Alright, you need some asphalt work done on your driveway, parking lot, or whatever else. Good for you for doing your homework before just picking the first name you find online. I’ve seen plenty of folks in Philly get taken for a ride by shady operators, and I don't want that to happen to you. So, let's talk about how to hire a legitimate asphalt contractor who'll do the job right.
Questions to Ask Every Contractor
When you're talking to these guys, don't be shy. You're spending your hard-earned money, so you've got every right to ask tough questions. Here's what I'd want to know if I were in your shoes:
How long have you been in business? This isn't just about age; it's about stability, really. A company that's been around for a decade or more, especially in a tough market like Philadelphia, has likely built a reputation and knows what they're doing.
Can you provide references? And not just one or two, either. Ask for three to five recent customers you can actually call. If they hem and haw, that's a red flag right there.
What's your process for this specific job? Don't let them give you some vague answer. For a driveway, for example, I'd expect to hear about excavation depth, the base material (like crushed concrete or aggregate), compaction, asphalt layers, and how they'll handle drainage. A good contractor will explain the steps clearly.
What kind of warranty do you offer? Any reputable company stands behind its work. You want at least a one-year warranty on materials and labor. Get it in writing.
Who will actually be doing the work? Your crew or subcontractors? It's not necessarily a deal-breaker if they use subs, but you need to know. If it's subs, ask about their experience and how the main contractor supervises them.
What permits are needed, and who gets them? For bigger jobs, the city might require permits. Make sure they know this and that they're responsible for pulling them. You don't want to be on the hook for code violations later, right?
Decoding the Quote: What to Look For
You'll get a few quotes, and they're probably going to look different. Don't just compare the bottom line. You need to compare what's actually included. Here's what a good quote should detail:
Scope of Work: This should be specific. ---