Alright, let's talk about hiring an asphalt contractor. I see a lot of folks around Lafayette get taken for a ride, or end up with a shoddy job because they didn't know what to look for. It's not rocket science, but there are definitely some things you need to know to protect your investment. You're putting good money into your property, whether it's a new driveway for your Old Town home or a parking lot for your business off Baseline. Let's make sure it's done right.
What Questions Should You Be Asking?
When you've got a contractor on your property, don't be shy. This is your chance to vet them. Here’s what I’d be asking:
Are you licensed and insured in Colorado? This is non-negotiable. Don't just take their word for it; ask for proof. General liability and workers' compensation are critical. If someone gets hurt on your property and they're not covered, guess who's on the hook? You are.
How long have you been doing asphalt work specifically? Not just general construction, but asphalt. It's a specialized trade. Someone who's been doing it for years, especially in our climate with the freeze-thaw cycles we get, knows the nuances.
Can you provide local references? And I mean recent ones. Call those people. Ask them about the quality of the work, if the crew was professional, if they stayed on budget, and if they cleaned up properly.
What's your process for this specific job? Get them to walk you through it. For a new driveway, are they excavating properly? What about the base material? How thick will the asphalt be? For repairs, how do they prep the area? A good contractor will explain it clearly without making you feel dumb.
What kind of warranty do you offer? If they don't offer one, or it's super vague, that's a red flag. A reputable company stands behind their work.
Decoding the Quote: What to Look For
You'll get a few quotes, which is smart. But don't just compare the bottom line. The cheapest isn't always the best, and often it's the most expensive in the long run. Here’s what a good quote should include:
Detailed Scope of Work: It should clearly state what they're doing.