So, you're ready to get some asphalt work done at your place. Maybe it's a new driveway, or perhaps you're finally tackling that cracked-up parking pad. Great! But before you hand over any money, you need to make sure you're hiring the right crew. I've seen a lot of good work in Kent, and I've seen some real headaches too. Here's what you need to know to protect yourself and get a job done right.
Questions to Ask Any Asphalt Contractor
Don't be shy. This is your property and your money. A good contractor won't mind answering these:
- How long have you been in business, and specifically, how long in the Kent area? Experience matters, and local experience even more. They should know about our specific soil conditions, like the clay we often find around the East Hill, and how that affects drainage and sub-base prep.
- Can you provide references from recent, similar jobs? Don't just take their word for it. Call those references. Ask about communication, timeliness, and if they'd hire them again.
- What's your process for preparing the site? This is crucial. A proper sub-base is the foundation of a long-lasting asphalt surface. If they gloss over this, that's a red flag. I'm talking excavation, proper grading, compacting the base material – the whole nine yards.
- What type of asphalt mix will you use, and what's the thickness? For residential driveways, you're typically looking for a specific hot-mix asphalt, and a minimum of 2-3 inches compacted thickness for the surface layer. Don't let anyone tell you less is fine for a primary driving surface.
- What kind of warranty do you offer? A reputable company will stand behind their work. Get it in writing.
- Who will be doing the actual work? Your crew or subcontractors? It's good to know who's showing up. If it's subs, ask about their experience too.
What to Look For in a Quote
You'll get a few quotes, hopefully. Don't just compare the bottom line. Dig into the details:
- Detailed Scope of Work: Does it clearly outline everything? Excavation, base material (type and depth), asphalt layers (type and thickness), compaction, drainage considerations, cleanup. If it's vague, it's a problem.
- Materials Specified: It should mention the type of aggregate for the base and the asphalt mix.
- Timeline: When do they expect to start and finish? What are the contingencies for weather?
- Payment Schedule: Be wary of anyone asking for a huge upfront deposit, especially cash. A reasonable deposit (10-30%) is common, with payments tied to completion milestones.
- Inclusions/Exclusions: What's included in the price? What's not? Are there extra charges for unforeseen issues? Get it all in writing.
Red Flags You Can't Ignore
These are deal-breakers, plain and simple:
- Door-to-door solicitations, especially with