May 12, 2023
How to Find the Best Asphalt Contractor

Are you considering having your driveway or pavement paved or repaved? Asphalt is a popular option for paving projects since it’s flexible in changing temperatures, making it less likely to crack. Asphalt is also known to offer a clean, manicured appearance, increasing your property’s curb appeal. Moreover, it’s economical when compared to concrete or other paving materials. But if you’re interested in asphalt paving, how do you decide which asphalt contractor to hire? Keep reading to learn more! 

Key Takeaways:

  • Finding the right asphalt contractor will save you a ton of money, time, and headaches later on. 
  • You can find the best asphalt contractor by asking people you know and searching online.
  • Check the contractor’s expertise, reputation, pricing, quality of equipment, and credentials before hiring them.

Do Your Research

Enlisting any sort of contractor requires that you carry out a certain amount of research. After all, you need to ensure that you’re choosing a quality contractor to work with who’ll provide you with excellent outcomes at a fair price. That’s particularly true if you’re looking for a commercial asphalt contractor. The most common method of research is getting results online. You’ll get numerous results, but resist the urge to simply consider the first result as the best. Instead, take time and research several other contractors in the rundown. Find out what sort of work they do and how long they’ve been in the business, and check the reviews they’ve gotten from other clients. 

Ask for Recommendations

Word of mouth is still one of the best ways of advertising. So, ask your friends, family members, colleagues, and neighbors for recommendations they can personally vouch for (the contractor they can recommend to have the job done). When a contractor of any kind does a good job, customers often share the positive experience they had. 

Check Credentials

A professional asphalt contractor should be able to provide the following documentation:

  • Licensure: An asphalt contractor should be licensed for all parts of the work being performed and should provide proof of licensure. 
  • Insurance: The contractor should be insured in liability, automotive, and workers’ compensation. Don’t simply take their word for it- ask for proof of insurance. 
  • Certification: Every technician working for the contractor should be trained and certified to ensure the asphalt project is successful. 

Experience

Experience and expertise are built over time. So, you should check how long the company has been in operation. You might also want to verify that the asphalt contractor you choose has a history of successful projects of similar scope and size. Experienced contractors that have completed many projects of similar size and scope would be better qualified for your project. You might also want to check their online portfolio, ask for project references, and visit those asphalt projects to verify their quality standards. 

Reputation

You should take time to read the reviews from other clients, both good and bad. If there are any negative reviews, consider the reason and whether the client had a valid complaint. On the positive reviews, check the details and pay attention to the things that matter most to you. You may also want to check the status of the contractor with the Better Business Bureau. BBB keeps business records and rates them based on various criteria, such as customer disputes and resolutions and how long the contractor has been in business. 

Quality of Equipment

The quality of equipment isn’t meant to be just a literal term. It entails other aspects and tools that are used throughout the duration of your desired project. 

  • Size of the Team: The size of the company team is crucial, especially for larger commercial jobs. Does the company have a limited capacity of employees, or can they have a larger reliable team to cover all the labor needed?
  • Materials: You need to determine if the contractor has a selection of materials to choose from. You could ask about the differences between materials, the pros and cons of each material, and what would benefit more to use in relevance to your project.
  • The Process: Does the contractor understand the process before, during, and after the project? What kind of warranties do they offer once they’ve completed the project? Ensure you’re confident in the entire schedule and fine print before enlisting a contractor. 

Customer Service

Customer service is something that may be challenging to get a feel for right away. But you can start by paying attention to how the asphalt contractor answers the phone or how swiftly you get a response to an online inquiry. You should look for a professional demeanor and expect a written estimate of the cost of services that entails materials, labor, and an expected start and completion date. If you have a negative feeling at any point during the screening process, don’t enlist that contractor. 

Pricing

Paving is a process that includes a specific set of steps and amount of materials. Unfortunately, less reputable contractors often cut corners or remove necessary steps in an effort to shave money off their prices. And unfortunately, many people make the mistake of picking a contractor based on the lowest quote. The reality is that money saved by scrimping on materials, design, and application will end up costing you far more in the long run. 

Essential Note: Many reputable asphalt contractors have lines of credit with material suppliers and hence don’t ask for a down payment. However, if the contractor asks for the down payment, you may run the risk of misuse of funds by the contractor. Some may take the deposit and never return to the project site!

Why Choose JB Lines Paving?

Are you looking for an asphalt contractor? JB Lines meets all of the above criteria and more. We’re a licensed and insured contractor with decades of experience. Our technicians are certified and trained for the job they are hired to do. Besides, we offer unparalleled customer service and affordable prices. Call us today!

