Before having any paving work done on your home, business, or property, it’s important to do your research and know what you should be looking for in a paving company. There are an increasing number of “fly-by-night” companies that drive around soliciting work from homeowners and business owners, often leaving them with crumbling surfaces within a year. There are some things you should know before making a decision on your paving company.
Follow local regulatory standards.
It’s the law, and it ensures you get a quality product. They should know these standards and be able to prove they’re following them.
Place an adequate amount of asphalt and provide explanation for amount.
Many companies will try to get away with placing less asphalt than required. This will lead to failure of the road surface.
Provide you with references. They should have a list of happy, local customers to share with you.
Work around your schedule and give you adequate time to make your decision.
Pressure sales are a common tactic for fly-by-night paving companies. They will often say that they can do it at a reduced price, but it has to be now.
Have safety certifications. Ask for proof of their certifications.
Be located in or near your community. Local companies have invested in your community, and will be around in case something goes wrong down the road.
Provide proper base preparation before paving.
This is essential for the surface to survive over the long-term.
Provide a receipt for payment.
Cash deals are not traceable. Getting a receipt ensures that you have recourse should something go wrong.
Approach your door unsolicited.
This is the only way fly-by-night companies get business (instead of references, word of mouth, and a positive reputation).
Discourage you from researching them or checking references.
If a company brushes this off, that’s a sign that they have something to hide.
Offer to pave your property using leftover asphalt from other jobs, even at a discounted rate.
This is a common scam. No reputable company gets business this way. These companies can offer a discounted rate because they will place less asphalt than required, they do not have the proper skills or training, they are not properly assessing your needs, and their focus is on getting your hard-earned money.
Change their business name frequently.
In order to avoid BBB claims and lawsuits, fly-by-night companies will change their name frequently – at least every year, if not more often. It becomes impossible to track them down when something goes wrong.
Accept only cash payments.
This eliminates any paper trail and makes it almost impossible to prove you paid for their services.
Rush you into making a decision.
Pressures sales are the only way they can close their deals. A reputable company will provide a quote and give you ample time to make a decision.
If you’re a home or business owner, and you have questions about what makes a reputable paving company, give us a call. We’d be happy to talk to you about the difference that quality makes.
Remember: deals that sound too good to be true generally are.
