Five Questions To Ask Any Asphalt Driveway Company

• How will the sub-base be handled? – This is the most critical part of the driveway – and not a place to skimp! While the sub-base of your driveway depends on many factors, you should expect your contractor to carefully assess your particular situation and be able to explain why he recommends a particular base depth and type. Typically, the base should be no less than 4″ deep and compacted with a vibratory roller. If the contractor can’t explain the base specifications to your satisfaction, get another opinion. At Richfield Blacktop, we’ll explain everything in full.
• Will there be any additional costs not on the bid? – One of the biggest problems homeowners have with contractors is with hidden costs. You should never be surprised with a final bill that’s much higher than the original estimate. Of course there are times when soil condition might require more base, or the homeowner makes changes at the last minute. But these changes should never be hidden, and the final bill should never be a shock to the homeowner. All changes in the cost of the project should be thoroughly explained at the time. Richfield Blacktop always discusses additional costs as soon as they are identified. You’ll never have a hidden cost or surprise.
• How will you protect the yard and landscaping during the process? – Nothing is more frustrating that watching your landscaping and flowers being destroyed or significantly altered because of the new driveway. If you have flowers, plants or shrubs that have grown over the driveway or butt up against it, they may be damaged. In most cases, however, your yard and landscaping should be untouched. To protect yourself, get a written guarantee that your yard, landscaping, and sprinkler heads will not be affected. If some damage will occur, you should know about it well in advance. Richfield Blacktop’s paving crews are always extremely careful with your property.
• Does the company have unresolved complaints, or an unreasonable number of complaints with the Better Business Bureau (BBB)? – Check with the Better Business Bureau to view the rating of any contractor you are considering, and see first if they have unresolved complaints. You should expect an A rating and few complaints before hiring a driveway contractor. Skipping this check could lead to unpleasant surprises. Richfield Blacktop has an outstanding BBB rating.
• Can you provide me a list of jobs you’ve completed that are close to where I live, so I can check them out? – Any paving contractor you’re considering should be happy to give you a list of nearby driveways they have built. Take the time to drive by the homes and check out the job – it will be very revealing. Be wary of any company that is unwilling to give you this information. Richfield Blacktop will always be proud to give you addresses near you where you can see our work.

One of the best ways to compare asphalt driveway companies is to have a complete checklist of the most important questions to ask. Use that list to compare any company you are considering hiring. Our 10 Point Contractor Checklist will simplify this process and let you evaluate any asphalt or concrete paving company quickly and easily.

Since 1954, Richfield Blacktop has been serving the entire Minneapolis St. Paul Metro Area, building thousands of driveways for homeowners and businesses. If you’re considering a driveway replacement or a new driveway, or any other paving project, let us give you an estimate. Our experienced driveway and paving consultants will help you understand your project and make the right decisions without any hard-sell tactics. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation estimate and join the thousands of other Twin Cities property owners who are proud of their driveway from Richfield Blacktop.