. Always take time to verify the licensing of any company when you choose an asphalt paving company.
Environmentally Friendly
As pollution and other hazards continue to negatively impact the planet, it’s more important than ever to consider environmental conservation. Consider looking for a professional paving contractor that is environmentally friendly. Many asphalt paving contractors have chosen to reduce their impact on the earth by recycling old asphalt or using warm-mix asphalt, which can help reduce your project’s carbon footprint.
Experience
When choosing a paving contractor, be sure to look into the work history. A contractor with little to no work history may not be as experienced as other options. Experienced contractors will be able to communicate clearly what needs to be done and know how to handle any unforeseen complications.
Materials
You can use several different types of asphalt for your paving project, but not all options are equal in strength and durability. Speak with any potential contractor about what materials they will use and choose one that uses high-quality asphalt.
Equipment
Another aspect you should consider is equipment. The equipment used in a paving project will determine the quality of the overall project. Equipment of low quality that often breaks down could easily delay or ruin your paving job. Asphalt cools quickly, and if the equipment were to break in the middle of the job, the contractor might have to start over, delaying the completion of the project.
Crew
Try to avoid contractors who work alone. Having a team is crucial to the consistent progression of your paving job. If a one-man team were to get sick, there would be no one to work on your paving job. On the other hand, a team can consistently work together to ensure the successful completion of their task.
Insurance
Choosing a contractor with the lowest price isn’t always the most cost-effective option. Generally, if a paving professional is cheap, they don’t have insurance. To avoid possible hidden fees down the road, ask your contractor if they are insured.
Warranty
Quality paving contractors will stand by their work. Many reputable contractors offer warranties on their completed jobs. Avoid contracting companies with a long history of complaints and poorly completed paving projects. Additionally, ask the contractor how they will address any issues that arise after they complete the project.
Have More Questions?
You can count on Walt’s Paving to complete your residential or commercial paving project in an efficient and timely manner. We have over 40 years of experience paving asphalt driveways, making asphalt repairs, and seal coating asphalt. We are located in Osceola, IN, and service homeowners and businesses within 50 miles of Elkhart, IN. If you have any further questions regarding our services, do not hesitate to contact us today.
