Alright, let's talk about hiring an asphalt contractor. It's not rocket science, but there are definitely some folks out there who'll try to take advantage if you're not paying attention. You want a good, solid job that lasts, right? So, here's what I've learned over the years about finding the right crew for your asphalt work here in Missoula.
Questions You Absolutely Need to Ask
When you're talking to a contractor, don't be shy. This is your money and your property. You're hiring them, not the other way around. Here are some key questions:
- How long have you been in business? A new company isn't necessarily bad, but established ones usually have a track record.
- Can you provide references from recent jobs? And don't just take their word for it. Call those references. Ask about the quality of work, if they stuck to the schedule, and if there were any unexpected costs.
- Are you licensed and insured? This is non-negotiable. If they're not, you're opening yourself up to huge liability if someone gets hurt on your property or if the work is shoddy. Ask for proof, not just a verbal 'yes.'
- What's your process for this specific job? For a new driveway, for example, I'd expect them to talk about excavation, base preparation, compaction, and then the asphalt layers. If they gloss over the prep work, that's a red flag. The base is everything.
- What kind of materials do you use? Not all asphalt is created equal. A good contractor will be able to explain the mix they use and why it's suitable for our climate, with its freeze-thaw cycles.
- What's your warranty? A reputable company stands behind their work. Get it in writing.
What to Look For in a Quote
You'll get a few quotes, and they're not always easy to compare apples to apples. Here's what a good quote should include:
- Detailed Scope of Work: It shouldn't just say 'install driveway.' It needs to specify excavation depth, type and thickness of base material (like crushed aggregate), asphalt thickness (usually in compacted inches), and any grading or drainage considerations.
- Material Specifications: What kind of asphalt mix? What size aggregate for the base?
- Timeline: When do they expect to start and finish?
- Payment Schedule: Be wary of anyone asking for a huge upfront deposit. A reasonable deposit (10-25%) is common, with the rest due upon satisfactory completion.
- Warranty Information: Again, get it in writing.
- Total Cost: Obviously, but make sure it's all-inclusive. No hidden fees.
If a quote is just a number on a napkin, walk away. You need clarity.
Red Flags You Can't Ignore
I've seen a lot of bad actors in this business. Here are some classic red flags:
- Door-to-door solicitations: