A paving contractor is a professional who is responsible for preparing and laying asphalt or concrete surfaces on roads, parking lots and driveways. They also perform repairs and maintenance to these areas.
Typically, paving contractors use large machinery to complete their work. They often operate an excavator to dig out large areas and a tamping machine to flatten dirt and gravel surfaces. They may also use dump trucks or tractors to haul away the paved materials as they work.
Paving work involves the placement and compaction of asphalt or concrete to form an even surface that is resistant to deterioration, damage and cracking. The paving contractor must consider the type of soil and other conditions at the site to ensure that the pavement will be long-lasting.
The paving contractor should also make sure that the asphalt or concrete mix is properly prepared before it is poured. This includes working closely with the producer of the HMA to determine the correct mix temperature for the particular project, and managing the paving process to avoid segregation and other problems that could cause damage to the pavement.
It is a good idea to ask a potential paving contractor about the kind of services they offer, as well as their licensing and insurance. They should be able to provide you with a written document that details their qualifications and experience.
If they don’t have these things, it is a big red flag. It means that they are not licensed, and you could be left footing the bill if something goes wrong.
Some paving contractors might also try to get you to pay more for their services than you actually need. This can happen when they give you an unrealistically low quote. You should be able to tell if the contractor is not honest with you by asking for proof of their license, insurance and bonding.
A reputable paving contractor will provide assurances to you about their ability to meet all of your needs, including performance and durability. They should be able to answer your questions and explain how their process works, as well as what kind of material they use.
They should also show up on time for appointments and communicate with you regularly about the progress of your project. This way, you will have an up-to-date picture of how the paving is coming along.
Whether or not the contractor has a reputation for high-quality work is another thing to consider. You should check their credentials and reviews online, and make sure they have a solid customer base.
Finally, you should consider their past projects. The best paving contractors will have a track record of doing a great job for their clients. They should be able to provide references and testimonials, as well as a clear list of projects they have worked on in the past year or so.
If a paving contractor is not able to provide you with these types of guarantees, it is probably not the right company for your project. They might be trying to cut corners and skimp on the quality of their work, or they might not have a strong enough business model to keep up with all of your requests.