Whether it is for commercial parking lots or residential driveways, hiring an asphalt contractor to complete their task correctly is critical to lasting and improving pavement appearance and performance. When performed by professionals, the pavement will last longer and look better over time. The best guide to finding Hometown Asphalt Paving of Roseville.
Check past job reviews of any potential contractors you are considering hiring; these will provide valuable insight into their reliability and craftsmanship.
Experience
Choose an asphalt contractor with plenty of experience to achieve optimal results. Inexperienced contractors could make mistakes that shorten their lifespan or leave them looking less-than-ideal, costing money and being inconvenient for both you and your customers or guests.
Employ a contractor with extensive experience and a strong portfolio of completed projects. A contractor with lots of experience may have established strong relationships with suppliers and can often acquire materials at lower costs; additionally, experienced contractors will likely have knowledge of local regulations and permitting processes that can speed up project timelines.
Reputable asphalt contractors should provide you with a complete list of their services and prices, along with detailed quotes that include brand names of asphalt and materials used, as well as labor rates. Any contractors who do not provide accurate quotes should be treated with suspicion; their absence should serve as a red flag.
An established asphalt contractor should offer their work with a warranty as an extra way of safeguarding your investment and guaranteeing customer satisfaction with the final result.
Licenses
An asphalt contractor who holds a valid license must undergo an intensive process to acquire it, which includes education and training before taking an examination. Licensing requirements vary by state but usually include education, insurance, and work experience requirements, and they are often verified through endorsement from another tradesperson.
When selecting an asphalt contractor, carefully consider the work you require. Seek out companies that specialize in your specific type of project and have experience handling similar jobs; this will ensure the contractor has the skills and equipment to complete it successfully.
Experienced contractors often enjoy strong relationships with suppliers and can frequently get discounts on materials – which could save you money while guaranteeing you receive high-quality materials at the most economical cost.
Additionally, asphalt contractors should carry insurance to cover damage done by heavy machinery used during paving. This is an integral component of any construction project as it protects the property owner against liability should an accident occur on site. In addition to commercial general liability and vehicle liability coverage, an asphalt contractor should also have workers’ compensation insurance, which protects both parties should anyone be injured on site.
Insurance
As an asphalt contractor, having adequate insurance is vital. Failing to do so could have serious repercussions for you and your employees, while over-insurance could force the business to pay out costly claims that cannot be recovered later.
A professional asphalt paving contractor should carry commercial general liability, workers’ compensation, and commercial vehicle liability policies to cover its vehicles and operations. Depending on the size of its business, additional coverage, such as an umbrella policy, may also be necessary in case claims exceed existing policies’ limits.
Property insurance protects paving companies’ buildings, tools, materials, and supplies against theft, fire, natural disasters, or any other perils. In addition, mobile equipment coverage and loss-of-income coverage could be provided should anything go amiss during transit between jobs.
Worker’s comp is required in some states and covers medical costs and lost wages incurred as a result of employee injuries incurred while working at your business. General liability coverage is the go-to form of small business insurance, covering damages from an accident or incident and associated legal costs. Paving contractors might require professional liability coverage, which protects against claims of negligence during work; this coverage can either be purchased as an add-on to their general liability policy or purchased as a standalone product.
Warranties
Pavement warranties are an innovative contracting alternative that can significantly lower construction life cycle costs while improving construction quality. However, for them to work effectively, they require a thorough analysis of contracting methods and risk, along with support from both contractors and agencies.
Highway agencies looking to implement a pavement performance warranty program must adjust their construction specifications and field inspection procedures in order to accommodate for warranty specifications, which they may initially oppose due to feeling like they’re losing control over the project – an understandable response in an environment characterized by low bid, prescriptive specifications.
Bonding requirements have been reduced for projects with long-term performance warranties through various strategies, including straight-line depreciation stepped bonding, variable-level bonding, and incentive provisions that reward contractors who demonstrate exceptional performance. Agencies should also specify their maintenance responsibilities during this warranty period.
The agency must also outline clear criteria for measuring pavement distress. Ideally, these should be determined using properties routinely measured as part of an agency’s Pavement Management System or subjective distress evaluations by contractors and agencies working together. Finally, specifications should be provided for remedial work during warranty periods.