Your driveway and parking area are important parts of business presentation. You want to make sure they stay clean, attractive, and safe to attract customers and avoid expensive liability cases. Excellent asphalt maintenance starts with a trustworthy asphalt paving contractor. Finding one can be challenging and requires careful research to identify high-quality workers and eliminate duds that won’t provide the polished finish you are looking for. Here, American Asphalt discusses the most important factors to consider before selecting your company and signing a contract.

Proper Licensing and Accreditation

The very first feature to look for in a paving contractor is licensing. Most states require a general contractor’s license for all technicians on the paving team. This licensing proves that they have the knowledge and skill required to complete a paving job properly. Further accreditation from reputable authorities, such as Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) and National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA), goes even further to help you feel confident in your selection.

Experience in Your Area

The United States is a large country, covering an incredibly diverse array of climates and geographies. Each zone exerts its own toll on asphalt paving. Hot, dry weather, for example, damages pavement in a very different way than a climate with frequent snow.

When hiring a paving contractor, don’t hire a national company. Look for pavers with years of experience in your area. These pavers will have the deepest understanding of the challenges your pavement will face and the best solutions to ensure a long-lasting finish.

Written Contracts with Detailed Specifications

Before work begins, you’ll want to write up a detailed contract. Make sure to outline all project specifications, including special requests like ADA compliance. This ensures that your paving company understands your needs and will perform work exactly as you envision. It also holds pavers accountable for the finished project and gives you the power to demand adjustments if you aren’t satisfied.

Clear Communication

The need for communication doesn’t end at the contract, either. There are many ways in which a project might go wrong. The damage is more severe than expected, the paving surface requires extra grading, and other unexpected complications. You want a paving contractor who will communicate when these occur, discuss solutions, and otherwise keep you apprised of your project status. When the project is complete, you’ll see no unexpected surprises in the paving or on the bill.

Project Warranties

You also want your project backed up by a warranty. If something goes wrong with your driveway within the warranty period, this allows you to repair the issue without extra cost. This can protect you against further loss, especially when the paving contractor is at fault.

A warranty also acts as further assurance of a company’s quality. Some paving contractors may not want to provide services on warranty, as it requires extra labor and materials that won’t be paid for. If warranties are frequently activated, they can lose out on major profits. Contractors only offer good warranties when they are confident in the safety and longevity of their handiwork.

Quality Materials

Speaking of high-quality handiwork: it is only possible with excellent materials. Not all asphalt is mixed well. Cheap asphalt may impact the longevity of a driveway, with common consequences including:

• Loose material
• Shrinkage
• Cracking
• Rough surfaces

Look for an asphalt paver that uses only the best-quality materials. In particular, look for contractors that own their product production. This lets them control material quality and guarantee a long-lasting finish on every project.

Positive References from Past Clients

Some factors can be learned about on a company’s website or during the first meeting. Others, however, are difficult to confirm before partnering with a company. If a paver is poor at communication, for example, you may not find out until after the contract is signed.

Fortunately, you don’t need to take a risk on untested contractors. You can instead trust a company’s previous clients. Reviews and references are an excellent way for clients to discuss their experience, both the highlights and the low points. If a paving contractor has left many prior customers feeling satisfied, you can feel confident that they will do the same for you.

Hire a Top Asphalt Paving Contractor at American Asphalt

By performing careful research and examining all deciding factors, it is possible to identify the best paving contractor for your business’ needs. For additional help and advice, reach out to American Asphalt. We serve New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania with outstanding professionalism and quality control, leaving hundreds of customers happy with our handiwork. Contact us by phone or with our ready-to-fill form to learn more or get started.