On relatively small paving jobs such as residential driveways, parking lots, or condo units it is very important that a reputable, competent contractor be chosen. These tips may be helpful when selecting a reliable paving company and obtaining the best possible work.

Start asking the tough questions of contractors and improve your chances of choosing a reputable contractor who will perform a quality job the first time.

The following is to be used as a reference tool for anyone responsible for making maintenance decisions

1. Select a contractor known for high-quality work and that has an established reputation in the community.

As a customer, you should be assured of the following basic requirements in order to know the contractors are reputable:

• Insurance Certificate
• WSIB Certificate
• Job pictures and locations
• Warranty/Guarantee
• Testimonials

As a customer, these are great but not enough. Almost any contractor today can produce these items. The mark of the good versus the best is found by asking more probing questions. Consider for example:

• Training of company personnel on application of product - look for evidence that workers are experienced - ask how employees are trained or selected.
• Knowledgeable sales personnel that provide clear options and benefits of different approaches to repairs.
• Communication process with client.
• Customer Service.
• Look for a well established company.
• Check the Better Business Bureau www.bbb.org
• Find out if the company stays abreast of new techniques and developments.

2. Obtain proposals from more than one contractor and ensure that all are bidding on the same type and quantity of asphalt mix. This way you can make a fair comparison.

• Do bids clearly identify the same type of product/service to be used?
• What is the estimated time frame to complete the work (e.g. will it take one firm longer and cause greater disturbance to your company)?
• Type of equipment used on the job?
• Scrutinize the lowest bid very carefully. When it comes to materials and workmanship, you often get what you pay for.

3. Be sure that the thickness of the asphalt agreed upon is the compacted thickness.

Asphalt is first laid by a paving machine (ex. 2.5 inches) and then compacted by a roller (2 inches).

4. Ask for the contractor's WSIB account number, then call to confirm that it is up to date.

If they do not have one and someone gets hurt, guess who's responsible.

5. Visit other paving sites by the paving company and talk with the owners of the projects.

The pavement surface should look uniform, smooth, and not have puddles.

6. Insist on a written contract or agreement, in addition to any guarantee offered by the paving contractor.

There are many excellent paving contractors in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, and we would like to thank you for taking the time to consider T. Weber Co. Ltd.