A paving project is a substantial investment for property owners in Minneapolis, MN and beyond. It goes without saying; hiring the right paving contractor is critical, so you get the best value possible for the hard-earned money you will be investing.
At The Pavement Group, we stand behind our work and provide you with recommendations that make it easy for you to decide what solution is right for your situation and budget. And we also like to educate our clients, so they have greater control over their paving project. Today, we will teach you the most important questions to ask your paving contractor before proceeding with your next project. You may also click here to learn more about our paving process.
How Long Have You Been Doing This?
Installing a new parking lot looks simple. You remove the existing surface, clean the milled surface, lay some tack, and start paving. However, it is much more complicated than it looks.
Even with a parking lot, you have to develop the right design and project management strategy and choose suitable materials. And these are just a few of the considerations. This is why you need an experienced paving contractor to work with.
So ask how long they have been in business. If they have only been around a couple of years, you might consider looking elsewhere. Unless, of course, they have hired an experienced crew. The benefit of professional local contractors is that they are well aware of local building codes, weather conditions, and other pavement specific requirements for your area. What works in Florida will not necessarily work in Minnesota.
How Will You Complete This Project?
This follows from the previous point. A professional and experienced paving contractor is one who is willing to discuss the entire process with you. If you don’t know what’s going on, you will never get the maximum value from your paving project.
So, find a contractor who is willing to help you learn the process and guide you through every step. This is also an excellent time to see if the contractor’s way of thinking and working aligns with your business values or not.
What Are Your Specialties?
Not all paving contractors do the same things. Some are experts in installing driveways, while others specialize in parking lots. Still, others deal with mostly maintenance and repairs. Which means you have to find a contractor who can offer specific services. Are you looking for asphalt paving, concrete paving, or asphalt maintenance services like crack sealing and sealcoating?
Contractors usually provide a list of services they offer on their website. Still, it is never a bad idea to ask what they specialize in.
How Long Will It Take?
Any experienced contractor will be able to give you a reasonable timeline on paving projects. Also, ask the contractor how they handle delays due to weather or any unforeseen circumstances. Having a process in place to take care of the things that come up is critical to running a successful paving business. It is also essential to you having a great customer experience.
How Much Will It Cost?
Finally, and most importantly, you should only work with a contractor who is transparent about all costs and fees related to the paving job. No one likes hidden charges that can completely throw off the final total and exceed your budget.
These are the top 5 questions that can help you get started in the right direction with your paving contractor. You may also click here to learn more about The Pavement Group and our services for commercial asphalt and concrete work in Minneapolis, MN and across the US.