You’ve called a paving professional like Epic Paving, asking about your new asphalt construction or maintenance. You’ve explained what you need done, and you want an estimate. But what does a good estimate include? How do you know which contractor is right for you and your specific job requirements?
When getting a quote or an estimate, there are key pieces of information that you need to make an informed quest. When you get an estimate from Epic Paving, you can count on these pieces of information:
On-Site Inspection
An estimate without seeing the actual worksite in person can only really be an approximation. Visiting the site can allow an experienced contractor to better understand the project scope and spot any potential difficult aspects, allowing them to give you a more accurate estimate.
Your Needs and Expectations
Your contractor should talk with you about your needs and expectations for the project. You should understand the entire project from start to finish and ask questions of the contractor about exactly what would be involved to achieve your goals.
Materials
Different projects require different materials. You may have to choose between asphalt, concrete and interlocking, and even in each category, there’s a wide range of possibilities. Different types of asphalt or concrete are appropriate for different situations, depending on your exact needs and requirements. Your contractor should discuss all options with you so you can make the best decision.
Water Drainage
The single most important factor for the longevity of your asphalt is water drainage, and that should be part of any discussion for new or refurbished asphalt. If water drainage is ignored, your new construction will be vulnerable to cracking, potholes and other damage.
Communication
When dealing with a contractor, you should expect good communication. There should be a back-and-forth discussion about your needs and preferences, and you should get all the information you need in a timely and prompt fashion. If your contractor is difficult to talk with when setting up a job, you can’t expect them to suddenly improve when they’re on the job!
Referrals
A good contractor will have a list of customer testimonials and reviews to share with you, so you can see how many other satisfied customers they have. Ideally, they’ll provide you with either photos or addresses of previous work so you can check it out yourself before committing.
