Whether you manage a small location or a massive complex, finding the right contractors to repair, maintain, and improve your facility can feel like an uphill battle. Not only must you consider your budgetary and scheduling needs – you also want whoever you hire to show up on time, do what they say they’ll do, and ensure quality results. Fortunately, hiring contractors is no longer as much of a roll of the dice as it once was. On the other hand, the pool of candidates across all industries has grown significantly, making it more challenging to find the diamonds in the rough. With all that in mind, here are some tips for finding an asphalt paving contractor you can rely on every step of the way.
Do Your Homework
Most of us rely on reviews before making major purchases – it only makes sense to do the same before hiring an asphalt paving contractor. Seeing what previous customers have to say about a particular contractor gives you a window into what you might expect in terms of communication, cost, transparency, efficiency, quality, and more. Even reading a handful of reviews and testimonials can help you narrow the field. It’s also wise to seek pictures of a contractor’s work to see some concrete (no pun intended) evidence of their expertise. Beyond online reviews, you can further uncover a provider’s reputation by asking for references from trusted sources.
Know What You Need
Hiring a reliable asphalt paving contractor becomes much easier when you know precisely what you’re looking for. In addition to a stellar reputation, the company you hire should offer the specific services your facility requires, whether that’s pothole and trench repair, drain installation, milling, and reclamation, etc. You should also consider the size of your facility and the scope of your project before hiring anyone. After all, some providers might be better suited for smaller-scale operations, while others have the resources for larger projects. Your business’ budget plays a role here as well. Simply put, the more you know about your particular project, the more you can narrow your search and find local contractors that seem fit for the job.
Ask Questions
As a facility manager, you’re an expert on your property and operations, not on asphalt paving. It only makes sense that you’ll have several questions for a given commercial paving company before bringing them on board. Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need before feeling comfortable moving forward, either. A trusted asphalt paving contractor should be happy to fill you in when you’re not sure about something. Indeed, if a contractor starts playing coy, this is a sign of a dishonest broker. Asking detailed questions will help you get a sense of a contractor’s expertise, communication skills, and honesty – it will also provide peace of mind.
Read a Contract Closely Before You Sign
Facility managers should already know this, but it’s worth reiterating: always read the whole contract before signing off on it. Even if you have no reason to believe a commercial paving company is out to take advantage of you, you want to double check that everything you agreed upon is reflected on paper. Doing your due diligence here will ensure accountability, secure your budget, and prevent any surprises or unexpected fees after the fact.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Once you’ve come across an asphalt and/or concrete paving company that meets or exceeds all your criteria, you won’t want to lose them. Do your future self a favor, and get a head start on scheduling. As we’ve mentioned, spring is the busy season for most asphalt companies, so it’s a good idea to claim your spot during the winter before it’s taken by someone else.
Cassidy Paving: An Asphalt Paving Contractor You Can Trust
It takes some time and effort to find reliable contractors, but it’s worth it in the end. At Cassidy Paving, we’re proud to have become the go-to asphalt paving provider for so many facilities in the New England area. Call us today at 866-978-9788 to learn why we’ve earned this distinction and to receive a free estimate on your next asphalt project.
