You need a new driveway, or maybe your old one's seen better days, and you're thinking about getting it paved or repaired. Great. But finding the right asphalt contractor can feel like a guessing game. You don't want to throw money at a shoddy job that'll fall apart in a year, especially with our crazy Missouri weather.
I've been in this business a long time, and I've seen it all. Here's what you need to know to make sure you're hiring a pro, not a fly-by-night outfit.
Questions to Ask Every Contractor
When you're talking to a potential contractor, don't be shy. You're hiring them, so you've got every right to ask tough questions. Their answers, or lack thereof, will tell you a lot.
- Are you licensed and insured? This is non-negotiable. They should have general liability insurance and workers' compensation. Ask for proof. If they can't show it, walk away. You don't want to be on the hook if someone gets hurt on your property or if they damage something.
- How long have you been in business? Experience matters. A company that's been around for a while, especially in Columbia, has a reputation to uphold.
- Can you provide local references? Ask for three, and actually call them. Ask about the quality of work, if they finished on time, and if there were any unexpected costs.
- What's your warranty? A good contractor stands behind their work. Get the warranty details in writing. What does it cover? How long does it last?
- What's your paving process? They should be able to explain it clearly. How do they prepare the base? What kind of asphalt mix do they use? How thick will the new asphalt be? For residential driveways, you're usually looking for 2-3 inches of compacted asphalt over a good base.
- Who will be doing the work? Your crew or subcontractors? It's not necessarily a deal-breaker if they use subs, but you should know who's going to be on your property.
- When can you start and finish? Get a realistic timeline.
What to Look For in a Quote
Don't just compare the bottom line. A cheap quote often means cheap work. A good quote will be detailed, not just a single number.
- Detailed Scope of Work: It should clearly outline everything they're going to do. This means prep work (excavation, grading, base material), asphalt type and thickness, drainage considerations, and any clean-up.
- Material Specifications: What type of asphalt mix are they using? How many tons? How thick will the compacted asphalt be?
- Payment Schedule: Reputable contractors usually don't ask for 100% up front. A common setup is a deposit to secure the job and materials, with the balance due upon satisfactory completion. Be wary of anyone asking for a huge percentage upfront.
- Permits: For some larger jobs, especially if drainage is impacted or you're expanding your driveway, permits might be required by the city of Columbia. The quote should clarify who's responsible for pulling them.
- Warranty Information: As I mentioned, get it in writing.
Red Flags You Can't Ignore
These are the signs that should make you hit the brakes.
- Door-to-door solicitations: Someone knocking on your door saying they just finished a job down the street and have leftover asphalt? Don't fall for it. This is a classic scam.
- Cash-only deals: If they only accept cash, that's a huge red flag. It usually means they're trying to avoid taxes and operating under the radar.
- No written contract: Never, ever agree to work without a detailed, written contract.
- High-pressure sales tactics: