Planning a driveway paving or patio upgrade is a major investment in your property value and curb appeal. However, the entire paving process can easily turn into a nightmare if you hire the wrong contractor. Whether you are currently researching asphalt driveway cost, considering an asphalt pavement, or looking to upgrade to premium interlocking concrete pavers, avoiding a few common mistakes will save you from headaches and costly repairs down the line.
To ensure you get a visually appealing and durable driveway, here are the top 5 mistakes homeowners make when choosing paving contractors for their next project.
1. Hiring the Cheapest Contractor Based Solely on Price
Everyone wants to save money, but hiring a contractor based entirely on significantly lower prices is usually a recipe for disaster. When a contractor offers a bid that is shockingly low, it is one of the biggest red flags in the industry. To make a profit on a cheap bid, they inevitably cut corners by using lower quality materials, subpar materials, or relying on cheap, unskilled labor rather than skilled professionals. Whether you are choosing asphalt contractors or paver specialists, opting for the cheapest contractor almost always results in poor workmanship and a driveway surface that fails well before its time.
2. Ignoring Proper Licensing and Insurance
One of the most costly mistakes homeowners overlook is hiring unlicensed contractors. A reliable paving contractor will always carry proper licensing and liability insurance. Before any paving begins, you should always request proof of insurance. Working with a fully insured and properly insured contractor protects you; this insurance protects your finances in the event of accidental property damage or if a worker is injured on your property during the installation.
3. Failing to Get a Detailed Written Contract
Never rely on a verbal agreement or a handshake for a major paving project. The right paving contractor will always provide a detailed written contract before work starts. This written contract should clearly outline the driveway size, specific installation techniques, materials being used, and the total cost. It must also include a clear project timeline with specific start and completion dates. Without these completion dates in writing, you leave yourself entirely vulnerable to unnecessary delays and unexpected costs.
4. Not Checking References or Past Work
A reputable contractor should be proud to show off their high quality results. Before hiring anyone, ask for references and actually reach out to their previous clients. Speaking with past clients will give you a clear picture of what it is really like to work with the company. Additionally, check their standing with the better business bureau to ensure there is no history of unresolved complaints with the business bureau. If possible, drive by and visit completed projects to see if their quality work actually holds up to industry standards over time.
5. Overlooking Drainage Considerations
A beautiful new asphalt driveway or paver patio is completely useless if it funnels rainwater straight into your garage. Proper drainage is arguably the most important part of any proper installation. If a contractor rushes the job and ignores crucial drainage considerations, you will inevitably face severe drainage issues. Without a proper drainage system, water will pool, leading to drainage problems, uneven surfaces, and the premature deterioration of your hardscape.
Choose the Right Paving Contractor for a Lasting Hardscape
Finding the right contractor makes all the difference. While expert asphalt paving services and regular asphalt paving might seem like standard choices, traditional asphalt often requires constant parking lot maintenance and frequent sealing.
At Titan Pavers, we specialize exclusively in interlocking concrete pavers. We provide a quality installation that far outlasts standard asphalt, requiring only regular maintenance and basic maintenance services to look brand new for decades. If you are looking for a long lasting driveway built by experts, contact our team today to schedule your free estimate!