When it comes to your property, your driveway or parking lot is a major investment. Choosing the right asphalt paving contractor is the difference between a durable surface that lasts for decades and a costly mistake that fails within a few years. This decision is even more crucial in Portage, WI, where our harsh freeze-thaw cycles test the quality of every paving job.
Before you accept any bid, you must ask the tough questions. Here are the 5 critical questions Davis Construction recommends you ask every contractor to ensure you get the best value and longest-lasting pavement.
1. Are You Fully Licensed, Insured, and Bonded?
This is non-negotiable and the absolute first step in vetting a contractor. Licensing proves they are legally qualified to operate, but insurance and bonding protect you.
- Liability Insurance: Protects you if a contractor’s crew or equipment damages your property or a neighbor’s property during the project.
- Worker’s Compensation Insurance: Protects you from liability if a worker is injured on your job site. If a company doesn’t have this, you could be held responsible for medical bills and lost wages.
- Bonding: While more common for large commercial projects, a bond offers a layer of financial protection ensuring the contractor will complete the work as specified in the contract.
Davis Construction Tip: Don’t just take their word for it. Ask to see current copies of their insurance and licensing certificates. A reputable Portage, WI asphalt paving contractor will provide these documents immediately.
2. Can You Explain Your Process for Addressing the Sub-Base and Drainage?
Any contractor who only focuses on the asphalt surface is missing the most important part of the job. In fact, 75% of asphalt pavement failures start with a faulty sub-base.
The foundation of your pavement is the soil beneath it (the sub-base). If this isn’t prepared correctly—compacted, graded, and well-drained—the new asphalt will crack, sink, and fail prematurely.
Ask the contractor:
- “How will you evaluate the existing base?” (Do they perform core samples or simply look at the surface?)
- “What steps will you take to ensure proper drainage away from structures?”
- “If the sub-base is compromised, what is your process for undercutting and stabilizing the area before paving?”
A great answer will show they understand local soil conditions and prioritize a durable, compacted base before laying a single pound of hot mix.
3. What Exact Materials and Paving Mix Will You Use?
The quality and type of asphalt mix can vary widely, affecting the final lifespan. Contractors often bid low by cutting corners on material quality.
- Ask about the Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA): Find out what type of mix (e.g., standard residential vs. high-traffic commercial) they plan to use. Better mixes use a higher-grade asphalt binder, making them more resilient to cracking and rutting.
- Ask about the Thickness: Ensure the quoted thickness is the compacted thickness, not the uncompacted, loose thickness. A typical residential overlay should be 1.5 to 2 inches (compacted), while a full replacement needs to be thicker, sometimes 4+ inches, depending on traffic load.
The takeaway: A contractor focused on quality will specify the aggregate size and the binder grade they use, proving their commitment to a superior product designed for Wisconsin’s climate.
4. What Are Your Payment Terms and What is the Warranty?
A clear contract and a solid warranty protect your financial investment.
- Payment Schedule: Avoid contractors who demand 100% of the cost upfront. A common practice is a small deposit (to secure materials and schedule), a payment upon job completion, and sometimes a final installment after a punch list review.
- Warranty Details: Ask what the warranty covers and, crucially, what it doesn’t cover. A reputable contractor should offer a minimum one-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty should be clearly written and explain the procedure if a problem arises (e.g., severe cracking or pothole formation).
If a contractor offers no warranty or a vague verbal promise, it’s a huge red flag that they aren’t confident in the quality of their work.
5. Can I Speak to Three Recent Local Customers?
While you can check online reviews, a professional paving job is best judged in person. References allow you to gauge a contractor’s reputation and quality control directly.
- Ask for local references in or near Portage, WI. This lets you drive by the completed work to inspect the finish, drainage, and curb appeal.
- When you call the reference, ask:
- Was the work completed on time and within budget?
- Was the crew professional and did they keep the site clean?
- How did the contractor handle any unexpected issues or challenges that came up?
Choosing an experienced, local partner like Davis Construction means choosing a company whose reputation is built on satisfied neighbors throughout Columbia County. We are confident in the longevity of our work and happily provide local references to prove it.
Ready to hire a contractor you can trust? Contact Davis Construction today for a transparent estimate and a detailed explanation of our paving process.
