Alright, Denver homeowners, let us talk about asphalt. You might have a driveway that has seen better days, or perhaps you are putting in a new one. You are probably thinking about hiring a professional for this work. This is a good decision. However, not all asphalt contractors are the same, especially here in a busy market like Denver. At Advanced Asphalt Co, we have seen all kinds of situations, both good and bad. We want to give you the information you need to make a smart choice for your asphalt project in Denver.
What Questions Should You Ask?
When you are talking to a potential asphalt contractor, you should not be shy. You are hiring them for a big investment in your home. Here is what we would be asking about your asphalt project:
- Are you licensed and insured for work in Denver, specifically? This is not just a Colorado state requirement. Denver has its own specific licensing requirements for asphalt work. A legitimate asphalt contractor should have general liability insurance as well as workers' compensation and commercial auto insurance. You should ask for proof of this insurance. Make sure their insurance company sends you the certificate directly. Do not accept a photocopy from the asphalt contractor.
- How long have you been in business, and can you provide recent, local references? Experience matters a lot for asphalt work in Denver. You want someone who understands how our crazy Denver weather, with its freeze-thaw cycles, affects asphalt. A good asphalt contractor will happily give you names and numbers of past clients you can call about their asphalt paving.
- What's your plan for the sub-base and drainage? This part is very important for any asphalt paving project. A bad sub-base means your asphalt will not last, no matter how good the top layer is. Proper drainage is also key to preventing water damage, especially with our afternoon thunderstorms here in Denver.
- What materials will you use, and what's the compacted thickness? You should not settle for vague answers about your asphalt driveway. You want to know the exact type of asphalt mix as well as how many inches thick it will be once it is compacted. This information directly affects the durability of your new asphalt driveway.
- What's the warranty, and what does it cover? You need to get this in writing. Understand what is considered normal wear and tear versus what is covered for workmanship on your asphalt installation. A solid warranty shows that the asphalt contractor stands behind their work.
- Will you obtain all necessary permits? For driveway work, especially anything that touches the public right-of-way like the apron, permits are often required by Denver's Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. You need to make sure the asphalt contractor handles this part, not you.
What to Look for in a Quote
You will probably get a few quotes for your asphalt project, and they will not all look the same. Here is how you can compare them for your Denver asphalt work:
- Detail, detail, detail. A good quote for asphalt paving is not just a single number. It should break down the scope of work. This includes square footage as well as asphalt thickness, base work, drainage solutions, milling depth (if it applies), and tack coat. It should also explain how they will handle transitions. Vague line items are a red flag for any asphalt contractor.
- Materials specified. The quote should clearly state the type of asphalt mix they will use.
- Fixed price. You should ask for assurances that the price is fixed. Or at least understand what could cause it to change and by how much.
- Payment schedule. A reputable asphalt contractor will not ask for the full amount upfront. You should expect a reasonable down payment, with payments tied to project milestones.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Some things should make you walk away quickly from an asphalt contractor:
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