Five Questions To Ask Any Asphalt Driveway Company

• How will the sub-base be handled? – This is the most critical part of the driveway – and not a place to skimp! While the sub-base of your driveway depends on many factors, you should expect your contractor to carefully assess your particular situation and be able to explain why he recommends a particular base depth and type. Typically, the base should be no less than 4″ deep and compacted with a vibratory roller. If the contractor can’t explain the base specifications to your satisfaction, get another opinion. At Richfield Blacktop, we’ll explain everything in full.
• Will there be any additional costs not on the bid? – One major issue homeowners face with contractors is hidden costs. You should never be surprised by a final bill that’s much higher than the original estimate. While unexpected changes can happen due to soil conditions or homeowner decisions, they should be clearly communicated. Richfield Blacktop always discusses additional costs as soon as they are identified. You’ll never have any hidden costs or surprises.
• How will you protect the yard and landscaping during the process? – Nothing is more frustrating than watching your landscaping and flowers destroyed or significantly altered by the new driveway. If you have plants that have grown over the driveway or butt up against it, they may be damaged. In most cases, however, your yard and landscaping should be untouched. To protect yourself, get a written warranty that your yard, landscaping, and sprinkler heads will not be affected, and be informed of any potential damage in advance. Richfield Blacktop’s paving crews are always extremely careful with your property.
• Does the company have unresolved complaints or an unreasonable number of complaints with the Better Business Bureau (BBB)? – Check with the Better Business Bureau to view the rating of any contractor you are considering, and see if they have unresolved complaints. You should expect an A rating and few complaints before hiring a driveway contractor. Skipping this check could lead to unpleasant surprises. Richfield Blacktop has an outstanding BBB rating.
• Can you provide me with a list of jobs you’ve completed that are close to where I live, so I can check them out? – Any paving contractor you’re considering should be happy to give you a list of nearby driveways they have built. Take the time to drive by the homes and check out the job – it will be very revealing. Be wary of any company that is unwilling to give you this information. Richfield Blacktop will always be proud to give you addresses near you where you can see our work.

One of the best ways to compare asphalt driveway companies is to have a complete checklist of the most important questions to ask. Use that list to compare any company you are considering hiring. Our 10 Point Contractor Checklist will simplify this process and let you evaluate any asphalt or concrete paving company quickly and easily.

Since 1954, Richfield Blacktop has been serving the entire Minneapolis-St. Paul Metro Area, building thousands of driveways for homeowners and businesses. If you’re considering a driveway replacement, a new driveway, or any paving project, contact us for a free estimate. Our experienced driveway and paving consultants will guide you through the process and make the right decisions without any hard-sell tactics. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation estimate and join the thousands of satisfied Twin Cities property owners who are proud of their Richfield Blacktop driveway.