Paving roads and sidewalks is not as simple as you might think. Not only are there specific ways to pour the concrete on the sidewalk but also special equipment for this kind of job. It’s the reason it’s wiser to leave the work to professional paving contractors.
But, before you hire someone to pave your driveway or the basement parking of your office building in Kansas City, there a few things you should consider first. If this is the first time that you’re hiring a paving contractor, then chances are you don’t know what to tick off on your checklist. Here’s a short guide to make things easier for you.
1. Canvas contracting companies
Don’t hire the first contractor you talk to. Make it a habit to canvas other companies first because you won’t know if you have the best deal in front of you if you settle right away.
So, go online, check out all the available contractors near your area, and see what their rates are. Then, ask around about these contractors and see if their previous outputs are great. You can ask your neighbors and friends. Don’t always rely on the testimonials you find on a contractor’s website.
2. Check for insurance coverage
Pavement work can be dangerous, so you should make sure that you’re protected while your contractor works on your property. Ask what kind of insurance they have. If it doesn’t protect you against any accidents and injuries incurred by your contractor throughout the duration of the project, try to get an extension on the coverage.
3. Check the materials
If you’re covering your driveway with asphalt, you should know that this material is notorious for being recycled several times. If the material that your contractor is using has been recycled a few times, ask them to replace it with higher-grade asphalt. Recycled asphalt can easily degrade, which means that you’ll probably have to renovate your driveway again in less than a year.
4. Ask about the crew
If you need your paving project to be completed quickly, you’ll need a large crew. Ask your contractor how many workers they will get for the job. Do some research online and check how many people you need for a particular paving job, so you’ll know what is enough for your project.
5. Inspect the equipment
You should also make sure that the equipment your contractor is going to use is in good condition. If the budget you’ve provided is not that big, they might choose equipment that’s a bit rundown to minimize the costs. That’s okay as long as the equipment is capable of finishing the job in time.
But, if your contractor’s equipment keeps breaking down, you run the risk of missing your deadline, which means a huge inconvenience and additional expenses to you. So, make sure that your contractor is using equipment that’s still working properly.
So, there you go. Listed above are the things you need to consider before you hire a contractor for your paving project. Hopefully, they will help you get the best people for the job.
