10 Tips for Hiring a Paving Contractor

Are you getting a new driveway? A driveway is a crucial part of any home, but it's not typically at the forefront of every homeowner's mind. Because of this, it can be difficult to know what installing a driveway entails. It is important for you to be familiar with the process and learn what to watch out for so you can avoid scams and end up with the best result possible. Continue reading to find out what to look for when hiring a paving contractor to pour your concrete in Schenectady or in your town.

Hiring a Paving Contractor

1. Before you begin the process of looking for and hiring a contractor, you should know pretty much exactly what you want. Come up with as many specific details about your project, including pictures and a footprint to make what you desire even more clear. The more details you provide your contractor, the more accurate their estimate can be.
2. Start by asking your friends and family if they have any recommendations of good contractors to hire. Once you have found a few contractors that you like, you can research their websites and contact references to find out if they are a good fit for you.
3. Even if you have your heart set on a particular contractor, it is recommended that you get several quotes. This way you can compare prices to figure out what works best for you. You can also take this time to consider other aspects, such as specific services and professionalism.
4. Don't be afraid to find out as much as you can about each contractor's experience. Most companies will be able to provide you with contact information and addresses of previous clients. If you want to see examples of your prospective contractor's work, you can drive by a few of the addresses and see for yourself.
5. Ensure that the contractor you are interested in is properly licensed. This seems fairly obvious, but you would be surprised at how many contractors get around this.
6. Something that is often overlooked is the issue of drainage. It is imperative that proper drainage systems are installed to avoid water pooling in your driveway and possibly entering your home.
7. Quality concrete installation takes time. Discuss with your contractor about start dates and how long the whole process will take. Try to avoid times when the weather is rainy or snowy because installation will likely be unsuccessful in those conditions.
8. Before your contractor begins installation, have the company construct a written contract to make sure you and your interests are protected. A proper contract should include information about payment, coverage, terms and conditions, and details about the project. Review the contract before you sign it to make sure you are getting everything that was agreed upon in the initial estimate.
9. There are a few basic things to avoid when hiring a pavement contractor. Stay away from companies that go door to door. They will often say that they have leftover pavement, which is a tell-tale sign of a scam. Also avoid companies that claim to offer incredibly fast service and provide estimates that are considerably lower than other estimates that you have received.
10. Don't be afraid to be involved during the actual installation. It is perfectly acceptable for you to check up on your contractor and his or her team to make sure they are holding up to your contract.

Installing a new driveway is quite a process, but if you take the time to do all of your research and preparation, the result can be wonderful. Give your driveway the attention it deserves and hire a good contractor to install your concrete in Schenectady or in your area.

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