You need a new driveway, a parking lot paved, or some serious asphalt repair. Great. But how do you pick someone you can trust? It’s not like you hire an asphalt contractor every day. I’ve been in this business a long time, right here in Lafayette, and I’ve seen it all – good jobs, bad jobs, and everything in between. Here’s what you need to know to make sure you get a solid, lasting job for your money.
What Questions Should You Ask?
Don't just get a price. Get answers. These questions will tell you a lot about the contractor you're talking to:
How long have you been in business? A new company isn't necessarily bad, but experience counts in this trade. Someone who's been around for a decade or more, especially in our Colorado climate with its freeze-thaw cycles, knows what they're doing.
Can you provide references? And don't just take their word for it. Call those references. Ask about the quality of work, how they handled issues, and if they finished on time and on budget.
What kind of warranty do you offer? A reputable contractor will stand behind their work. A good warranty, typically one to two years, shows they're confident in their craftsmanship. Get it in writing.
What's your process from start to finish? This helps you understand what to expect. They should explain everything: excavation, base prep, asphalt layers, compaction, and cleanup. If they can't clearly articulate their process, that's a red flag.
Who will be doing the actual work? Your crew or subcontractors? It's not always a deal-breaker if they use subs, but you need to know who's responsible and if those subs are insured and experienced.
What to Look For in a Quote
A quote isn't just a number. It's a detailed breakdown of the work. If it's just a single line item, walk away. Here’s what a good quote from someone like Diamond Asphalt will include:
Detailed Scope of Work: It should clearly state what they're doing. Is it just an overlay, or are they tearing out the old asphalt and putting in a new base? What's the thickness of the asphalt layers? Specifics matter.
Material Specifications: What kind of asphalt mix are they using? What's the aggregate size? This might sound technical, but it shows they're using proper materials, especially important for areas with heavy traffic or poor drainage.
Preparation Work: This is crucial. A good base is everything. The quote should detail excavation, grading, compacting the subgrade, and the type and thickness of the aggregate base material they'll use. If they skimp here, your asphalt won't last, especially with our expansive clay soils around places like Indian Peaks.
Drainage Plan: How will water shed off the paved surface? Proper drainage prevents standing water, which is a major cause of asphalt deterioration. This should be addressed.
Payment Schedule: A reasonable payment schedule usually involves a down payment (often 10-25%), progress payments, and a final payment upon satisfactory completion. Be wary of anyone asking for 50% or more upfront, or full payment before the job even starts.
Inclusions and Exclusions: What's included in the price? What isn't? Things like traffic control, permits, or specific cleanup tasks should be clear.
Red Flags You Can't Ignore
Some things should make you hit the brakes immediately:
Door-to-door solicitations: Be very suspicious of someone knocking on your door saying they just finished a job down the street and have leftover material. This is a classic scam. They'll often do a quick, shoddy job with inferior materials.
Cash-only deals or huge discounts for immediate decisions: This screams shady. Legitimate businesses don't operate like this. They're trying to avoid taxes and accountability.
No written contract or vague agreements: If it's not in writing, it doesn't exist. Period. A handshake won't protect you if things go wrong.
Lack of proper identification or company branding: If their trucks are unmarked, their crew looks unkempt, or they can't produce business cards or company info, that's a bad sign. Professional contractors look professional.
Pressure tactics: Anyone pushing you to sign immediately or offering a deal that's