Whether you’re working on a residential driveway or a commercial parking lot, hiring a paving contractor is a significant investment. To make sure your project goes smoothly, keep these two things in mind before work begins: 1. Allow adequate time for scheduling and site preparation. Good paving work requires proper planning, so don’t expect your contractor to start laying asphalt the day after you call. Quality contractors are often booked weeks in advance, especially during peak season. It’s also important to prepare the site ahead of time. Make arrangements to remove any inoperable vehicles, and if you have tenants or employees, notify them if a parking area will be temporarily inaccessible. 2. Ask for clear warranty terms. Many paving contractors offer warranties, but not all warranties are created equal. Some are only valid if you maintain the pavement according to the contractor’s recommendations (sealing, crack filling, etc.). If you skip this step, the warranty may be voided—similar to how a car warranty can lapse if you don’t follow the required service schedule. Before you sign a contract, ask for written details about the warranty policy, including what maintenance is required and what scenarios are excluded.

2 Considerations for Hiring a Paving Contractor

By Daniel Stanko Owner of Stanko &amp; Sons Diamond Certified Expert Contributor