What to Keep in Mind When Hiring Asphalt Paving Contractors?
June 10, 2019
Are you about to start an asphalt paving project? If yes, it is most probable that you are already in talks with asphalt paving contractors. Choosing the best one could be a little tricky, as going for the lowest possible big is the not ways the best strategy. Keep the following points in mind, when you are about to select a paving contractor to get the job done without any hiccups:
- Insurance: This is a common feature which most of the asphalt paving contractors provide. If you have shortlisted some of them, make sure that you ask them this question. If they don’t and accidents happen on your property, you will have to stay protected. The contracted should have the following:
General and Auto Liability
Workers Compensation
Umbrella policy
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| Asphalt Paving Contractors |
- Selection of materials: It is widely known that asphalt is often recycled. Different types of asphalt consist of differing levels of recycled materials. If you are working with low-grade asphalt, then it will not have the desired impact in terms of look and feel and longevity. Ask the asphalt paving contractors whether they provide they use high-quality asphalt? Make sure that you don’t compromise with the quality of asphalt. Poor quality tends to wear away easily, thus affecting the life of the road.
- Equipment Type: Find out the type of equipment that the contractor has? Check if it is new or worn and torn. Make sure that they don’t get you equipment that will breakdown , this will eventually halt the progress of your project. Well maintained equipment is critical to the asphalt paving work. It is good practice not to hire someone who paves asphalt by hand. There will be a difference in quality and efficiency. Machines are used for a reason.
- Crew: You will also have to ensure that the contractor has a sufficient crew. A standard asphalt crew features 5-8 workers, but it also depends on the job and the scale. You have to make sure that the contractor is not facing a staff crunch and hires casual laborers to fill in the shoes of regular staff. You should also inquire whether they would be doing the work themselves or they would be subletting the work to sub-contractors. This will adversely impact both the quality and pace of the project. Make sure that every member of the crew is covered under the insurance policy.
- Down Payment: Generally, asphalt projects don’t require you to any advance or down payment, unless the project costs are worth $10,000. So the contractor typically shouldn’t ask you for any deposits. Depositing advance money has the risk of misuse of funds by the contractor. It is known that some contractors use the advance deposits to complete other projects while ignoring the job you hired them for. To conclude, it is worth knowing that the adequately installed, and paved paths can last as long as 20 years. In the quest for saving a little here and a little money there, don’t compromise on quality. You will end paying the difference in the form of regular maintenance charges if the quality is sub-optimal.
- Proper Licensing: You are well within your rights to ask to see the asphalt paving contractor’s license. If the permit is backdated, if there are signs that make it look shady, or there are any other glaring red flags, then do not proceed any further with the contractor. If the contractor is uncomfortable with providing you the license, it could be a sign that something is amiss. Unless the contractor is bonded and also insured, it is not a good idea to proceed with them.
- Talk to References- Hiring asphalt paving contractors without checking their references is a bad idea. You have to ask the prospects for their references. If possible, you should go physically and check the projects that the company claims to have done in the past. Or you could speak to the property owners over the phone, and ask them questions about the service, the attitude, and the quality of materials used by the company. Good contractors will not show hesitation in providing you with references you can cross-check with. For more idea, you could also start with people who just got an asphalt paving job done. These people could be your friends, family, neighbors, colleagues, and more from your general cycle.
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| Asphalt Paving Contractors |
Conclusion
The above-mentioned guidelines will help you make the right decision when it comes to choosing asphalt paving contractors.
A professional contractor will always give a guarantee of their work,
thus ensuring that you put the money and project in safe hands.
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