You invested in asphalt pavement because you wanted an attractive surface that would give you many years of reliable service. You know that the right asphalt paving contractor can help you keep your pavement looking its best throughout its normal lifespan. The problem is that you are not sure how to choose the “right” contractor. Here are some tips that may help you with your selection.
Look for an Asphalt Paving Contractor with the Right Experience
Choose an asphalt paving contractor with experience in the type of work you need as well as experience with the scope of your work. For example, some contractors may have years of experience sealcoating driveways for homeowners, but they might not understand how to approach a huge parking lot that must be sealed in sections to minimize the inconvenience to customers. Others might have experience in seal coating parking lots but not striping them.
Look for a Contractor with the Right Insurance
There are a lot of different types of insurance that a contractor could carry. At a minimum, however, make sure that the contractor has workers’ comp, vehicle, and general liability insurance.
Look for a Contractor with the Right Reputation
Contractors with a history of unresolved complaints can be risky to hire. “Google” the company to see what you can find. Ask for references — and check them. Call previous customers to see what they have to say about the contractor.
Look for a Contractor with the Right Crew
It would be unreasonable to expect every member of your contractor’s crew to have decades of experience, but you do not want a crew where the most senior member has been on the job for less than a month. Crews consisting of members with little experience can sometimes happen if the contractor is experiencing explosive growth, but it can also be a sign of a high turnover rate — which can sometimes mean that the contractor is dishonest, dishonorable, or disrespectful.
Look for a Contractor with the Right Attitude
Your asphalt paving contractor should value you as a customer. Brushing aside your questions, being impossible to reach, or refusing to work with your schedule are all signs that the contractor needs a crash course in customer service as well as some work on interpersonal skills.
Look for a Contractor Like Alpha Paving Industries
If you would like assistance evaluating whether you should install pavement, contact the professionals at Alpha Paving Industries. We are a full-service parking lot paving and maintenance company serving the Austin metropolitan area as well as most of Central Texas. We offer a complete line of asphalt-related services, including new pavement installation, asphalt repairs, and parking lot striping. Use our online form to request your free estimate, or call us at (512) 677-9001.
