Keeping your pavement in good condition in regions that experience hot summer days and the occasional freezing weather highly depends on the robustness and proper installation of the asphalt surface.
Whether you are paving a driveway in a residential area, rehabilitating a commercial parking lot, or fixing a private road, the quality of the workmanship in the asphalt can significantly influence the surface’s lifespan and condition.
As Reno experienced growth and development in the urban and suburban regions, the need for experienced asphalt paving contractors also increased.
Not all contractors, however, provide the same quality of service, expertise, or professionalism. Choosing the appropriate asphalt paving company can seem daunting when there are numerous choices, but a wise decision will save you time, money, and hassle in the future.
This article will discuss the top factors when hiring a contractor for your next asphalt paving job in Reno.
Contents
1. Seek Someone with Local Knowledge and Experience of the Climate in Reno
The first and perhaps most crucial factor is hiring a contractor familiar with Reno’s specific climate and soil conditions.
Local knowledge provides the contractor insight regarding how temperature changes, freeze-thaw conditions, and Nevada’s hot summers will affect the installation and durability of the asphalt.
An experienced local contractor understands how to grade the surface adequately, select the correct asphalt mixture, and use the correct sealants to extend the pavement’s lifetime.
If you’re looking for quality services in the area, limiting your options to asphalt paving contractors in Reno will ensure that you get experts familiar with Northern Nevada’s specific environmental and legislative conditions.
2. Confirm Licenses, Insurance, and Credentials
Always ensure that the contractor you’re looking at is completely licensed to work in Nevada and holds sufficient insurance, including general liability and workers’ compensation.
This will cover you during accidents or property damage while performing the work. Request documentation, and do not be afraid to check their licenses through the local boards of regulations or the Nevada State Contractors Board.
3. Ask For Multiple Estimates and Compare Estimates
To understand the market rate and prevent overcharging, various paving contractors must provide at least three precise estimates.
Those estimates must include the price of materials, labour, equipment, and pre-work, such as grading or removing the old paving material. Caution should also be exercised when bidding too low, as it might mean using inferior material or skimping on labour.
However, the highest-priced quote doesn’t necessarily mean the best quality. Conversely, compare the cost estimates against the scope, reputation, and timeline.
4. Examine References, Portfolios, and Online Ratings
One of the best measures of a paving contractor’s reliability and quality is to examine their references and past work.
Request a portfolio of previously finished projects, ideally in a similar scope and size. Contact former clients and ask them about their experience.
Did the contractor finish the work punctually? Was the work area left tidy? Did the pavement endure the test of time?
Online review sites such as Yelp and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) also provide insight into customer satisfaction and assist in avoiding contractors with a history of shoddy workmanship or customer service.
5. Project Timeframe and Warranty
Reputable asphalt contractors give a precise, realistic schedule of work on your project, including site prepping, paving, curing time, and follow-up work like seal coating.
Ask if the contractor provides a warranty and what it includes. A quality contractor believes in their craftsmanship and will fix problems like cracking or potholes that could occur soon after installation.
6. Select a Contractor That Provides Follow-Up Maintenance
Asphalt paving is an investment; like any investment, it must be maintained. An effective contractor will provide supplementary maintenance processes such as seal coating, filling cracks, or routine inspections.
Having one company do both the installation and the maintenance provides uniformity in quality and allows one to identify wear and tear easily at the earliest stage.
7. Inquire About the Equipment and Materials Employed
The type of materials and equipment applied will directly affect the lifespan of the finished product. Ensure that the contractor incorporates hot mix asphalt, which performs and lasts longer in the climate of Reno than cold mix.
In addition, inquire if the contractor owns or leases equipment. Contractors with good-quality equipment tend to produce smoother, even paving jobs and fewer delay problems.
8. Ensure the Contractor Gives a Written Contract
Get a comprehensive written contract before starting work. This contract should detail the project scope, the materials to be implemented, the timeline, the payment schedule, the cleanup, and the warranty period. This written agreement benefits both parties by avoiding misunderstandings and protecting everyone’s interests.
9. Verify Compliance with Local Permits and Regulations
Ensure your contractor knows the local permitting regulations before work starts. In Reno, some projects will need a city or county permit.
An experienced contractor will understand these requirements and complete the necessary paperwork.
This not only keeps the project in compliance but also avoids potential time-consuming and money-wasting delays or fines.
Wrapping Up
Selecting a suitable asphalt paving contractor in Reno is crucial in guaranteeing the lifespan and usability of your driveway, parking facility, or private road.
With its desert climate and local building codes, Reno presents conditions that only specially experienced professionals can effectively manage.
By paying attention to qualifications, experience, references, and transparent contracts, you can make a wise decision to save you time and money in the long term.
Don’t rush the project—spend time on research and questions. The outcome will be a solid surface that will withstand the harsh weather.