subject: Seven Keys To Finding The Right Asphalt And Paving Contractor [print this page] Finding the right asphalt paving contractor in the Charlotte area can appear at first to be an overwhelming task. But, in fact, it is simple if you know how to narrow it down to the One Local Expert who can best serve your needs. Asphalt is a popular surface choice for public and private roads, walking paths and driveways. In order to provide the strong and flexible surface that makes it such a great choice, it has to be installed properly.
Find the right paving contractor with these seven steps:
1.Ask friends, family, and professionals such as realtors for referrals
2.Choose a paving contractor who has experience with the type of work you need completed
3.Find out how long they have been in business, and ask for references from previous clients
4.Ask to see proof of liability insurance and workers compensation
5.Get several bids on the job to be sure the price is fair
6.Find out what is included in the estimate to make it easier to compare bids
7.Get everything in writing, and read the contract thoroughly to make sure everything is accurate and looks on the level
Good sources of referrals to qualified asphalt contractors include general contractors, realtors, or local home builders associations. Expand your search online at One Local Expert to get a list of recommended providers. Locate an asphalt contractor who has experience with the specific type of paving required for your particular project.
Some good questions to ask former clients.
Were you satisfied with the process and the completed work?
Ask if they were happy with the quality of the work and if any problems arose during or after the paving installation. Was the contract followed? Did they feel the contractor was candid regarding the cost and timeframe for the work?
Were the asphalt contractor and any staff professional and courteous?
How the contractor handled communications, questions and issues will say a lot about their work. Ask if they showed respect and consideration and were always polite and courteous.
Did they leave the work area neat and clean?
A good paving contractor will clean up thoroughly after the job is done, clear away debris and leave everything neat and tidy. Failure to clean up properly after a job indicates sloppiness, and this isnt a good sign for a job well done. An asphalt contractor who cleans up after himself shows pride in his work, and likely doesnt cut corners - which speaks volumes about the quality of the work.
Was a warranty included?
Find out what the warranty covers and for how long, and make sure it is included in the written contract. A good asphalt contractor will stand behind their work and guarantee it against flaws in workmanship or errors of installation.
Questions to Ask when Hiring the Right Asphalt Contractor.
When narrowing down your choice from a list provided by trusted sources to the One Local Expert you will hire, make it easier with this list of important questions to ask.
What type of asphalt paving do you have experience with?
Some asphalt contractors specialize in commercial applications such as large parking lots or public roads. Others may work with driveways or paved walking paths. Here are a few questions you should ask to ensure expertise:
*Do you pave large areas like parking lots? If you need a large area paved with asphalt, you want a contractor who has experience with large scale projects. They should also be able to work swiftly to reduce the amount of time during which the area is unusable, especially for a retail parking lot where business can be affected.
*Do pave residential driveways? Asphalt has become a very popular choice for residential driveways because it is low maintenance, handles temperature shifts well and is strong and durable. Find out if the contractor has experience with home driveways; this will ensure that they are used to working in residential areas without disturbing neighbors more than necessary or making a mess of your yard.
*Do you pave walking paths? Asphalt paving of walking paths requires working in some tight spaces and avoiding damaging the natural elements surrounding the path. If this sort of work is part of your project, make sure the contractor has experience in this area.
*Do you do use full-depth asphalt or just a sub-base? Depending on the heaviness of the traffic and equipment your surface will be subjected to, there are two options for asphalt installation. For most purposes, a sub-base is laid down comprised of crushed stone and gravel, followed by two layers of asphalt. For surfaces that require more strength, such as those used for heavy equipment, full depth asphalt instead of a sub-base may be applied. Find out if the contractor has the necessary skill to install the type of asphalt you need.
How long have you been in business, and can you provide references?
Find out how long the asphalt contractor has been and working in the field. Dont hesitate to ask for references to help you choose the right contractor. An honest and forthright paving contractor will not mind the request and is confident that you will hear glowing reports from previous customers.
Do you have the proper insurance?
Every good asphalt contractor should carry a liability policy that meets the required state minimum as well as workers compensation to cover any employees. Request to see proof of both policies.
Ask for a Quote
Have the asphalt contractor take a look at the job to be done and go over what you need completed. Find out exactly what work is included and what is excluded, and how the contractor charges; this may be by the job, or by the hour. You should also get a clear idea of how long the work is expected to take. The quote should indicate what type of asphalt - sub-base or full-depth - is being installed, as well as any demolition that might need to be done. Ask to have the detailed quote provided in writing. Get more than one quote for comparison; at least three are recommended in order that you may establish a reasonable range of total cost for the project. Make sure each quote includes the same work and the same materials so you are comparing apples to apples.
Execute a Contract.
The contract should stipulate everything agreed upon in the quote. It should include a detailed description of the work to be done, the amount of time expected for completion, and the cost of the procedure. As part of the description of the work, make sure the contract includes a listing of the type of paving materials being used. It should also list any warranty on work completed that the contractor provides as a guarantee of quality.
Things to Look for in a Qualified Asphalt and Paving Contractor.
Appropriate insurance. Verify the asphalt contractors insurance coverage with a call to the insurance company, or check with your local governing board.
A strong reputation. Call the Better Business Bureau - they can provide you with information on any complaints that have been filed against the asphalt contractor or company. Check online review services such as Angies List or Service Magic for a review of their work. You may also visit One Local Expert to locate a top quality service provider in the Charlotte area.
Safety Commitment.
Asphalt paving can involve dangerous equipment that requires cautious handling. Ask the contractor about their safety procedures to protect employees from potential injuries. The right contractor will use all required safety equipment and procedures when working.
Clean Up.
Ask how much clean up the contractor plans to do in the work area after the job is complete. All debris should be cleared away and the area free of dust and construction materials. Find out if the contractor will arrange for removal of any old surfaces they may have torn up, or if you are responsible for having it hauled away.
TIPS
*An asphalt contractor who works individually may be just as skilled as one working for a big company, and charge less
*Watch out for quotes that seem unusually high or low. A low quote might mean the contractor will raise the price later. A high quote often suggests they are probably really too busy for the job
