Is your driveway looking like a cracked eyesore? Then it's time to invest in repaving. You'll boost your home's curb appeal while providing a safer surface to walk or drive on.
Read on to learn the seven key questions to ask when choosing residential driveway paving services!
1. How Long Have You Been in Business?
You want to hire a paving contractor with a proven track record of success. Given that driveway paving can cost thousands of dollars, this is not a project where you can afford to cut corners.
You can gauge a potential contractor's success by looking at how long they've been in business. Aim to hire a company with at least five years of industry experience. An even better option is to go with a company that has a decade to its name.
Longevity shows that a company has had a solid pool of pleased customers. As a result, you'll have an easier time trusting that the job will be done well.
Newer companies may be quick to offer lower prices to pave your driveway. But these lower prices will come at a cost. You may end up with shoddier work or a disorganized contractor who is unable to complete a job on time.
2. What Are Your Credentials?
Choose an asphalt paving company with credentials indicative of training and expertise.Some workers may have certificates in construction trades, for instance. And reputable companies will have an internal training or apprentice system to ensure quality control.
Some companies may be members of the National Asphalt Pavement Association, a national industry organization. After asking about credentials, ask what types of services a company offers, too. A good company will have the skills to offer:
Repair and resealing
Resurfacing and installation
Drainage solutions
They also should have the expertise to help you troubleshoot unique problems. Or, if you want decorative flourishes, they should be able to find creative solutions to make your driveway shine.
3. Do You Offer Free Estimates?
One of the best driveway paving tips is to look for ways to save money during the process. You can start with the estimates. A reputable company should be willing to offer free estimates detailing:
Labor costs
Materials costs
Scope of work and timeline
An estimate can help you make responsible decisions with your budget. It also can demonstrate a company's sense of professionalism. Avoid contractors who are not able to provide estimates outlining all associated costs with the proposed project.
And avoid contractors unable to back up their work with a warranty. As part of the estimate process, ask what coverage is available if your driveway's condition changes.
4. Are You Licensed and Insured?
When it comes to residential paving questions, you can't forget this one. You need to ensure that you're hiring a company that's allowed to conduct business in your area.
In addition, the company must have adequate insurance coverage. A company should be able to show evidence of:
Workers' compensation insurance
A business license
Workers' compensation insurance ensures that you won't be liable for medical bills if a worker is injured on your property. Otherwise, you could be sued for lost wages and medical costs if the contractor does not have this coverage. General liability coverage protects property damage costs and injuries, as well.
5. What Is Your Process?
Choosing paving experts can feel like a daunting task. But it's critical to find a company that has a thorough and efficient process for paving. Workers should keep you looped in at every step of the work.
A company should create a project timeline that considers the scope of work and needed materials.They should confirm the timeline with you and explain how they handle setbacks or delays.
Look for a company that can explain their work in understandable terms. For instance, they should talk about preparing a sub-base and grading prior to installation. And they should be able to explain the differences between asphalt and other driveway materials, like concrete.
6. What Is Your Payment Structure?
You don't want to be stuck with a large bill or unexpected payment deadline. That's why it's important to clarify a company's payment structure before signing a contract. Ask about:
Upfront fees
Payment plans
Itemized bills
Be wary of companies that request significant upfront payments above 30% of the total cost to resurface your driveway. A company should show trust in its quality of work by allowing you to make a smaller upfront payment or deposit.
It's fair to ask for an itemized bill, too. The bill should list exact costs for materials and the amount of hours worked. You can verify charges and hold the company accountable if a project's outcome fails to meet your quality standards.
Additionally, ask about payment plans. You may be able to pay a set amount with interest over the course of several months. Some companies may not allow this, however, so it's always better to ask.
7. Do You Have References?
Finally, don't forget to ask for references. You want to make sure other customers have had positive experiences with a given contractor before giving them your business.When reaching out to references, ask about the company's:
Ability to follow a timeline
Quality of work
Stay away from companies that are unwilling to provide references. Reluctance to share references can indicate that the company has had too many unhappy customers.
And check online reviews as another way to vet quality. If you see recurring complaints or other red flags, take your business elsewhere. Similarly, companies with very few reviews may be too unestablished to be worth the risk.
Choose the Right Driveway Residential Paving Services
The best residential driveway paving services will be strong communicators with the expertise you deserve. Look for a company that's licensed and insured. And ask about estimates and payment processes before committing to a contractor.
At Hill's Blacktop & Concrete, we've been providing Columbus-area residents with asphalt paving solutions since 1982. Our expert team can help with anything from sealing to repair and paving. Contact us today to learn more!
