Alright, let's talk about finding a good asphalt contractor. It's not rocket science, but there are definitely some things you need to know to make sure you're getting a quality job and not some fly-by-night operation. I've seen it all over the years, from folks getting ripped off to shoddy work that falls apart after a year. You don't want that, especially with our wet Arlington winters.
What to Ask Before They Even Quote
Before you even get to the price, you need to ask some basic questions. This helps you weed out the duds right away.
How long have you been in business? A long track record usually means they know what they're doing and they're not going anywhere. We've been at this for years with Coastal Asphalt Solutions, and it makes a difference.
Can you provide references? And I don't mean just one. Ask for three or four recent jobs, preferably ones similar to yours. Call those people! Ask them about the contractor's communication, timeliness, and how the work held up.
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured? This is non-negotiable. If they can't show you proof, walk away. Licensing protects you from bad work, bonding ensures they finish the job, and insurance covers any accidents on your property. You do not want to be liable if someone gets hurt on your property.
What's your warranty? A reputable contractor will stand behind their work. Get it in writing. Typically, you're looking for at least a one-year warranty on materials and workmanship.
Who will 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 they do, ask if those subs are also licensed and insured. It's often better when it's their own crew; they've got more control over quality.
Decoding the Quote: What to Look For
Once you've got a few quotes, don't just pick the cheapest one. That's a classic mistake. You need to compare apples to apples.
Detailed Scope of Work: Does the quote clearly outline everything they're going to do? It should specify things like excavation depth, base material type and thickness, asphalt thickness, and compaction methods. For instance, if you're in a low-lying area near the Stillaguamish River, proper drainage and a robust base are critical. A good quote will mention how they'll handle that.
Material Specifications: What kind of asphalt mix are they using? What's the aggregate size? They should be able to tell you. If they just say