When it comes to commercial paving, cutting corners often leads to costly consequences. What might seem like a small compromise during planning can snowball into delays, rework, and liability claims. Or worse, total repaving far sooner than expected.
At Johnson & Sons Paving, we’ve seen it all, and we’ve helped clients recover from paving pitfalls that could have been avoided. Here are the five most common mistakes we see property managers make, and how you can steer clear of them.
MISTAKE 1: Ignoring Drainage Design
Water is one of asphalt’s worst enemies. Improper drainage leads to pooling, erosion, freeze/thaw damage, and accelerated deterioration. Unfortunately, many properties only notice drainage issues after it’s too late, when standing water has caused subsurface failure or sinkage.
Smart managers ask:
- Is this lot designed to shed water away from buildings and high-traffic areas?
- Are there enough catch basins or culverts to prevent pooling?
With Johnson & Sons, we plan for proper slope and drainage from day one, because protecting your pavement means managing the elements it faces every day.
MISTAKE 2: Choosing a Contractor Based on Price Alone
Yes, budgets matter. But choosing a paving contractor based solely on cost is a high-risk move. The lowest bid may reflect:
- Lower-quality materials
- Inexperienced or under-equipped crews
- Skipped steps like compaction, grading, or curing
- Outsourced or delayed work
And in the end? You’ll often pay more in repairs, downtime, or repaving than you saved.
With Johnson & Sons, we control every step of the process, from in-house asphalt production to a full-service fleet, so we can offer competitive pricing without cutting quality.
MISTAKE 3: Skipping Routine Maintenance
Even high-quality asphalt needs care. Without it, you’ll see cracks, fading, and potholes far sooner. Routine maintenance is a fraction of the cost of full replacement.
What to schedule:
- Annual inspections for cracks or early wear
- Sealcoating every 2–3 years (depending on use and exposure)
- Prompt pothole repair
- Line striping refresh to maintain safety and ADA compliance
Our team works with property managers to create simple, scalable maintenance plans that protect their investment and reputation.
MISTAKE 4: Underestimating Project Timelines
Paving isn’t plug-and-play. Factors like weather, surface condition, size, scope, and scheduling logistics all affect project timelines.
Trying to rush the process can lead to:
- Improper curing
- Structural instability
- Extended closures due to rework
We work closely with clients to plan around your business operations. That means weekend we rarely do weekend work stick with phased work or phased work when possible, clear communication, and minimal disruption, without compromising the quality or longevity of your pavement.
MISTAKE 5: Working with a Contractor Who Isn’t Fully Equipped
At Johnson & Sons, we:
- Produce our own asphalt
- Own and maintain our full fleet of paving and prep equipment
- Employ skilled, in-house crews and project managers
- Operate with our own mechanics and transport logistics
This means fewer delays, no middleman markups, and total control over quality and scheduling. When you need a job done right, and done on time, you need a contractor who’s equipped to handle the full scope.
IN SHORT: Don’t Pay for the Same Asphalt Twice
Avoiding these five costly mistakes means:
- Longer pavement life
- Safer, better-looking lots
- Fewer disruptions
- Smarter long-term spend
Johnson & Sons is your partner in paving smarter. With decades of experience, modern equipment, and a full-service team, we help commercial property managers plan, execute, and maintain paving projects that last.
Ready to Pave with Confidence?
Let’s walk your lot and talk through your options—before mistakes become expensive. Call us at (262) 251-5585 to speak with a project manager today.