Raise your hands if you know anything about asphalt. Yeah, that’s what we thought. Most people don’t think much about paving until they need an asphalt contractor, but by then, it’s hard to know what to ask. That’s why we thought it’d be helpful if we put together a recent list for those of us not looking for information past 2015.

Whether you have an industrial, commercial or residential paving project, there are just some basics to keep in mind when shopping around asphalt companies. So, here is our list of ideas we hope will be helpful:

1. Get Multiple Asphalt Cost Estimates But Be Careful

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for an paving contractor or any other type of contractor, it’s always a good idea to get multiple quotes just so you have a good idea of whether or not you’re getting a good deal. Unfortunately, many people simply go with the cheapest estimate without considering that cheapest isn’t always the best. Some might go so far to say that the cheapest asphalt company will do the cheapest job. Many asphalt companies provide cheap estimates then cut corners by using inadequate products or amounts. This means the end result is you’re left with pavement that will crack and erode quickly rather than asphalt that will last.

Comparing paving costs isn’t as easy as it sounds. It’s ok to ask a lot of questions to try to make sure you’re getting estimates on the same type of job and the same materials needed for that job. By asking these questions, you may learn how one asphalt company is using inferior materials over another.

2. Get An Asphalt Contract Who Is Bonded & Insured

This is just a no brainer from the perspective of protecting your home or business, but it’s often a forgotten question. When you hire a paving contractor, if someone on their crew gets hurt on your property, there are liability issues if the paving company isn’t bonded and insured. Asking the question and getting the right answer can make all the difference when deciding upon asphalt contractors. Always go with the paving company that protects you and your company.

3. Get Details on The Paving Project Clarified

One of the worse situations that can happen when hiring an asphalt contractor is when the customer expects one thing and receives something else. Actually, that’s a situation that is really bad for both parties. And, in today’s world of social media, companies can’t afford negative reviews. All that can be avoided by simply clarifying exactly what the client expects and what the asphalt company plans to deliver. Getting the details in writing is always a good idea, but at the very least, what should be decided includes:

• Details of the project- including asphalt thickness, size of area that needs to be paved, etc.
• Total asphalt costs of the paving project including taxes & payment terms
• Warranty & guarantees if any
• Terms & conditions

Deciding these things up front can save a lot of problems down the road and lead to better outcomes and better customer relations all the way around. Obviously, if your asphalt contractor balks at discussing these terms, that’s feedback you need to consider when hiring the right paving company.

Asphalt projects can be very expensive, so it’s imperative to hire the right paving contractor for the job you have in front of you. Whether you have a industrial, commercial or residential project, using this list will help guide you into making the right decision and getting the right asphalt contractor for your job.

Whether you need asphalt paving for your industrial construction project, your commercial job or your residential driveway, All About Asphalt is the most trusted company in the south. For initial paving or asphalt repair, we’ll give you a straight answer for asphalt paving estimates. We move about 850 tons of asphalt a day all around Athens, Atlanta and the rest of north Georgia. Let our rock solid reputation and years of experience as a paving contractor help you get the job done right- the first time.