Although the process to choose a paving contractor for your business can be daunting, it’s pretty easy when you know what to look for. And since the right paver can save you time and money, you should leave no stone unturned when you select one.
You want to entrust your project to a contractor who knows their craft well. Here are several tips to get you started.
- Research the Company’s Services and Prices
Take some time to find the paving company that delivers the best results at the best price. Google is a reliable source of top contractors in your location. However, don’t just settle for any of the top Google results. You must go deeper to discover the paving they specialize in and how long they have been in operation. As you research, make sure the company offers the services you need.
- Check Their Credentials
After you select a contractor for your paving project, check their credentials to establish if they possess the proper training. The company must have all the requisite licenses. You should give a wide berth to any company that hesitates to provide their general contractor’s license and insurance they hold. Without the proper documents, you may be held liable for any accidents on your property.
In regard to insurance, the contractor must have workers’ compensation and general liability insurance. And a paving contractor with a Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation that maintains an A+ rating is definitely worth the money.
Also, check for any listing with a renowned industry association, such as the American Concrete Pavement Association (ACPA) or the National Pavement Contractors Association. Such information helps determine if they are an upstanding company.
- Review Their References
You should not choose a contractor based only on an impressive online rating and some pictures of their previous work. Ask the contractor for at least three referrals for similar projects. If the contractor doesn’t share customer references, that’s a red flag and you should move on to the next candidate. A high-quality company may even go one step more and recommend that you visit one of their ongoing projects to see the kind of work they do.
Once a contractor gives you referrals, speak to those customers and ask them about the contractor’s workmanship and if they can recommend them.
Additionally, word of mouth remains an ideal approach when choosing a reliable and reputable paving contractor to work with. If the company has a social media presence, scan customer reviews in the comments section. A company with too many negative reviews is not worth engaging.
- Get Quotes
Many paving companies will first make a site visit before compiling a comprehensive quote. To find the best company for your business’s needs, ensure that you obtain quotes from several companies. Each quote must capture every project detail and cost to avoid surprise charges in the course of the project. Some factors that determine a project’s pricing are the types of materials used and the quality of the paving equipment.
Keep in mind that you often get what you pay for. You might settle for a low-priced bid and end up with a poorly done parking lot. An expensive bid might be overpriced too. Take time to scrutinize every quote so you can identify a contractor that will offer you the best value for your money.
- Ask About Their Warranty
If the contractor has many years of experience doing similar projects, the chance of things going wrong while working are pretty minimal. However, established pavers don’t take risky chances and always back their work with a warranty in case things go wrong.
Ensure that you ask for a project warranty as an assurance that the contractor will uphold industry standards when working on the project. Some warranties to look out for are the materials and workmanship warranty and performance warranty. In addition, choose to work with a contractor that offers post-installation maintenance.
Looking for reliable commercial paving services for your next paving project? Contact Pinnacle Paving & Sealing for all your parking lot needs.