There are a few things that excite a homeowner. Building a fence, getting an air conditioner, and paving their driveway. Those are all exciting parts of homeownership, but also can become stressful and expensive if you don’t pick the right supplier or contractor. Paving a driveway is not a simple task. It’s one that takes experience, and knowledge to ensure that you get what you want and that it lasts over time. After our years in business, we know what it takes to get the job done right. But don’t’ just take our word for it. Here are our tips on how to choose a paving contractor. We believe so strongly in ourselves that we feel that after you follow these steps, you’ll be ready to work with us.
Get Multiple Quotes; You can learn a lot about a contractor right off the bat by how they handle quotes. Even if you already have a favorite contractor in mind, get a couple more quotes to compare things like warranty, project scope, and price. Don’t be afraid to let the contractors know that you’re getting multiple quotes, but be fair and give them a time frame of when they should hear back from you. Compare all the quotes together, and look for any inconsistencies. If two contractors cover something, but a third doesn’t mention it, it may be a red flag.
Reputation Management; You can also learn a lot about a contractor from their former customers. Check sources like the Better Business Bureau. Take a look in the local Yellow Pages to see how long they’ve been in business. A quick search on Facebook or Google will also show you any reviews that have been left by former customers, good and bad.
The Devil is in the Details; When you agree to a job with your contractor, everything you agreed to should be in your contract, including the scope of the project, materials being used, and the price of the project. Talk financial terms in advance too, for example, are you paying upfront, or financing, or even if there is a deposit required before work starts. Don’t leave anything to chance.
At the end of the day, you want a paving contractor who is going to leave you feeling comfortable in a job well done. By doing some legwork before hiring, you can ensure that both you and your contractor are on the same page, making it easier for everyone.
