You must do your homework if you are searching for a quality asphalt contractor to complete your project. Make sure to ask for personal references and follow up with them. Also, be aware of low prices that may include a variety of shortcuts and sub-par materials.
Experience
Choosing the right asphalt contractor La Porte, IN can make or break your project. A reputable asphalt contractor should be happy to provide you with a list of past clients and contact information so you can reach out and speak directly with them. It’s also important to choose an asphalt contractor with experience relevant to the scope of your project. For example, someone who has only paved residential driveways may not understand the intricacies of paving a large parking lot and how to minimize disruptions to business operations. A reputable asphalt contractor should also be licensed and insured. Look for workers’ compensation, vehicle insurance, and general liability. This will protect you in the unlikely event that something goes wrong during work.
Reputation
The asphalt contractor you choose should have a good reputation. Look for online reviews from past clients and recommendations from your community. A reputable company will also offer references that you can contact to ask questions about their work. You can also visit previous asphalt paving projects to see the quality of work that they have completed. Look for cracks, uneven surfaces and drainage problems. In addition, ask about the type of asphalt used and where it will be sourced. A cheap product will develop cracks and potholes more quickly, which will mean costly repairs for you in the future. Also, be sure to get a detailed quote that includes all start and completion dates, the total cost of the project and any warranty information.
Insurance
It’s important to verify that an asphalt contractor is fully insured and licensed before they start work on your project. This protects you if anything goes wrong during the job or there are problems with the finished product. A reputable contractor should be willing to show you their insurance paperwork and licenses before starting work on your project. If they’re hesitant or unwilling to do this, it’s a red flag, and you should move on to another contractor. In addition to general business insurance, asphalt maintenance companies should also have small business liability coverage. This policy covers damage to third parties’ property while a contractor works on their site. This can include accidents like spraying a car window with a hose or mishandling equipment.
Equipment
A reputable asphalt contractor should be certified by a professional organization and fully insured. Lack of certification and insurance should be a red flag, as it can lead to costly mistakes and lawsuits in the event of an accident or injury. Asphalt paving requires specialized equipment that can be expensive to repair or replace. Ask the contractor to provide a list of equipment they use for their projects. Also, inquire about their crew size. An understaffed crew can delay the project and affect the quality of work. A good asphalt contractor should have high-quality pavers, rollers, and compaction machines. A wheeled paver lays the asphalt more quickly and accurately than traditional hand-laid pavers, while rollers compact the material to ensure a uniform and even surface.
Customer Service
When choosing an asphalt contractor, it is important to consider customer service. Reputable contractors will have a good online presence, positive reviews, and references available upon request. Regarding customer service, it is important to prioritize every call. If you send calls to voicemail, potential customers will likely move on to another company. It is also important to be aware of scams in the paving industry. Reputable contractors will never solicit business by going door to door or offering deals too good to be true. Instead, they will use online marketing techniques to generate leads and grow their businesses. Investing in a lead generation service tailored to the paving industry can help. Using a review management platform can make managing happy and unhappy reviews easier.
