Why Experience Matters When Hiring Driveway Paving Contractors

33

Paved driveways add curb appeal and help prevent erosion of the base material underneath, but not all paving contractors are created equal; some may overcharge or provide subpar work that won’t stand the test of time. The best guide to finding Hometown Asphalt Paving of Santa Rosa.

To avoid these complications, homeowners should pose pertinent questions to paving contractors before signing any contracts. Below are a few such queries they should pose:

Experience

When selecting a driveway paving contractor, experience is vital. New contractors may seem intimidating at first, but an experienced one will guide you through the process and ensure your project goes according to plan. Furthermore, an experienced contractor should be able to provide references as proof of past work performed by them.

Considerations should also include selecting materials to use when hiring a driveway paving contractor. Some contractors can only use asphalt, while others offer alternatives such as concrete and pavers. It may be beneficial to check with any homeowner associations in the community beforehand before starting your search for driveway pavers.

Another question you should pose to contractors is what kind of equipment they have at their disposal for work. This will give an indication of how long the task may take and whether all necessary tools exist to complete it. It would be best if you also inquired whether there is special machinery designed to work with various types of materials.

License

A quality paving contractor will be able to show proof of their insurance and license in case something goes wrong during construction. Furthermore, this shows their professionalism as they will deliver results as promised.

If a paving contractor lacks the required licenses and insurance policies, it would be wise to stay away. Refusal to provide this information should also raise red flags about them.

Additionally, when hiring a paving contractor, it is wise to request proof of both general liability and workers’ compensation insurance so that any mishap on your property will be covered should anything happen to them or their employees.

A licensed paving contractor should also provide references from previous customers as this will give you an idea of their work and measure its success in the past. You can also visit their website and read up on any reviews or valuable information regarding them.

Searching through your community association may also help you locate an asphalt paving contractor. Most associations keep an up-to-date list of trusted contractors they recommend when residents require help with their homes or driveways.

Insurance

Insurance is an integral component of most business operations, from personal to commercial policies. You probably carry personal auto, home, and life policies, as well as commercial policies, as part of running your own company. Naturally, you should expect any contractor you hire to have adequate protection as well.

Reputable contractors should gladly present you with proof of their current insurance coverage for every job to help protect against working with contractors without adequate protection who are willing to take unnecessary risks on your project.

Ideal, paving companies should hold general liability and workers’ compensation policies to safeguard them in case any property or bodily damage claims are filed, workers’ comp policies to cover employee injuries on the job, and equipment breakdown insurance in case their tools and equipment become damaged or lost during operations.

Paving contractors should carry professional liability, also known as errors and omissions (E& O) insurance. This policy will cover defense costs in case of professional negligence, such as mistakes in paving operations or oversights that might cost money in defense costs. This type of coverage can be expensive but essential in construction businesses like paving.

Customer Service

When hiring a driveway paving contractor, be sure to ask several pertinent questions. Find out if they are licensed and insured, and provide references from previous customers. Additionally, inquire about their pricing and estimated timeframe for completion of the project.

Reputable contractors will always be glad to answer any of your questions and provide you with a quote for their services. In addition, professionals often offer warranties against work performed—this should make choosing one easy. A great paving company will even discuss its warranties with its customers!

Asphalt contractors offer more than just new surface paving; they also specialize in repairing damaged areas of existing asphalt surfaces, helping homeowners ensure that their pavement can withstand daily outdoor weather conditions and remain durable and resilient. For instance, should there be any cracks in your pavement surface, can hot crack-filling technology at 400 degrees Fahrenheit seal them quickly and effectively?

Thumbtack provides customers with access to a comprehensive list of driveway paving contractors in their local area and enables instant contact between prospective clients and contractors through its website. In addition, Thumbtack features a transparent rating system that helps identify experienced professionals.