Many different factors can affect the price and overall outcome of an asphalt paving job. The following are a few things to consider when hiring a Paving company in Middletown, CT.
Insurance
Many Paving companies choose the least amount of insurance coverage to cut down on costs. However, if an accident occurs on your property you want to be protected as much as possible. A contractor should have at least $500,000 general liability, but more than that would be preferred. Hopefully no accident will occur, but if it does you want the peace of mind to know that you are not in danger of being sued.
Material
Typically, asphalt is recycled over and over again. There are many different grades with different amounts of recycled material in them. If you choose a low grade asphalt, this will affect the overall look and quality of your parking lot. You should always request a higher grade of asphalt. This may be more money up front but will definitely save from costly repairs and patching later.
Equipment
Being aware of the condition of the equipment being used is very important in determining how long the job may go on. The older the equipment, the more likely it is to break down and cause long time delays. Because the asphalt cools so quickly, waiting too long to install it can affect the overall appearance of the parking lot. Also avoid anyone who tells you that they can do the paving by hand instead of using a machine. The machines are priced so high because of the speed and precision that they are able to perform the job with. Anyone who says they can outperform these machines are just not being honest with their prospective customers.
Down Payment
Generally, unless your job costs over $10,000, you should not be asked to make a down payment. Most reputable pavers will have existing lines of credit with different material providers. There are many different horror stories of misappropriation of down payments given to contractors. Be sure to check the company’s references to ensure that they are reputable and do good work.
Research the paving contractors in your area to be sure they have appropriate insurance. Request higher grade materials from companies with well maintained equipment. Be wary of companies requiring a down payment for relatively inexpensive projects. By being diligent, you can ensure your paving project is a success.
