1. Check Their Experience and Reputation
A company with years of experience in asphalt paving is more likely to provide a professional and durable result. Look for contractors with a proven track record in your area. Additionally, asking for references and checking previous projects that match your type of property and needs can help you gauge their quality of work.
AMS Paving has been servicing Southern California since 1981 and is highly regarded in the paving industry. We’ve worked hard to establish ourselves as a trusted paving partner so most of our work each year is due to satisfied customers either returning to AMS Paving or referring others our way.
2. Verify Licensing, Bonding, and Insurance
A reliable asphalt paving contractor should be fully licensed, bonded, and insured. Proper licensing ensures they meet state and local requirements for the type of work being performed, bonding guarantees that you will be financially protected if the contractor fails to complete contractual obligations, while insurance protects you from liability in case of accidents or damage during the project.
AMS Paving (Lic. #415436) has both “C-12 Earthwork and Paving Contractor” and “C-32 Parking and Highway Improvement Contractor” licensing. We’re bonded and carry an umbrella policy of $10 million –5x more than the typical paving contractor coverage of $2M!
3. Evaluate Their Materials and Equipment
The quality of asphalt and paving materials used can impact the durability of your pavement. Reputable contractors use high-grade asphalt and seal coat and have well-maintained equipment to ensure a smooth and sturdy finish. Ask about the type of asphalt mix or seal coat they use and whether they offer different options for your specific needs.
AMS Paving uses high quality asphalt mix from asphalt recycling plants local to your project and is proud to be a GuardTop Preferred Applicator of seal coat. We own, maintain, and clean our equipment to make sure it performs at the optimum level and presents a professional and clean appearance while working on your property.
4. Ask About Their Process
Understanding the contractor’s approach to asphalt paving can help you assess their professionalism. Inquire about their process, including:
- How they prepare the base before paving
- The thickness of the asphalt they lay
- How they handle drainage issues
- Their timeline for completing the project
A well-defined process ensures a high-quality and long-lasting pavement.
AMS Paving has been in business for over 40 years and is well-versed in all the industry standards and new developments in the paving industry. We’re prepared for any questions about the process for your specific project.
5. Compare Quotes, But Don’t Just Choose the Cheapest
It’s always a good idea to get multiple quotes from different contractors. However, be cautious of bids that are significantly lower than others. Some contractors may cut corners by using subpar materials, skipping essential steps in the paving process, or not carrying the proper insurance. Other times, bids that differ greatly in price may not match each other in square footage or asphalt thickness and your project will either come up short or incur costly change orders. It is best to choose a contractor that offers a fair price while maintaining high standards of quality.
AMS Paving will not always be the cheapest option because we do not want to be. To perform high-quality work, we need high-quality materials, staff, and equipment, which all come at a higher cost. We stand by our pricing as we stand behind our workmanship and quality. Lowering our standards to lower our costs and pricing is not an option, however we do understand that asphalt is not an inexpensive investment and can work with you to create a plan that fits your budget and needs. And, when possible, we will try to match (or come close to matching) legitimate bids from other reputable, licensed, insured, and bonded asphalt paving companies.
6. Ask About Warranties and Maintenance Plans
A reputable contractor should stand behind their work and offer a warranty on their services. Ask about any guarantees they provide and what’s included. Additionally, some contractors offer maintenance plans to help extend the lifespan of your pavement.
AMS Paving offers a 1-year warranty from the date of installation on almost all work; any exceptions and their reasoning are explained in the Proposal and Contract. We are happy to provide maintenance plans and suggestions for your specific property to prolong the useable life of your asphalt.
7. Get Everything in Writing
Before work begins, ensure you have a written contract that details the scope of work, materials to be used, project timeline, total cost, and warranty information. This protects both you and the contractor, ensuring that there are no misunderstandings during the project.
AMS Paving provides thorough Contracts that state all pertinent details and include a color-coded map of your property detailing the dates and what areas are being addressed.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right asphalt paving contractor is a crucial step in ensuring a successful paving project. By doing thorough research, verifying credentials, and asking the right questions, you can feel confident in your choice. A professional contractor will provide high-quality workmanship, use the best materials, and stand behind their work to deliver a long-lasting and visually appealing result.
If you’re looking for a trusted paving partner, contact us today! We have years of experience, top-quality materials, and a commitment to handling your project with Honesty, Integrity, and Quality.