What to Look for in an Asphalt Contractor

Asphalt Paving Maintenance Company Grand Rapids, MI Contractors

It can cost a lot of money to pave or repair pavement. As such, it's important that you hire a reputable asphalt contractor. This will help ensure quality, long-lasting results for your project.

A contractor that's inexperienced or sloppy may make mistakes during installation. If this happens, your pavement will fail before the end of its natural lifespan. Not only is this a waste of money, but it's a waste of time.

We don't want you to spend money on inferior work.

Here's what to look for in an asphalt contractor.

BBB Accreditation

BBB stands for the Better Business Bureau. This organization focuses on building relationships between businesses and customers. A business with an accreditation from the BBB has agreed to uphold certain ethical standards established by the BBB and other professional organizations.

In other words, a BBB accreditation is your safeguard against dishonest contractors. A-1 Asphalt has been BBB accredited since 2000.

Equipment Ownership

You're more likely to get a reliable quote from an asphalt company who owns their own equipment. That's because they don't have to rely on third parties for equipment rental.

Also, keep in mind that the cost of equipment rental is always fluctuating. This means that the estimate the company gives you may not be what you pay.

Our advice? Get rid of any surprises expenses in your estimate. Ask the contractor if they own their equipment and move on if they say, "no."

Relevant Experience

Each project brings unique challenges. That's why you need to hire an asphalt contractor who has experience with your type of job. For example, a driveway contractor won't have the experience you need to handle a parking lot job. There's a big difference between residential and commercial asphalt projects.

Likewise, it's not a good idea to hire a contractor who has little to no experience at all. Your asphalt pavement is not someone else's learning experience. You want to hire someone who's already an expert at what they do. For example, A-1 Asphalt has been serving clients in Greater Grand Rapids for over 30 years.

Positive Google Reviews

For many people, hiring an asphalt contractor starts with a Google search. Look for a contractor that's near you that has a high number of positive reviews. A four or five-star rating is more meaningful if a contractor has over 100 reviews, versus only three.

If a company only has a handful of reviews, it's more likely that they're from friends or family members of the owner. In other words, the glowing reviews are most likely fake. Sometimes, dishonest contractors will even create fake accounts to write their own reviews.

While Google reviews can be helpful, always remember to take them with a grain of salt. It's inevitable that a company will have negative reviews. But it's how they deal with them that reveals their commitment to customer service.

Client References

Ask the contractor for a list of client references and make sure they're relevant to the type of work you want done. Past clients will usually be honest with you about the quality of work you can expect from a contractor. They may also help you identify red flags before you sign a contract.

Proof of Insurance

If an asphalt contractor isn't insured, they could hold you liable for any injuries that happen on the job. Asphalt paving and operating heavy equipment carries a certain level of risk. As such, it's vital that the contractor protects their crew with the proper amount of insurance.

Learn More:The Importance of Asphalt Paving Safety →

Request a Free Estimate with A-1 Asphalt, Inc.

A-1 Asphalt, Inc. is a reputable asphalt contractor serving Greater Grand Rapids, MI. As such, we'd be more than happy to help you with your next project.

To request a free estimate, please call A-1 Asphalt, Inc. at (800) 871-4401. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.

This blog post has been updated.