You don’t want just any asphalt paving contractor to work on your project. The costs in time and money are too high to put to chance. That’s why the experts at Eckles Paving have provided these 10 questions to ask before hiring anyone. Getting good answers will help to ensure the job is done right, and right on time.

1. Are They Licensed, Bonded, and Insured?

To fully protect your investment as well as your property, the paving contractor should be both licensed and bonded. As far as insurance goes, they should be covered with auto liability, general liability, an umbrella policy, and Workers Compensation. The amount per policy coverage should be $500,000-$2,000,000.

2. What Is Their Warranty?

A project warranty will ensure that the work is done to industry standards and that you won’t lose your investment should an issue covered by the warranty arise.

3. How Many Years of Experience Do They Have?

You want to be sure your asphalt paving contractor in Utah has enough years of experience that they won’t be hit with any surprises…because they’ve seen and remedied it all. Ask how many years the company has been in business and how many customers they have served. This will give you an idea of how trusted they are in your community.

4. What Kind of Equipment Do They Use?

The last thing you want is for your paving project to be interrupted by an equipment breakdown. Not only will this affect the project’s completion timeline, but it will also impact how the finished pavement will look. Also, don’t hire an asphalt paving contractor in Utah who does the work by hand. The efficiency and quality of work will not meet a high standard.

5. What Types of Projects Do They Specialize In?

Does the paving company specialize in small, residential projects or larger commercial projects? You want to hire someone that matches the size and difficulty of your project.

6. Do They Offer Higher Grade Asphalt?

Most asphalt paving material is used and recycled over and over again. This means there are different grades available. Low-quality asphalt doesn’t look as good and can have a shorter lifespan. High-grade asphalt contains less recycled materials, so it looks better and lasts longer.

7. Can They Recognize and Correct Drainage Problems?

While an asphalt overlay is the perfect solution for making an existing layer of asphalt look new again, if you are experiencing pooling or water collection on the pavement’s surface you may have a drainage problem. If left unfixed, your new pavement won’t last very long. That’s why it’s important to work with an asphalt paving company who can also address your specific drainage needs.

8. Do They Know How to Deal with Poor Subgrade?

Another issue that may be causing cracking and rutting in your pavement is a poor subgrade below the base, or a poorly compacted base. You need an asphalt paving company that has experience solving grading problems, saving you money in maintenance down the road.

9. Will They Give You a Detailed and Accurate Scope of Work, Schedule, and Cost Estimate?

The Scope of Work describes in detail the work that is to be done. It should contain milestones, reports, deliverables, and end product descriptions. You also need to see the schedule of when work is to begin, when each step will be completed, and when the project will be finished. This allows you to schedule any conflicts and notices beforehand.

An asphalt paving company should be willing to provide you with a complimentary site visit and preliminary quote. When it comes time to get an official cost estimate, the price should include:

• The use of equipment
• The specific type of asphalt mixture that is being used
• The removal of existing surfaces
• Recycling
• Any municipal and environmental factors

10. Can They Give You Any References?

Ask for references for other projects the company has completed, and make a few phone calls to ensure their clients are happy with the work that was done. Visit a couple of project sites that have been completed both recently and in the past, as well as a site that is currently in production. You can also check out the contractor’s BBB accreditation and rating.

If you’re ready to get your questions answered and your asphalt paving project started, contact Eckles Paving today!