How to Choose an Asphalt Praving Contractor
There are several issues that can change the price and results of any asphalt paving project. But one thing remains the same: selecting the lowest bid is not the best choice all the time. Here are important considerations to make as you hire a certain paving contractor:
Sufficient Insurance Coverage
Just like many vehicle owners out there, contractors also tend to pick the least insurance that the law requires them, and that is dangerous for you as a homeowner. Find a contractor that has Workers Compensation, General Liability and Auto Liability insurance, with a coverage of no less than $500,000 per policy.
Asphalt Grade
Most asphalt is recycled repeatedly. There are several grades of asphalt that come with varying percentages of recycled material used to make them. If you use low quality asphalt, it will show in the appearance of the project, as well as in the longevity of your asphalt pavement. Invest in higher grade asphalt – meaning less recycled material – for a more visually appealing and long-lasting outcome.
Equipment
It’s important to know the asphalt paving equipment normally used by the contractor you’re planning to hire. If their machines break down frequently, that can delay your project’s completion. Besides, asphalt cools quickly. Waiting too long before the asphalt is installed can produce defects in the pavement’s appearance when the job is done. Properly maintained equipment is critical to the results of any asphalt project. Asphalt paving machines are pricey – above $100,000 each – and that is because they are highly efficient in the job they do.
Working Crew
Ask the contractor how many people they have on their crew. Typically, there should be 5-8, depending on how big job is. An understaffed crew not only reduces the general quality of your asphalt paving project’s results, but it can stall the project further as well.
Deposit
Save for projects exceeding a worth of $10,000, you must not be required to pay a deposit to the contractor. Good asphalt paving contractors usually have lines of credit with different vendors. They should not be asking you for any deposits.
As the old saying goes, “you get what you pay for.” You will do well thinking of your asphalt paving project as a long term investment. If properly installed, asphalt paving can actually be good for more than two decades. You can always save a few bucks with a low-quality contractor, but remember that your long-term costs can easily rack up. Do your research and ask questions – it’s the only way to make an educated decision as you select an asphalt contractor. This isn’t going to be a cheap project, so at least make your choice is a wise one.
