So, you need a new driveway or some serious asphalt repair, and now you’re trying to find someone to do the work. It's tough sometimes to tell the good guys from the bad, especially when you’re not in the paving business yourself. Trust me, I've been doing this for a long time here in Vancouver, and I've seen just about everything. Here’s what you really need to know to hire a legitimate, quality asphalt contractor.
What Questions Should You Ask?
Don't just get a price and shake hands. You’ve got to dig a little deeper than that. Here are the questions I’d ask if I were in your shoes:
- Are you licensed, bonded, and insured in Washington State? This isn't something you can skip. Ask for their Washington State contractor license number, then look it up online. If they hesitate or try to dodge the question, just walk away.
- How long have you been in business? Experience really matters. Someone who’s been around for a decade or more usually has a solid track record.
- Can you provide references from recent, local jobs? Don't just take their word for it, seriously. Call those references. Ask if the job finished on time, stayed on budget, and if they were happy with the quality of the work.
- What's your process for this specific job? For instance, if it’s a new driveway, ask about things like excavation, how they prepare the base, the asphalt layers, and compaction. A good contractor will explain it all clearly.
- What kind of warranty do you offer? Any reputable company will stand behind their work. Make sure you get that in writing.
- Who will actually be doing the work? Your own crew or subcontractors? It's not necessarily a deal-breaker if they use subs, but you need to know who’s responsible and who you’ll be dealing with day-to-day.
- How do you handle unexpected issues? Sometimes you start digging into a driveway and find old tree roots or bad soil that needs extra work. How do they tell you about that, and what’s their process for change orders?
What to Look For in a Quote
A quote isn't just a number, you know? It's a detailed breakdown of the work. If you get a one-line email with just a price, that's a big red flag right there. Here’s what a good quote should include:
- Detailed Scope of Work: It should clearly list everything they're going to do. For example,