When you are hiring a professional driveway paving contractor you want to know you are hiring the very best. Here are some tips to help you find the right company for your project:
* References: Findings a paving contractor through word of mouth is a good idea because this is how good companies stay in business. Ask around and find out who comes highly recommended. If you can’t find anyone who has recently hired a paving contractor look online and read references and reviews on popular websites as well as the contractor’s website for testimonials.
* Experience: As with any contractor you want to know that they have plenty of experience working in your area and doing the same type of job. Ask if they will obtain permits, what safety precautions they use working in your nieghborhood and what compacted thickness they will be using. If they cannot answer these questions without getting back to you move on to the next candidate.
* Quotes: Have a number of quotes from a short list of three or four contractors and weed out anyone who is sky high or rock bottom low. Also look for people who are using a minimum compacted thickness of 2. Anything less than this will not be good enough so you can also put these quotes aside. Make sure the quotes are on letterhead and that they are signed as well. Each aspect of the job should be included such as the specs, the asphalt to be used, etc.
* Scheduling: If they can do the job the next day there could be something wrong as a good contractor will be booked well in advance. Also ask them what will happen in the case of poor weather. Make sure they can give you a firm date on when the work will begin as well as have a plan for poor weather.
* Contract: Make sure they provide you with a written quote and then a contract prior to the job that includes the complete price with taxes, terms of payment, details of the project including specs, and the thickness of the asphalt, warranty and other terms and conditions. Read it thoroughly before signing. Look for any discrepancies between the quote you received, the thickness discussed and any other points that stand out. Make sure there is some form of guarantee regarding quality and satisfaction as well.