How to Find the Best Asphalt Contractor

Are you considering having your driveway or pavement paved or repaved? Asphalt is a popular option for paving projects since it’s flexible in changing temperatures, making it less likely to crack. Asphalt is also known to offer a clean, manicured appearance, increasing your property’s curb appeal. Moreover, it’s economical when compared to concrete or other paving materials. But if you’re interested in asphalt paving, how do you decide which asphalt contractor to hire? Keep reading to learn more! 

Key Takeaways:

  • Finding the right asphalt contractor will save you a ton of money, time, and headaches later on. 
  • You can find the best asphalt contractor by asking people you know and searching online.
  • Check the contractor’s expertise, reputation, pricing, quality of equipment, and credentials before hiring them.

Do Your Research

Enlisting any sort of contractor requires that you carry out a certain amount of research. After all, you need to ensure that you’re choosing a quality contractor to work with who’ll provide you with excellent outcomes at a fair price. That’s particularly true if you’re looking for a commercial asphalt contractor. The most common method of research is getting results online. You’ll get numerous results, but resist the urge to simply consider the first result as the best. Instead, take time and research several other contractors in the rundown. Find out what sort of work they do and how long they’ve been in the business, and check the reviews they’ve gotten from other clients. 

Ask for Recommendations

Word of mouth is still one of the best ways of advertising. So, ask your friends, family members, colleagues, and neighbors for recommendations they can personally vouch for (the contractor they can recommend to have the job done). When a contractor of any kind does a good job, customers often share the positive experience they had. 

Check Credentials

A professional asphalt contractor should be able to provide the following documentation:

  • Licensure: An asphalt contractor should be licensed for all parts of the work being performed and should provide proof of licensure. 
  • Insurance: The contractor should be insured in liability, automotive, and workers’ compensation. Don’t simply take their word for it- ask for proof of insurance. 
  • Certification: Every technician working for the contractor should be trained and certified to ensure the asphalt project is successful. 

Experience

Experience and expertise are built over time. So, you should check how long the company has been in operation. You might also want to verify that the asphalt contractor you choose has a history of successful projects of similar scope and size. Experienced contractors that have completed many projects of similar size and scope would be better qualified for your project. You might also want to check their online portfolio, ask for project references, and visit those asphalt projects to verify their quality standards. 

Reputation

You should take time to read the reviews from other clients, both good and bad. If there are any negative reviews, consider the reason and whether the client had a valid complaint. On the positive reviews, check the details and pay attention to the things that matter most to you. You may also want to check the status of the contractor with the Better Business Bureau. BBB keeps business records and rates them based on various criteria, such as customer disputes and resolutions and how long the contractor has been in business. 

Quality of Equipment

The quality of equipment isn’t meant to be just a literal term. It entails other aspects and tools that are used throughout the duration of your desired project. 

  • Size of the Team: The size of the company team is crucial, especially for larger commercial jobs. Does the company have a limited capacity of employees, or can they have a larger reliable team to cover all the labor needed?
  • Materials: You need to determine if the contractor has a selection of materials to choose from. You could ask about the differences between materials, the pros and cons of each material, and what would benefit more to use in relevance to your project.
  • The Process: Does the contractor understand the process before, during, and after the project? What kind of warranties do they offer once they’ve completed the project? Ensure you’re confident in the entire schedule and fine print before enlisting a contractor. 

Customer Service

Customer service is something that may be challenging to get a feel for right away. But you can start by paying attention to how the asphalt contractor answers the phone or how swiftly you get a response to an online inquiry. You should look for a professional demeanor and expect a written estimate of the cost of services that entails materials, labor, and an expected start and completion date. If you have a negative feeling at any point during the screening process, don’t enlist that contractor. 

Pricing

Paving is a process that includes a specific set of steps and amount of materials. Unfortunately, less reputable contractors often cut corners or remove necessary steps in an effort to shave money off their prices. And unfortunately, many people make the mistake of picking a contractor based on the lowest quote. The reality is that money saved by scrimping on materials, design, and application will end up costing you far more in the long run. 

Essential Note: Many reputable asphalt contractors have lines of credit with material suppliers and hence don’t ask for a down payment. However, if the contractor asks for the down payment, you may run the risk of misuse of funds by the contractor. Some may take the deposit and never return to the project site!

Why Choose JB Lines Paving?

Are you looking for an asphalt contractor? JB Lines meets all of the above criteria and more. We’re a licensed and insured contractor with decades of experience. Our technicians are certified and trained for the job they are hired to do. Besides, we offer unparalleled customer service and affordable prices. Call us today!