Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Paving Contractor
Updated May 1, 2026
Asking the right questions before hiring a paving contractor can prevent scope disputes, unexpected costs, and premature pavement failure. Use this list as a starting point during your bid process.
Licensing, insurance, and experience
Are you licensed to perform this work in this state or municipality? Can you provide a certificate of insurance? How many years have you been in business, and can you provide references from similar projects?
Scope and materials
What is the specified asphalt or concrete thickness? How will the base be prepared and compacted? Will existing pavement be milled, removed, or paved over? What is excluded from this proposal?
Drainage and site conditions
How will the project handle existing drainage patterns? Are there any low spots or ponding areas that need to be addressed as part of this scope, or will they remain?
Timeline and disruption
What is the expected project timeline? How will the contractor handle weather delays? For occupied commercial properties, how will traffic control and phasing be managed?
Warranty and post-project support
What warranty is provided, and what specifically does it cover? What would void the warranty? Who do you contact if an issue appears after the project is complete?
Before you hire: The Pavement Directory does not guarantee contractor performance, pricing, licensing, insurance, or availability. Business information may be submitted by contractors or gathered from public sources and should be independently verified before hiring. Always confirm licensing, insurance, references, scope of work, and written contract terms.