Commercial paving projects require the right experience, capacity, equipment, and project management to ensure successful development and completion. Hiring a reliable, experienced, and trustworthy contractor is crucial to meeting your paving project goals. Using an inadequate contractor can lead to costly issues including inferior work, poor communication, lapsed deadlines, and even potential lawsuits if accidents occur and the contractor isn’t properly licensed.
We spoke with our team of paving experts and put together a few tips to help you in your decision-making process when selecting a contractor for your next commercial paving project.
01 | Never Choose a Contractor on Price Alone
Be wary of estimates that are significantly lower than other bids from professionals in your area. Unfortunately, there is no universal pricing system, and each company has a different set of standards for setting a quote and billing the final invoice. Some companies may offer a low bid, but when the final bill comes, there can be number of additional costs that were not disclosed originally. Suspiciously low bids may also mean inferior quality products that can greatly affect the longevity and look of your pavement.
02 | Look for an Engaging Local Contractor
Hire a local company that has a vested interest and long history in your community. Some companies move into an area and work a season with rented equipment, then move on to another region, never to be seen again. A paving contractor with local ties tends to be more accessible and more responsive if unforeseen complications arise.
03 | Check for Consistent Reviews
Look for a company with an established reputation and positive track record by researching the company’s website, reading online reviews, and checking the company’s Better Business Bureau rating. Keep an eye out for consistency – it’s likely that call companies have had a rough project, but it’s important to find a contractor that has consistently solid reviews from business and homeowners in your community.
04 | Licensing and Insurance are a MUST
Make sure your commercial paving contractor is properly licensed and insured for commercial projects. This is critical in ensuring your company is not held liable for any injuries while the paving contractor is working on your property.
05 | Verify the Quality of Their Materials
All asphalt paving materials are not created equally. Using lower grade asphalt diminishes the overall quality and longevity of an asphalt driveway or parking lot. Experienced contractors should be able to confidently identify the specific materials required to meet the needs of your pavement project to maximize durability, appearance, and longevity.
06 | Look for Well-Maintained Equipment
Try to find a contractor with a fleet of high-quality equipment that is regularly maintained. Avoid contractors who say they do asphalt paving by hand or use older equipment as it is more likely to breakdown causing costly delays. A reliable paving contractor will use the most advanced machines to ensure a long-lasting and great-looking asphalt project.
07 | Get an Air-Tight Quote with a Clear Change Order Policy
Once you’ve selected a contractor for your commercial paving project, make sure you get a comprehensive written contract that clearly defines what work needs to be done, what the cost will be, what the payment terms are, and that project details such as asphalt thickness, base specs and size of area to be paved. Be sure to verify their change order policy and how they handle unforeseen costs to ensure you aren’t caught off guard with any pricing surprises.
Contact Johnson & Sons Paving Co. for a Free Estimate!
To see if Johnson & Sons Paving is the right contractor for your commercial paving project, give us a call at (262) 251-5585 for a no-obligation, free estimate and project assessment. Our customers appreciate that we keep our commitments, we are easy to work with, and we are responsive to their needs.