When you need asphalt paving, you probably find that you have many questions. A reputable asphalt contractor will be happy to provide you with the answers — it is part of his job. However, you need to know how to find a reliable asphalt paving contractor who will give you the results you want. Asking the following questions can help you choose an asphalt paving contractor who will be just right for your next project.
How much experience does the asphalt contractor have with the type of work you need?
Although it is true that “everyone has to learn sometime,” you really do not want a contractor who has no experience with a job of your scope. If your project is a commercial parking lot, do not choose a contractor who has only paved driveways. You also want to find out how experienced his workers are; your property is no place for him to train novice equipment operators.
Is the contractor fully insured?
Experienced contractors know that despite their best efforts, things can occasionally go wrong on a jobsite. An employee could be injured, a truck driver could damage your landscaping or an equipment operator could scrape your fence. At minimum, your contractor should carry vehicle insurance, workers’ comp insurance and general liability insurance — and be able to provide you with proof of in-force policies.
Can the contractor provide you recent references that you can check?
You want to verify with his former customers that he completed the work on time and within budget. You should also ask whether the work was satisfactory and whether the customer would hire the contractor again. Find out whether the workers were respectful and cleaned up after completing the job. Ask whether the contractor could be reached for questions or problems during the process. If you find that you cannot reach any of the references that you were given, be wary of the contractor.
Does the contractor have the right equipment to do the job?
Manual installation of asphalt paving is suitable only for small areas that do not provide access for the equipment. Occasionally, a novice contractor will try to convince you that he can pave your parking lot or other large area by hand and that the results will be just as good as if he had used the heavy equipment. If you encounter this scenario, move on to the next contractor on your list. Incidentally, “the right equipment” also implies that all machines are working properly and receive the maintenance and repairs that they need. Equipment that breaks down several times a day can yield results that are almost as bad as hand paving.
How does the contractor’s quote compare to others?
You should ask several contractors for quotes, and then review each to make sure that they are comparable. Each quote should include certain basic information, including the depth of the asphalt, the size of the area to be paved, the tons of asphalt required and the quality of the asphalt to be used. Other items, such as labor costs, trucking fees or removal of existing pavement, should be shown separately. If you are contracting for other services, such as sealcoating or pavement markings, these items should be separate as well.
Final Thoughts
The price should not be your only consideration when choosing an asphalt paving contractor. His willingness to work with your schedule, his reputation for reliability and quality, his dedication to customer service and his experience must also be evaluated.
MH Greeson Paving
If you are in need of a reputable asphalt contractor, contact MH Greeson Paving. We provide black top paving, sealcoating, asphalt repair, pavement marking and many other services to customers in most North Georgia locations, including the greater Atlanta area. We have built an outstanding reputation by providing superior results at affordable rates. You can request a free quote by submitting our online form or by calling 770-335-2983.
