7 Questions To Ask Commercial Paving Contractors

If you’re looking to pave or repave your Florida business’s parking lot, hiring the best commercial paving contractors is crucial. A professional parking lot paving company can provide the expertise to ensure you get durable, long-lasting asphalt surfaces that enhance your property and withstand years of traffic.

At Quality Parking Lot Maintenance, our area of specialization is commercial asphalt paving. We provide services for commercial business centers, apartment and residential communities, restaurants, hospitals, schools or just about any type of commercial property in Florida.

We provide asphalt parking lot paving and repairs for our clients, and asphalt has many advantages. Properly installed asphalt has a long lifespan and requires little to no maintenance. You will need to seal coat the parking lot every few years, and we can provide this service.

Asphalt can be installed more quickly than other materials and tends to be far less expensive to install and maintain. While asphalt is typically your best bet for paving materials, if you currently have an asphalt parking lot that seems prone to cracking or other issues, we can provide you with excavation and investigation services to find the root of the problems. Our commercial asphalt experts will then provide you with a solution to the problem.

While we certainly hope you will choose our paving services, with the huge impact paving has on your budget, operations and property aesthetics, we know you will want to research contractors thoroughly. Here are seven questions to ask during the vetting process:

1. Are You Insured & Licensed?

Reputable paving companies carry general liability insurance, worker’s compensation, and any required state/city licenses for contractors. Ask for certificates of insurance and confirm licensing before work starts – this protects you from liability for injuries or accidents on your property.

2. Can I see Examples of Your Past Paving Work?

Quality contractors should have an online portfolio showing various paving projects they’ve completed. Seeing photos will give you a feel for their work quality and skills handling sites comparable to yours. On-site examples are even better. Drive by current or past projects and examine factors like surface smoothness, drainage, striping quality, and curb work.

3. What Asphalt Mix Will You Use?

Not all pavement mix is equal - a higher-quality, durable mix will last longer but cost more upfront. Discuss the options suitable for your region’s weather, traffic volumes, and soil. A contractor proposing lower-cost mixes prone to early degradation may not have your best interests in mind long-term.

4. How Will You Prepare The Underlying Base?

Proper base prep work is crucial for long-lasting asphalt surfaces. Ask how the contractor will prepare and compact the gravel base, check for proper drainage, and handle issues like old, cracked pavement removal. Poor base work often leads to premature asphalt failures.

5. What Is Your Paving Schedule & Timeline?

Ask when the contractor can start and finish your project. Ensure the schedule works for any required business closures or parking needs. Also, find out if they have other large projects scheduled concurrently - you don’t want your paving delayed for other customers. Get expected timeframes in writing.

6. How Long Is Your Warranty & What Is Covered?

Reputable paving companies will guarantee workmanship on new paving for 1-5 years. Understand what defects like cracking or crumbling are covered and for how long. Who pays for repairs under warranty (contractor or manufacturer)? Get warranty terms in the written contract.

7. Can You Provide 3-5 Referrals From Past Clients?

References can give you candid reviews of a contractor’s work. Ask for 3-5 referrals and call them. Ask previous customers if projects were completed on time and within budget. Did the contractor stand behind any warranty issues? Would they use the company again? Beware contractors unwilling to provide references.

Following Up After Contractor Interviews

Once you’ve vetted several commercial paving contractors using these questions, compare bids and materials. Weigh factors like experience, workmanship warranties, and customer reviews.

A mid-priced estimate using top-tier materials from an established local company may be your best bet, but in some cases, the higher bid may be the best option. As the saying goes, you tend to get what you pay for, and if you want paving that lasts long-term, it can be best to opt for the most qualified company even if that means paying a bit more.

Be sure to get all project requirements, costs, timelines, and specifications in a written contract with no vague language. Also document any verbal promises made like specific warranty terms and post-project site cleanup commitments. Taking the time to thoroughly vet and hire the right paving company will pay dividends for years through quality workmanship and professional service.

Call Us For Your Asphalt Paving Project!

Your Florida property deserves the highest quality asphalt paving services tailored to your needs. Quality Parking Lot Maintenance offers years of experience, high-performance paving materials and proven results enhancing commercial properties across the state.

Our team of commercial paving contractors can provide you with many services including asphalt parking lot installation, asphalt parking lot repair, sealcoating parking lots, line striping, milling and more. We are located in Tampa and provide services for businesses throughout Florida. Contact us today for a free cost estimate for your parking project!