While choosing an asphalt contractor may not seem like something that should take a lot of time and effort, it is critical that you take the time to find an experienced, professional contractor who will be able to do the job right. The fact is that laying asphalt, whether for a road, parking lot, or driveway, is a complex task that requires knowledge and expertise. If you choose the wrong contractor who does not do a thorough job, you may find that your new asphalt driveway needs to be repaired or replaced next year. Thusly, it is not always in your best interest to simply go with the closest, or cheapest, asphalt contractor, as it could end up costing you in the long-run. If you are currently searching for an asphalt contractor, here are a few steps you can take to ensure that you choose the right paving company to meet your needs.
Do Your Research
One of the most important things you can do to make sure the asphalt contractor you choose to partner with is qualified and experienced is to do your research. Do not make the mistake of simply calling the first company that comes up in a Google search. Take some time and research several of the contractors you find. Get a feel for what kind of work they do, how long they have been in business, and check what kind of reviews they have received from former customers.
Another great way to find a qualified paving company is to ask around for referrals. Did a family friend or a neighboring business recently have their parking lot redone? If so, you should consider asking who they worked with and what the experience was like. Even in the internet age, word-of-mouth is one of the best ways to find reliable contractors to partner with.
Ask for References
A great way to narrow down your options as you consider potential paving companies is to ask each contractor for references from previous customers. Any good paving company will have references from happy customers who they have done similar jobs for who will be willing to speak to the quality of their work. This will allow you to get a first-hand account of what it would be like to partner with that contractor. You should also consider asking contractors you talk to if they have done any recent jobs in your area so you can see for yourself the quality of their work.
These are just a few steps you can take to help you find an expert asphalt company to take care of all of your paving needs. Look out for our next post as we continue to discuss how you can ensure you partner with the right paving contractor, or feel free to contact us for more information.