Asphalt is quite literally the glue that holds America’s infrastructure together. From sea to shining sea, paved roads, driveways and parking lots have been essential for traveling and for helping to keep the economy operating by allowing commerce to flow smoothly. If you need any type of asphalt service for your personal driveway, parking lot, or any other type of job, locating the right contractor is essential.
What A Good Contractor Offers and What You Should Be Looking For
1: Speed and Reliability
Asphalt companies are a dime a dozen, from driveway pavers and sealers to state-contracted road crews. The best contractors offer plenty of speed and reliability. For instance, you may own a fast-food franchise and need the parking lot paved. Closing down for more than a day or two would seriously affect the business, so a contractor that can work very quickly is a must. The best contractors also offer guarantees and warranties for their work, so you should never settle for less.
2: A Solid Reputation
Good asphalt companies cannot stay hidden, so you’re not going to find the proverbial jewel in the rough; i.e. a company that doesn’t have a lot of buzz yet provides the best work. The fact of the matter is that the best companies have a track record of completing the best work, and you will be able to sniff them out easily.
3: High-Quality, Lasting Product(s)
There are different types of asphalt, different concentrations, different compositions, etc. When it comes to the best fit for you, you want a contractor that’s using high-quality products that are guaranteed to stand up to wear and tear. Cheaper, diluted products used by some companies may only last a season.
4: A Fair Market Price
While you may pay a bit more for superior work, the best asphalt contractors still offer very competitive rates. They’re looking for your business, and they won’t price themselves out of the market just because they offer a higher level of work. E.g.: If the price is too high, you might want to move on, and if it’s too low, you should be suspicious. Solid companies compete around the median.
Tips for Locating the Best Asphalt Contractor For Your Needs
1: Start Your Search Locally
To actually locate the asphalt contractor that meets the abovementioned criteria, start your search by looking around your immediate town, county and city. You can use the old-fashioned Yellow Pages, or you can search online using keywords that include your town’s name and “asphalt company,” “best asphalt contractor,” etc.
2: Compile a Top List
According to Brite Line Asphalt Maintenance, Inc., even in mid-sized locations, you’re going to find an assortment of different asphalt contractors offering different services. They say, “Take a few minutes to check them out according to their ratings and put together a list of the top five or so. This is a general sweep of what’s good; to find what’s best, you’re going to narrow that list down.”
3: Research References
You can start to narrow that list by checking for actual references. Rather than believing any website reviews offered by the company, dig deeper and check with individuals who have actually used the asphalt service in question. With a little digging, you will be able to find people who have had their driveways paved, their parking lots sealed, etc, and you will see what they really have to say about the service.
4: Look At Personal Company Info
After you’ve whittled the list down and feel comfortable with an asphalt contractor (or perhaps more than one), you should search the Better Business Bureau to ensure that the company is licensed and insured. You will also be able to find brand information by going this route, such as complaints filed, lawsuits, etc.
The right contractor for you is going to offer high-quality work at a speedy rate and for a fair price. With a little research, you should be able to find this contractor locally and get the job done in a hurry.
