As spring approaches, it’s an excellent time to consider having your driveway, parking lot, or roadway paved. When researching contractors, a contractor’s reputation and reviews should be a top consideration.

Also, beware of pavers that quote a job over the phone without visiting your site in person. An in-person inspection will allow the paver to see the condition of the blacktop and create a more accurate estimate.

Reputation

One bad online review can cost asphalt paving contractors a lot of business. Unhappy customers are far more likely to post online reviews than happy ones are. That’s why a solid reputation management system is crucial for paving companies. Luckily, many make it easy for paving contractors to collect positive online reviews directly from clients.

This helps potential clients get a better idea of the quality of work that can be expected and also allows them to understand precisely what is included in their estimate. In addition, an extensive collection of positive online reviews helps boost a paving company’s visibility on search engines like Google. This is particularly important for asphalt paving companies that lack an online footprint.

Experience

An asphalt contractor with a lot of experience will have an easier time creating a more accurate estimate for your project. This is because they will have a better understanding of your specific requirements, such as the amount of prep work required for your job site and what the best solution may be for your unique situation.

Experience means “familiarity with something based on repeated past acquaintance or performance.” An experienced doctor or soldier knows their trade, not just by reading books but through extensive practice in different circumstances. A professional contractor will also be familiar with the local paving conditions, which can influence the cost of your project in various ways. For example, the price of oil increases or decreases over months before the corresponding change in the asphalt index is felt locally. Moreover, you can also call the local paving company to request on-site paving estimates Granger IN so you can plan your driveway renovation project.

Equipment

A quality paving job requires the right equipment to ensure proper compaction and avoid aggregate segregation. Using the wrong tools can result in an uneven surface that won’t last long.

Newer paving equipment offers more advanced features and improved efficiency than older models, providing better value in the long run. Purchasing used equipment may cost less upfront, but hidden maintenance costs can quickly outweigh initial savings.

Estimating asphalt and concrete paving projects can be complex, especially when dealing with multiple sections, pricing indexes, and 3D modeling. Civil construction bidding software allows paving contractors to go paperless and improve the accuracy of their estimates. It can also help to track field production and project management data so that you can get accurate bids out faster.

Insurance

Estimating costs for paving projects is a complex process. Many factors impact the estimate, and a single misstep can have significant consequences. To ensure that you’re getting a fair and accurate assessment, ask your contractor about their insurance coverage.

Also, double-check all of the estimated inputs against your project specifications. This will help you avoid any unexpected fees later on. In addition, it’s essential to work with an experienced paving contractor in Granger, IN, who can visit your site and see the project in person. This will give them a better understanding of what’s needed and how long the job will take. Then, they can create an estimate that will meet your needs. This way, you’re not left with surprises when it comes time to pay the bill.

Customer Service

Providing quality customer service is essential for a successful business. There are many types of customer service, from an e-commerce website offering a chatbot to answer common questions to an asphalt contractor sending a client a postcard about upcoming road closures.

Experienced contractors know how to estimate projects accurately, including preparing the necessary base layers and wearing courses, and can determine the optimal mix of materials for your specific project needs. They also know how to factor in unforeseen circumstances, such as drainage requirements and permits, which can affect pricing.

The first step in creating a quality paving estimate is to inspect the worksite onsite. This allows for accurate measurements and helps the contractor understand what will be needed to complete the job, eliminating unforeseen costs later.