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Paving your driveway involves much more than simply picking up the phone and schedule someone to do the work. In fact, there are many factors to consider when having this type of work done by a qualified local contractor.
And that’s really the first step – finding a local contractor you feel comfortable with and who has the credentials and the professional experience necessary to do the job correctly and for a fair price.
But aside from choosing the right company and scheduling the actual work to be done, there are many other decisions to make before a job gets underway. ASC Paving, a paving company in San Antonio TX shares some important decisions some businesses might have to make in this very costly investment.
Important factors include:
Cost
This is almost always the most important factor when it comes to paving your driveway. You want to get the best looking area you can for the best possible price, but you shouldn’t instinctively take the cheapest bid without doing your homework first.
Collect a few bids and see who can do the job and for what price. It’s a good idea to require the contractors bidding on your project to visit the property and take a look at the actual area that will be paved.
This way, you’re comparing apples with apples and can make an informed decision on who to give your business to.
Cost is an extremely important factor in making this choice, just be sure that you’re not sacrificing quality in order to save a few bucks.
Durability
Most driveways are made of asphalt, and this continues to be the most durable and visually appealing product today for this particular task.
You could use cement or concrete, and this is an option worth considering, but that could look out of place in a neighborhood or community where all other driveways are paved with asphalt.
Asphalt has shown to be an extremely durable choice for driveway paving projects over the years, thus its ongoing popularity.
Aesthetic Appeal
Let’s face it, one of the main reasons we pave our driveways is to make them look good. A well-paved driveway not only makes that area look better, but it also shows off the home itself in a more positive light.
This is another reason to choose a paving company or contractor that’s well qualified for the job and has other projects and references that you can fully vet prior to giving them your business.
The last thing you want is to spend your hard-earned money on a driveway paving project, only to have to redo it again in a year or two because it wasn’t done correctly the first time.
Maintenance
Most asphalt and even concrete driveways are essentially maintenance-free, but there are things you’ll want to discuss with your contractor before the job actually gets started.
One maintenance item to consider is seal coating, a process that can reduce repairs of your driveway in the long run and keep things looking fresh and new for several years.
You don’t have to seal coat your driveway, of course, but it could be well worth the additional cost to prevent cracks and other abnormalities from creeping up over time.
Weather Conditions
Versatility is key here, particularly in areas of the country that experience extreme weather conditions throughout the year.
You’ll want to use a material that expands and contracts without suffering any major damage. There are decisions to be made, which are best determined after consulting with your paving contractor.
