There is no better way to set your home apart from the competition than with curb appeal and a fresh, inviting asphalt driveway. More often than not, choosing whether to invest repair dollars into the home you are selling comes down to dollars and sense; what fits within your budget and makes sense from a seller’s perspective.

Driveways and parking lots are a major component of the function and appearance of your home or business. Now is the time for extra attention to exterior maintenance.

Whether your project includes driveway, highway, parking lot, activity area paving needs or more, choosing a quality asphalt paving company both for commercial and residential projects should include some research on service providers as well as recommendations from trusted sources, third party reviews and references. It’s important to take multiple sources of information and recommendations into consideration when making your final choice. Along with opinions shared and found through your research, the quality of paving materials and products to be used should be a factor considered when making a decision. If you are looking for a professional paving contractor with expert engineers, here are a few qualities you should consider:

1. Price: Competitive pricing is an important factor when choosing an asphalt paving contractor and representatives should offer to provide a complimentary site visit and quote. Considerations in regard to price should include quality of equipment, type of asphalt mixture, complexity of the project area, municipal ordinances, removal of existing surfaces, environmental factors and recycling options. 
2. Reviews: A reputable asphalt paving company will openly share customer reviews and / or a Better Business Bureau rating. Oftentimes, a company’s reviews or case study examples will be shared on their website to be viewed by new and prospective companies or individuals. In some cases, an asphalt paving company will recommend a new customer visit a project site that is in production or recently completed.
3. Years of experience & project history: Leaning on the knowledge of an experienced asphalt paving representative will help you make good choices for your property as well as save you money. Representatives that are able to communicate in a clear and informed way, while providing good examples of challenging projects and solutions they have provided for other customers, are likely to be the best partners for your project.
4. Licensed and insured: There should be no resistance by your asphalt paving contractor to provide documentation showing that they are licensed and insured. This documentation not only provides protection for their representatives and equipment, it provides protection for you and your property as well.
5. Warranty: A good contractor should stand by their work and make customer satisfaction a priority. While not always offered or limited, asking for a project warranty (workmanship & materials) will guarantee that the project is completed to industry standards and the unique needs of your property (as agreed upon at the start of the project). Most company warranties are different based on project circumstances – so be sure to have all information in writing before the start of your project. Installation experts should also provide tips to help you extend the life of your newly paved or seal-coated surface.

Establishing a long-term approach (2-5 years) to a property’s pavement maintenance plan will not only build strong visual appeal, it will ultimately help extend the life of the parking lot. A proactive approach to maintenance helps property and facility managers reduce potential costs and liabilities. The timing of repair is of the utmost importance to avoid business interference, and pavement concerns should be addressed at the first show of wear and tear, cracks and drainage issues. Sealcoating is one of the most important elements of a property’s maintenance plan with benefits that attract patrons and reduce costs.

Pavement doesn’t necessarily fail and tell you that it is time for replacement.  It may very well have been paved on an excellent base and paved with excellent materials and workmanship. Now that time has passed, the surface of the pavement has aged due to the effects of normal weather and while it may function well, it may not be in cosmetically great condition.