As the manager of a municipal paving project, finding the right municipal paving contractors is one of the most important challenges you'll ever face. After all, the best paving contractors will ensure that the works are completed on time, within budget, and the desired standards that the residents of your town or city deserve. Having the right government municipal paving contractors will also provide peace of mind.
So, how can you be sure that you’ve selected the best experts for your municipal paving project? Use the following checklist and you won’t go far wrong.
1. Check Their Eligibility
Wasting time with paving contractors who are not permitted to work on your municipal project is the last thing you need. When contacting a contractor, you must first check that they have the certifications to work on your project. They should be licensed to the local authority while also boasting full insurance and bonding.
Moreover, industry certifications and memberships should be high on the checklist. In Florida, for example, Florida Transportation Builders' Association memberships are a key feature. Ask for details of what certifications the company has to verify its professionalism.
2. Get Multiple Bids
For the sake of convenience, it can be tempting to accept the first quote you receive to get the project up and running. However, it is best to gain 3-5 quotes to give you a good selection of municipal paving contractors in the region.
While the costs are an important factor, especially when using public capital, it's not the only barometer of success. You need to analyze what the bids cover by asking the following;
- Does the bid cover the recycling of your current asphalt?
- Does it cover markings?
- Will the contractor provide aftercare should any issues surface?
As a rule of thumb, you can expect to pay $7-$13 per square foot, but gaining detailed bids from licensed government contractors will allow you to make a more calculated decision.
3. Learn About Their Equipment & Materials
Choosing a professional paving contractor with the skills to complete a great installation for your municipality projects is one thing. Still, it counts for little if they do not use the suitable materials and equipment. When seeking their bid, always scrutinize the asphalt grading. Otherwise, an inferior choice could leave you needing another installation within a matter of months - not least due to the amount of wear and tear caused by the traffic.
You should also consider:
- Does the company own its equipment?
- Does the company have a suitable supply of materials?
- Will the equipment allow them to work through the night?
You need to know that the project won't encounter delays, so relying on a company that does things in-house is preferred. When you start using a contractor who relies on many other companies, communication breakdowns become more common.
4. Ask About Similar Projects
Finally, there's no substitute for experience. When working with an asphalt and paving contractor who has worked on multiple projects of a similar nature, it should fill you with confidence. Ideally, you should work with a local contractor as they'll understand the climate and other factors that could influence the materials and installation.
Seeing a portfolio of similar public paving projects should put your mind at ease. And when you think you’ve found the right contractor, be sure to hold a comprehensive consultation. When combined with the data-driven decisions above, your gut instincts should lead you to the right contractor.
Choose a Trustworthy Paving Contractor for Your Municipal Paving Project
There are many factors to consider when choosing a contractor for your municipal paving project. It helps to work with an experienced company, such as Ajax Paving. We have been in the business for more than 50 years. Give us a call today to bring our years of experience to your city or county’s project