Picking an asphalt contractor for your driveway or parking lot isn't like buying groceries. You're making a big investment, and you want it done right. As someone who's been in this business in Westminster for years, I've seen the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. I'm going to lay out exactly what you need to know to make a smart choice.
Questions to Ask Every Contractor
When you're talking to potential contractors, don't be shy. You're interviewing them, not the other way around. Here are some key questions you absolutely need to ask:
- How long have you been in business under this name? This isn't just about experience; it's about stability. A company that's been around for a while is more likely to stand behind their work.
- Can you provide references from recent jobs in Westminster? And I mean *recent* and *local*. Don't just take their word for it; call those folks. Ask them about the contractor's communication, timeliness, and how they handled any issues.
- What's your process for this specific job? Make them walk you through it. For a driveway, that means excavation, base preparation, asphalt layers, compaction, and cleanup. If they gloss over details, that's a red flag.
- What kind of warranty do you offer, and what does it cover? A good contractor will offer at least a one-year warranty on materials and workmanship. Get it in writing.
- Are you licensed and insured? This is non-negotiable. They should have general liability insurance and workers' compensation. Ask for proof, and don't just accept a verbal 'yes.'
- Who will be doing the actual work? Your employees or subcontractors? If they use subs, ask about their vetting process. You want to know who's on your property.
What to Look For in a Quote
Don't just compare the bottom line. A cheap quote often means cheap work or corners cut. A good quote should be detailed, not just a single number. Here's what I expect to see:
- Detailed Scope of Work: It should clearly describe everything included – excavation depth, base material type and thickness, asphalt mix type (e.g., hot mix asphalt), number of asphalt layers, and their compacted thickness. If it just says 'new driveway,' that's not enough.
- Materials Specified: What kind of aggregate base are they using? What's the asphalt mix design? You don't need to be an expert, but you want to see that they've thought about it.
- Timeline: When do they expect to start, and how long will it take? Weather in Westminster can be tricky, especially with those afternoon storms in the summer, so understand how that might affect the schedule.
- Payment Schedule: A reputable contractor won't ask for 50% or more upfront. Typically, it's a deposit (10-20%), a progress payment, and then the final payment upon satisfactory completion. Never pay in full before the job is done.
- Cleanup Plan: How will they handle debris, dirt, and old asphalt? You don't want to be left with a mess.
- Permits: For larger jobs, permits might be required by the city of Westminster. The quote should mention who is responsible for pulling them.
Red Flags You Can't Ignore
Your gut feeling is important, but there are also concrete signs that scream 'run away!':
- Door-to-door solicitations: