The company you choose should be licensed and covered by general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Since an accident can happen on your property at any time, it’s important to protect yourself from the legal and financial consequences through insurance policies. Without adequate insurance coverage, you’ll be on the hook for any property damage or physical injuries that may occur.

When it comes to quality asphalt work, experience is everything. With an experienced company, you’re more likely to enjoy exceptional results, on time and on budget. Ideally, you’d opt for a company that’s been around for quite some time and has completed many projects that are similar to yours. A company with years of experience under its belt will give you greater peace of mind than someone who is newer to the asphalt industry.

A paving company can say they’ll do a great job, but personal references from previous and current customers are far more telling. You can search for a company’s reviews online on reputable review websites like TrustPilot, Angie’s List, and Google, as well as social media sites like Facebook and Instagram. Too many negative reviews are a red flag and mean you should continue your search.

Before you decide on a company, it’s a good idea to get at least three estimates. While it may be tempting to choose the one with the lowest bid, you should consider other factors like company reputation, years in business, insurance, and warranties. Also, make sure you understand what’s included in each quote so that you’re comparing apples to apples.

Don’t move forward with a contractor until they provide you with a written contract. The contract should outline every aspect of the job, including total cost, payment schedule, start and completion date, and warranty information. A written contract can protect you in the event of conflicts down the road.

Reputable asphalt companies always back their work with warranties. If things don’t go as planned after they complete a paving job, a warranty can be a real lifesaver. Make sure you understand each contractor’s warranties and how they stand behind their work. If possible, opt for a company that can also perform routine maintenance after the warranty comes to an end.

Asphalt quality varies, so it’s essential to choose a company that uses high-quality asphalt with minimal recycled material. If you go the cheaper route and settle for low-quality asphalt, you may be disappointed with the look and function of your asphalt pavement. Paving equipment is important as well as poor machines can break down and delay your project. Find out as much as you can about the prospective companies' asphalt materials and equipment so you can make the most informed decision.

If a contractor tells you they require full payment upfront, continue your search. Reputable asphalt paving companies usually have credit lines with material suppliers and shouldn’t rely on full payments from customers. Unfortunately, some contractors will ask for a full payment and fail to do the work they promised or greatly delay it. Furthermore, be wary of asphalt paving contractors going around your area attempting to solicit work.

When speaking with different companies, be sure to ask what their approach is to asphalt paving. Will they recommend a full repave at even the smallest sign of damage? Are they going to take the time to devise a smart long-term solution that takes into consideration different factors like drainage and sloping? You want to be sure that they are spending ample time figuring out the best-fit solution for your needs.

For example, at NYS Enterprises, our team understands that no two pavement projects are the same, which is why we take a customized approach. By analyzing our clients' property specifications, aesthetic preferences, functionality needs, and budgets, we can recommend a plan that goes beyond the traditional removal, sub-base, and repave process. This allows us to meet (and exceed) our clients' paving expectations in terms of appearance, performance, longevity, and cost-effectiveness.