So, you need some asphalt work done. Maybe it’s a brand-new driveway, or perhaps you’re patching up an old one that’s seen better days. That’s a big investment, no doubt, and you want it done right. But how do you pick the right contractor when there are so many folks out there? It’s not always easy to tell the good ones from the ones who’ll cut corners, is it? As someone who’s been in this business for years here in Pasco, I’ve truly seen it all. Here’s what I tell my neighbors and friends to look for.
What Should You Ask Them?
Don't be shy. You're paying good money for this, so you've got every right to ask tough questions. A good contractor won't mind; actually, they’ll probably appreciate that you’re doing your homework.
- Are you licensed, bonded, and insured in Washington State? This one’s non-negotiable. If they can't show you current proof, just walk away. Licensing protects you from shoddy work, bonding means there's a financial guarantee if they don't finish the job, and insurance covers accidents on your property. You certainly don't want to be on the hook if someone gets hurt.
- How long have you been in business? Experience really matters. A company that's been around for a while, especially in our local climate with those hot summers and freezing winters, knows how to lay asphalt that actually lasts.
- Can you provide local references? Ask for contact info for a few recent jobs, ideally ones similar to yours. And then call them! Ask if they were happy with the work, if the crew was professional, and if the job finished on time and on budget.
- Who will be doing the work? Your own crew or subcontractors? Some companies sub out everything. That's not always a bad thing, but you need to know who's actually going to be on your property. Make sure they're also properly insured, by the way.
- What's your warranty? A reputable contractor will stand behind their work. Get the warranty in writing, and make sure you understand what it covers and for how long.
- How do you prepare the site? This is absolutely crucial. Proper site prep – things like grading, drainage, compacting the sub-base – that’s what makes asphalt last. If they gloss over this part, consider it a big red flag.
Decoding the Quote: What to Look For
You'll probably get a few quotes, hopefully. Don't just pick the cheapest one. Look at what's actually included in the price. A good quote isn't just a number; it’s a detailed breakdown of everything.
- Detailed Scope of Work: It should clearly state exactly what they're going to do. Is it just paving? Does it include excavation, grading, base rock, and compaction? How many inches of asphalt? What type of asphalt mix will they use?
- Materials Used: They should specify the type and quantity of materials. For example, how many inches of compacted aggregate base, and how many inches of compacted hot mix asphalt.
- Timeline: When do they expect to start and finish? What happens if there are delays?
- Payment Schedule: A reputable contractor won't ask for 100% upfront. Typically, it's a deposit, then progress payments, with the final payment due upon satisfactory completion. Don't pay in full until you're happy with the job, okay?
- Cleanup: What's their plan for cleaning up the site afterward? You certainly don't want to be left with a mess.
- Permits: For larger jobs, permits might be required by the city or county. Who is responsible for pulling those? Make sure that's clear from the start.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Trust your gut here. If something feels off, it probably is.
- Door-to-door solicitations: Be very wary of contractors who show up unannounced, especially if they claim to have