Red Flags To Look For From Asphalt Paving Companies
Asphalt paving can be a monumental investment. You expect asphalt paving companies to work hard and deliver outstanding results that last decades. Unfortunately, there are many bad actors in this industry, and not all Austin paving companies are willing or able to give you the quality results you deserve. Finding asphalt paving companies you can trust can feel like an uphill battle, but there are many red flags you can look for during your search. Here are several that can help you avoid shady contractors and find the perfect Austin asphalt paving company to meet your needs.
Is It Normal for Paving Companies to Expect Payment Upfront?
Austin asphalt paving companies shouldn’t ask for payment upfront. It’s normal for contractors to request a deposit, but it’s typically only a small fraction of the total quoted cost. If asphalt companies require that you pay in full before the work begins, run for the hills and look elsewhere!
Unfortunately, upfront payments are often used by unscrupulous individuals to scam honest people seeking asphalt services. They sometimes appear out of nowhere, pose as legitimate companies, and request upfront payments. Once they receive your money, you’ll never hear from them again.
What Should I Expect from Austin Companies During the Quoting Process?
Asphalt paving in Austin is complex. Asphalt surfaces look simple, but they require significant work to create. There’s excavation, sub-base preparation, grading, and much more work involved than most realize. Therefore, to provide an accurate quote for your asphalt surface, contractors must visit your property to see what work it will entail.
Some asphalt companies can provide basic quotes over the phone based solely on square footage. However, accurate estimates require time and in-person assessment to create. Quotes should be comprehensive, detailing the materials and labor needed to lay your new asphalt pavement.
Vague figures with no additional information are a massive red flag. The same goes for unrealistic quotes nowhere near those you receive from other Austin asphalt paving companies. Unrealistic quotes may indicate the use of cheap materials and low-quality work.
Do Asphalt Companies Need Licensing and Insurance?
In Texas, asphalt paving companies don’t need a special license to provide service. However, the City of Austin requires that contractors register with Building and Trade Contractor Services to perform asphalt paving in Austin. Reputable contractors will also have a legitimate business license and relevant insurance policies, such as workers’ compensation, general liability insurance, and umbrella policies.
Don’t hesitate to ask Austin asphalt paving contractors for proof of licensing and insurance. If they can’t or refuse to provide to provide it, turn to someone else. Licensing and insurance prove a company’s legitimacy, and it’s an easy way to ensure you’re not working with random individuals with no experience performing Austin asphalt paving.
Should I Pay Attention to Reviews?
Austin paving companies should provide references. If they don’t, consider it a red flag. References should include past clients who can attest to a contractor’s ability to deliver quality work. References are a great way to learn more about a company’s capabilities, customer service, reliability, and more. Avoid working with Austin asphalt paving companies that refuse to supply references. They could be hiding something.
Don’t forget to read reviews for an unbiased take on what other past clients think. Do your homework and learn as much as you can about Austin paving companies as possible. If you see anything that raises concerns, trust your instincts and consider looking elsewhere for service.
Pana Paving wants to be your source for all things asphalt paving in Austin. We’re an asphalt company with over 30 years of experience. During our time in this industry, we’ve worked hard to set the standard. Our team works diligently to deliver results you’ll want to show off, all while giving you complete transparency, good communication, and stellar customer service. You can turn to Pana Paving for new paving projects, repairs, milling, overlay, crack sealing, concrete work, parking lot striping, and more.
Give Pana Paving a call today at (512)920-7452 to learn more and receive a free, no-obligation quote. You can also email us at panapaving@gmail.com or use our online form to get in touch.
