When you wish to have an area paved with asphalt, you will need to hire an experienced paving contractor. If you are paving an area with asphalt that will be used as a durable and permanent driveway and parking area, do your research and ask thorough questions to find a great paving contractor. 

Preliminary Research - Investigate all of the steps that are necessary to plan, prepare, pave, and finish a paving project similar to your project. Find out as much as you can about the process, supplies, estimates and costs involved. The more you know about the physical process of completing the task the better prepared you will be to interview a paving contractor. 

Properly Paved Driveways and Parking Areas  - The standard components of a strong and permanent paved driveway or parking area are as follows:  

  • A Graded and Compacted Soil Base - This base layer is usually 8 to 10 inches of soil that has been graded and compacted. The center of the soil base should be slightly mounded and any low spots should be filled in with additional soil so that water runoff will drain to the sides and not puddle on the finished paved area. 
  • A Layer of Sandy Soil - The next layer is composed of soil mixed with sand to facilitate proper drainage.
  • A Layer of Crushed Rock - The next layer is 4 to 8 inches deep and comprised of small rocks that are easily compressed with a drum roller to create a smooth and durable subsurface.  
  • A Final Layer of Asphalt Aggregate  - This final asphalt layer is 3 to 4 inches deep, depending on the size of the area and anticipated weather conditions. It is best to have a formed concrete retaining wall that is 6 to 8 inches wide and as deep as the final layer of asphalt aggregate, with edges that are at a 45-degree angle to help form and contain the asphalt area. 

Questions To Ask When Interviewing A Potential Paving Contractor - When considering a potential asphalt paving contractor meet them at the site that you wish to have paved for an initial assessment of the site, the work involved, and the anticipated costs of the project. Also ask the paving contractor the following questions:  

  • Examples of Local Paving Projects - Ask your prospective contractor for a list of local completed paving projects so that you may see examples of his work. 
  • References - Ask for 3 to 4 references from his customer base so that you can interview them for a review of his work, the speed of completion, attitude, and costs. 
  • Estimate of Time - Ask for an estimate of the time it will take to complete your project. 
  • Estimate of Costs - Ask how much he will charge for your project.  Get all cost estimates in writing.
  • Additional or Hidden Fees - Ask for a list of any additional or hidden fees that could become due to complete your paving project. 
  • Site Problems - Ask if he anticipates any potential problems or complications with your site. 
  • Guarantee or Warranty of Work - Ask for a guarantee or warranty of work from your prospective contractor. Get all guarantees and warranties in writing. 

Asphalt paving projects are complex and time-consuming. You will want to find the most competent asphalt paving contractor available. Most importantly, you will want to have a mutually beneficial working relationship with your paving contractor. With a little research, thorough interview questions, and written estimates and warranties, you can accomplish this.  

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