Maybe your driveway is on its last legs. Perhaps your small business parking lot looks like something from a post-apocalyptic movie. Then again, maybe you just need a sidewalk upgrade.
Whatever your paving project, you don’t want a situation where you need the work done again in a year or two. That means finding the best paving company the first time around.
Keep reading and we’ll give you five solid tips for choosing a company you can count on.
1. License
One of the very first things you should look for in a paving company is their license. Asphalt paving is a specialized form of contracting that requires specific skills.
Each state creates a set of qualifications and an exam that company owner must pass in order to take on contracting work in a given area. Once they meet those qualifications and pass the test, they receive a license and license number.
You can typically check the status of the license with your state contractors board.
2. Insurance
At the minimum, you want a contractor that can show they carry the required amounts of insurance, such as:
- Liability
- Worker’s comp
- Umbrella
Ideally, your preferred contractor carries more than the mandatory amounts. These insurance policies not only protect you, but they also protect your contractor.
3. Online Reviews
You can research the quality of a contractor’s work online in many ways.
For example, you can see if they have a Better Business Bureau listing. BBB listings typically tell you several important things, such as:
- How long a company has existed
- The number of complaints filed
- The number of complaints resolved
You can also look for customer reviews on sites like Yelp, Manta, and Angie’s List.
4. Referrals
Another excellent way you can find the best paving company is by asking for referrals. For personal projects, like paving a driveway, ask around with your friends and family.
For larger projects, such as paving your business parking lot, ask a mentor or other business owners you trust for referrals. Of course, you should always do your own research on the companies before you hire one.
5. Look for News Reports
Businesses with exceptional performance and those that fail spectacularly both get media coverage. One way you can find out if you’re dealing with a great paving company is look for coverage from trusted news sources.
If you see positive coverage, it’s a decent sign that you’ll be in good hands. In many cases, no coverage is also a good sign. It means the company probably isn’t engaging in questionable practices.
Parting Thoughts on Hiring a Paving Company
Hiring a paving company is like hiring any other contractor. It’s all about doing the research and checking the details.
Ask around for referrals and check out the reviews those companies got. Look for news reports about the companies. Pick out a few top choices.
Make sure the companies you prefer have licenses in good standing with the state contractors board. Ask for the details of their insurance coverage.
If everything checks out for all of the companies, then it boils down to price and your gut reactions. As a rule, go with the one you trust the most.
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