There are 5 important Questions To Ask
Before You Hire Any Asphalt Driveway Company
How many times have you hired an asphalt or concrete paving company? Not many if ever. If you have, how long did the driveway hold-up? Do you remember how much your asphalt driveway cost and are you sure you need a new driveway or can the old one be repaired?
It's disappointing to learn that over 48% of homeowners would not hire their contractor again. Why? Because of three reasons:
- Poor Communication
- Expectations weren't met
- Hidden Costs
The toughest question for most homeowners is; how do I find a asphalt or concrete paving company I can trust? The following information will help you begin the process of understanding the right questions to ask before you hire a paving contractor.
1. How much time will be spent building the base?
This is the most critical part of the driveway – and not a place to skimp! Ask them how thick will they make it ... if they tell you anything under 4 inches ... or tell you it really depends on the job, call someone else. The minimum requirement of any base is 4 inches, anything less and you could end up with major problems.
2. Will there be any additional costs not on the bid?
One of the biggest problems homeowners have with contractors is with hidden costs. Is there really ever a good reason the bill arrives and is considerably higher then the original bid and the homeowner was kept in the dark about them? Should never happen - of course there are times when soil condition might require more base, or the homeowner makes changes at the last minute. But these changes should never be hidden, and the final bill should never be a shock to the homeowner.
3. How will you protect the yard and landscaping during the process
Nothing is more frustrating that watching your landscaping and flowers being destroyed or significantly altered because of the new driveway. Now obviously if you have flowers, plants or shrubs that have grown over the driveway or butt up against it ... these will be affected. But in most cases your yard and landscaping should be untouched. To protect yourself, get a written guarantee that your yard, landscaping ... and especially your sprinkler heads will not be affected. If they are, get a crystal clear explanation on what will be affected, and what will have to be done to return them to their pre-construction state.
4. Does the company have any unresolved complaints, or an unreasonable number of complaints with the Better Business Bureau (BBB)?
Getting a third party association as prominent and the BBB to monitor a companies ability to service it's clients is crucial to hiring a great company. So check with the Better Business Bureau and see first if they have unresolved complaints - if they do, call another company.
SIDE NOTE: Richfield blacktop has ZERO complaints over the past 3 years.
5. Can you provide me a list of jobs you've completed that are close to where I live, so I can check them out?
Nothing does a better job to build trust then having the opportunity to preview a contractor’s work before you hire them. But it is even more powerful if they can give you at least 5 jobs close to your home that they have done over the past couple of years. And don't neglect this part, take the time to go to the homes and check out the job - it will be very revealing. If they can't give you a list, move on to a reputable company that can!
"The 10 Point Driveway Paving Contractor
Check List"
One of the best ways to compare asphalt paving companies is to have a complete list of the most important questions to ask. And then use that list to compare any company you are considering hiring. This 10 Point Contractor Checklist will simplify this process and help easily and quickly evaluate any asphalt or concrete paving company. Read more or download
Request an Estimate
Request a FREE no obligation professional estimate and consultation. Asphalt and Concrete Driveway Cost Estimate