You need some Asphalt Work done on your Kent property. This might be a new driveway, or your old driveway could need a full overhaul. Whatever the project, picking the right Asphalt Contractor is an important decision. You do not want to spend your money on a bad job that will fall apart quickly. Here is what we have learned over the years at Valley Paving Co about how to find a good, honest Asphalt Contractor in Kent.
What to Ask Before They Even Touch Your Driveway
You must ask the right questions before you let anyone start working. This protects your investment. Here is our list of questions for any Kent Asphalt Contractor:
- Are you licensed, bonded, and insured? This is not something you can skip. You should not hire anyone who cannot prove they have all three. Licensing shows they are qualified. Bonding protects you if they do not finish the job. Insurance covers accidents. You should ask for proof and not just take their word for it.
- How long have you been in business, and can you provide recent, local references? Experience is important, especially in Kent with our unique soil conditions. Up on East Hill, you have Vashon glacial till with a hardpan layer. This can cause drainage problems if it is not handled correctly. Down in the Green River valley, it is deep alluvial silt that does not drain well. An Asphalt Contractor needs to know how to deal with these specific conditions in Kent. You should ask for three recent references, and you should call them. Ask about the quality of the Asphalt Work, their communication, and if they stuck to the schedule as well as the warranty.
- What is your process for preparing the sub-base and addressing drainage? This is a key part of the job. A good Asphalt Work job is only as good as its foundation. If they do not do enough work on the sub-base or do not plan for proper drainage, you will see cracks and potholes sooner. This is especially true with our wet winters in Kent.
- What materials will you use, and how thick will the asphalt layers be? Not all asphalt is the same. You should ask about the type of mix and the compacted thickness of both the base as well as the surface layers. A good Asphalt Contractor will be clear about this information.
- Do you offer a warranty, and what does it cover? A good Asphalt Contractor stands behind their Asphalt Work. You should get the warranty details in writing. This should include what situations are covered, like cracking or drainage issues, and for how long.
- What is the project timeline, and what should I expect day-to-day? You will want a clear understanding of when they will start. This also includes how long it will take, as well as what disruptions you should expect during your Asphalt Work project in Kent.
Decoding the Quote: More Than Just the Bottom Line
You will probably get a few quotes for your Asphalt Work in Kent. It is easy to just pick the cheapest one. You should not do this. The lowest price often means that corners were cut. Here is what you should look at closely in each quote:
- Detailed breakdown of costs: The quote should clearly list all materials, labor, equipment, and any sub-contracted Asphalt Work. Vague line items are a warning sign.
- Scope of work: You should make sure it matches what you discussed. Does it include excavation, grading, sub-base installation, asphalt layers, and compaction? Are there specific solutions for drainage in Kent?
- Material specifications: It should specify the type and quantity of asphalt mix. This also includes the proposed thickness of each layer after compaction.
- Payment schedule: Good Asphalt Contractors usually do not ask for a large upfront payment. They will often set up payments based on project milestones. You should be careful of anyone demanding all cash upfront for your Asphalt Work.
- Inclusions and exclusions: What is included in the price? What might be an extra cost? You do not want surprises later on your Kent Asphalt Work project.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Some things just scream