Many factors affect the outcome and price of a paving project, and choosing the company with the lowest bid is not always the right decision. The tips below can help city and town leaders choose the right Road Marking Contractors.
Insurance
Just as many drivers only have the state minimum level of auto insurance coverage, many asphalt contractors choose the lowest possible level of protection. When an accident occurs, the property owner may be held liable for injuries and property damage in excess of policy limits. To protect everyone involved, the contractor should have general liability, workers’ compensation, auto liability and umbrella coverage of at least $1 million.
Materials Selection
Most asphalt is repeatedly recycled, and there are varying grades of asphalt containing different amounts of recycled material. Choosing low-quality asphalt can affect the longevity and appearance of pavement. When hiring asphalt contractors, customers should request a higher grade of asphalt that contains a lower level of recycled materials.
Equipment Type
Customers should evaluate each company’s equipment when seeking a Road Marking Contractor. If the company has run-down machines that frequently fail, project completion can be significantly delayed. Asphalt cools quickly, and waiting too long to install can affect the quality and appearance of the finished pavement.
The Work Crew
It is important for a paving company to have a proper crew. The average asphalt crew consists of five to ten workers, depending on the job’s size. Understaffing affects the project’s outcome, and it can delay completion in many cases.
Down Payment
A deposit is typically required for projects valued in excess of $10,000. Most paving companies have credit lines with material suppliers, which makes it easy to get the project started sooner. If the company asks for a deposit on a small project, the customer should be wary, as many companies use deposits to finish other projects.
As the old saying goes, the customer gets what they pay for. It may help to consider asphalt as a long-term investment; when installed properly, it can last more than 20 years. Saving money in the short term can be costly later on, and customers should do some research on asphalt companies so they can make an informed decision. You can also follow them on Twitter for more information.
