Asphalt surfaces — whether they’re parking lots, roads, or driveways — play an integral role in our daily lives, helping us get where we need to go. While asphalt is strong and durable, it’s not indestructible. Regular asphalt maintenance is essential for longevity and safety.
As you search for an asphalt maintenance company, it’s important to be aware of the risks of choosing the wrong contractor. In this blog post, we’ll discuss red flags to watch out for when hiring an asphalt maintenance company, ensuring you make the right decision for your property.
1. Lack of Proper Licensing and Insurance
A reputable asphalt maintenance company will have proper licensing and insurance. Without them, you’re not protected if anything goes wrong, whether it’s damages or accidents. Before deciding to work with an asphalt maintenance company, ask whether they’re licensed and insured to shield yourself from liability.
2. Absence of References or Reviews
An essential part of your initial online search for an asphalt maintenance company is reading reviews from former clients. These reviews give you a good feel for the company’s reputation and allow you to assess the quality of their work. Check third-party review sites like Google or Yelp for unfiltered feedback.
A lack of reviews, generic testimonials, and an unwillingness to provide references are all red flags. Reputable asphalt maintenance companies stand by their work and are proud to show the results of their previous jobs.
3. Suspiciously Low Estimates
There’s nothing wrong with searching for a good price, but be careful of suspiciously low estimates. If you’re quoted a price that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Low bids can indicate subpar materials, hidden fees, or rushed work.
Don’t underestimate the value of quality work. A job well done may come with a higher initial cost, but it’s worth it to avoid future expenses like premature repairs and excessive maintenance.
A detailed, itemized estimate is a good sign, helping you avoid unexpected costs and showing you exactly what you’re paying for.
4. High-Pressure Sales Tactics
High-pressure sales tactics are another thing to watch out for. Limited-time offers and on-the-spot decisions are meant to make you act before you think, with disreputable asphalt maintenance companies hoping that you don’t have enough time to recognize the red flags.
A reputable asphalt maintenance company will give you time to consider your options before making a decision. If you encounter aggressive sales tactics, stay calm and clear-headed. Tell them you’ll get back to them later after you’ve had a chance to think it over.
5. No Written Contract
When hiring an asphalt maintenance company, you must have a clear, written agreement outlining the job’s scope, costs, and timeline. A good contract should detail every aspect of the job, showing you exactly what you’re paying for. It should also hold the contractor accountable for their work.
Relying on a verbal agreement is a recipe for disaster, leading to misunderstandings or incomplete work.
6. Poor Communication
Throughout the duration of the project, the asphalt maintenance company should maintain open lines of communication. It’s important for you to know the status of your project and be informed about how it’s going. A lack of responsiveness, vague or evasive answers, difficulty reaching the contractors, and unclear project timelines can signal future problems.
7. Lack of Specialized Equipment or Techniques
Modern, well-maintained equipment is key to achieving high-quality results. If an asphalt maintenance company relies on outdated methods or inadequate tools, it’s best to steer clear. Before committing to working with a company, ask plenty of questions about their equipment and maintenance practices to ensure they’re adequate.
8. No Guarantee or Warranty
If an asphalt maintenance company is reputable, they will stand behind their work by offering warranties or guarantees. A lack of assurances is a red flag warning you of subpar work and a lack of accountability. A good warranty should cover any problems that arise as the result of improper workmanship, relieving you of responsibility for future maintenance or repairs.
Utah’s Premier Asphalt Maintenance Company
When you work with Precision Asphalt Maintenance, you won’t encounter any red flags. t We’re confident that when you take your time to perform thorough research, you’ll find that we provide the best asphalt services in Northern Utah, from pothole repairs and crack sealing to excavation and grading. Contact us today for professional, trustworthy asphalt maintenance services.