Commercial Paving for the greater Chicagoland and Midwest Area!

Commercial Paving for the greater Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Area!

What to Look for in a "Free Asphalt Paving Estimate"

When it is time to build a new pavement, you are typically limited to choosing between concrete and asphalt paving. Between the two, asphalt pavements are faster to complete and less expensive. Furthermore, asphalt pavements that receive professional maintenance can have extremely long lives. Most contractors offer free estimates so that you will have a better idea of what your project will cost, and you should obtain estimates from several contractors so that you can compare the different quotes. When you compare the free estimates, it is important to make sure that you are not comparing apples to oranges. The two most critical areas for comparison are the section containing details about your project and the information about the contractor.

What Information Should an Estimate Contain About the Details of My Paving Project?

All asphalt paving companies do not use the same template when providing estimates. However, a Chicago asphalt contractor who only gives for a lump-sun quote may not be trustworthy. Regardless of how they present the information, your asphalt paving company should include the following details in a free estimate.

1. Scope: The scope of the job includes information about what services the asphalt contractor will provide and how he will provide them.
2. Size: Depending on the asphalt paving Chicago contractor and the specific project, the size of the job can be stated a little differently. For example, the square footage of a parking lot may be included, the cubic yards of asphalt needed might be given, or the tons of asphalt that will be required may be shown. A great paving contractor Chicago businesses can trust will usually specify the size in at least two ways.
3. Depth: Your estimate should show the thickness of the asphalt that your paving contractor will install. Keep in mind that this is the compacted depth.
4. Type: Asphalt mixes are available in several different types. Your asphalt paving company should specify the type to be used on your project.
5. Labor: Because not all asphalt paving companies pay their employees the same rates, labor costs can sometimes be tricky to compare. Typically, the best way is to compare the total labor hours, then compare the total labor costs. Watch out for an estimate that shows the same labor hours as other contractors, but the total labor cost is significantly less. This could be a sign that the contractor plans to use poorly trained or unskilled workers on your project.
6. Miscellaneous: The type of asphalt paving Chicago project you need determines whether there will be charges other than the ones listed about. For example, if you need the site cleared, an access road constructed, or swales installed, these charges will normally be shown separately.

What to Look for in a "Free Asphalt Paving Estimate"

What Information About the Contractor Should My Asphalt Paving Estimate Include?

There is perhaps no decision more important to the success of your project than the asphalt contractor you choose. You want to hire a Chicago asphalt contractor with experience in completing projects similar to yours, and you want to hire a contractor who has good communication skills. Furthermore, your estimate should include the following details about the contractor.

1. Is the company’s street address shown on the estimate?
2. Does the form include at least one phone number and email address?
3. Did the contractor attach a list of references that you can call?
4. Does the contractor include a warranty on the work performed?
5. Will the contractor provide you with proof of general liability, workers’ compensation, and vehicle liability insurance?

Black Hawk Paving is the paving contractor Chicago property owners have trusted since 1975. We offer a full range of services, including asphalt patching and paving, concrete flatwork, asphalt fabric, concrete repair, parking lot striping, asphalt milling, pavement markings, site grading, sealcoating, excavations, asphalt crack sealing, sewer repair, and traffic signage. We have an extraordinary reputation for remarkable workmanship and exemplary service. If you would like to request a free quote, fill out the online form, or you can reach us by phone at 708-479-0400.