Most home improvement contractors are reputable people who do a professional job for fair prices. But if you’re thinking of hiring someone to repair your driveway (asphalt paving or concrete patching), you should take a few simple steps to ensure that you aren’t taken advantage of by a disreputable contractor.
How to Avoid Driveway Paving Scams with These 3 Tips
Driveway repair is one of the most common improvement projects that untrustworthy contractors target in order to scam homeowners. When spring arrives every year, many people discover that their driveway has developed cracks, and getting repaved or patched becomes a priority. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t do some very easy homework before paying a contractor to fix their driveways, and they end up getting shoddy repair work, or worse.
Here are some tactics to keep in mind for avoiding driveway paving scams when you’re looking to get work done.
1. Check Reviews and References on the Company
Before you hire a local asphalt repair or concrete patching contractor, make sure to get references from them from nearby homeowners who have used their services. Take some time to make sure that their required local licensing, insurance, and bonding are up to date and legitimate. And remember: NEVER allow a contractor to start work until all agreed-upon services and charges are put into writing.
2. If Unsure, Always Pay with a Card
Another tip that will help out if something ends up going wrong is being sure to pay with a credit card instead of cash or check. When you pay with a credit card, you will have more options for recouping your money if you end up getting scammed.
If a contractor insists that you pay in cash, tells you that you need to decide on services right away, or if they are from out of state, be very cautious. All of these are red flags for scammers. Professional contractors usually accept credit cards or checks and have no problem providing you with an estimate on services that do not require immediate approval.
3. Avoid Contractors That Offer You a “Deal”
Another warning sign that most homeowners don’t watch out for is being suspicious of contractors who say that they can give you a cheaper price because they have “leftover materials” from other repair jobs. An experienced concrete patching or driveway repair company almost never has leftover materials, because they know exactly how much asphalt paving or concrete patching product is needed for a specific job.
How to Avoid Asphalt Paving Scams – Other Things to Keep in Mind
Here are some additional warning signs to look out for when avoiding asphalt paving scams:
- Prices that are significantly lower than other estimates
- No company address or signage on vehicles or equipment
- Poor reviews online, whether on Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau
- Lack of permits that would be required before starting the project
- No contractor’s license, business license, or insurance certificates
- Contractors make you retrieve your own materials
If you end up dealing with a contractor who you think might trying to scam you, it’s a good idea to make a call to the police and file a report. Not only will you be protecting yourself, but you’ll also be saving other local homeowners from falling victim to the same scammer in the future.
FAQs on Avoiding Driveway Paving Scams
What is the average cost of driveway paving?
When assessing both asphalt and concrete driveway paving work, the average cost of asphalt is between $2.00 and $4.00 per square foot, as compared to $4.00 to $6.00 per square foot for concrete. Though the overall cost of a driveway repair may vary, it’s important to keep these metrics and prices in mind so you know that you aren’t paying too much (or too little) for your pavement repair.
What questions should I ask that can help me identify driveway paving scams?
When wanting to know how to avoid driveway paving scams, understand that asking your potential contractor questions is key. So, if you are skeptical of whether the business you are working with is looking to scam you, here are some crucial questions to ask during the decision-making process:
- How long have you been in business?
- Are you licensed or insured? Can I see proof?
- Can I see references and reviews from past clients?
- What brands of materials or equipment do you use?
- What is your timeline for completion?
How do I avoid asphalt paving scams altogether and fix the issue myself?
If you are looking for some quick fixes to your asphalt driveway repair and preservation, UNIQUE Paving Materials has the solutions to accommodate your needs. We supply the following asphalt repair materials that are easy to use and efficient:
- UPM®Cold Mix
- KOLD-FLO®Pourable Crack Filler
- INTEGRA-SEAL®Rejuvenating Asphalt Sealer
- MICROMIX®Mini Cold Mix
- KWIK-LOK®Pavement Primer
For simple and efficient concrete fixes, check out our line of concrete repair materials.
Contact UNIQUE Paving Materials Today for More Information
At UNIQUE Paving Materials, we want to ensure that you are only receiving the best quality of service when it comes to your driveway repair and actively avoiding asphalt paving scams on projects.
Reach out today for more information about our product line.
