It's important to choose a qualified, dependable, contractor for any job. On relatively small construction jobs such as residential driveways and small parking lots, it is very important that a reputable, competent contractor be chosen. And, since smaller businesses and private homeowners generally do not have the benefit of strict specifications, trained inspectors, and the technical expertise that government contracting agencies have at their disposal to control the project, these tips may be helpful toward selecting a reliable contractor and obtaining the best possible results.
| Select a contractor known for high-quality work and that has an established reputation in the community. |
| Verify the contractor's insurance coverage (and licensing if required in your state) |
| Use our specification guidelines to help prepare yourself as an educated consumer. |
| If you obtain proposals from more than one contractor, ensure that all are bidding on the same type of mix and construction. In order that true and valid comparisons can be made, all proposals should cover the same quantities. |
| When discussing a paving project, be sure that the thickness agreed upon is finished compacted thickness. |
| Visit pavement projects by the prospective contractor(s) and talk with the owners of the projects. |
| Insist on a written contract or agreement, in addition to any guarantee offered by the contractor. |
| If you are unable to verify references and reputation, if possible, make provision to retain some portion of the payment due the contractor until there is complete satisfaction with the quality of the finished driveway. It is customary for payment for smaller projects to be due "upon completion". However retaining a portion of final payment for 15-30 days would not be unheard of if a contractor can't provide references of his reputation for quality. |
The fastest and easiest way to locate a professional,
pre-qualified, pavement contractor for commercial, residential, or governmental
work is through the free on-line searchable database at PavementPro.com the...
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