Contractor Vetting Scorecard
Pressure-test a paving contractor on the things that separate a solid bid from a risky one — and get a vetting risk level before you sign.
Score every item to get a vetting risk level and where to push back.
A vetting aid, not a guarantee. The Pavement Directory does not verify contractor licensing, insurance, or workmanship — always confirm these independently before hiring.
A low bid and a good contractor are not the same thing. This scorecard walks through the documentation and commitments that protect you — licensing, insurance, a written scope, base and drainage, thickness spec, warranty, references, payment terms, and logistics — and turns your answers into a risk level.
Use it while reviewing a proposal or after a site visit. It won't verify a contractor for you, but it will show you exactly where a bid is thin and what to get in writing before work begins.
How this calculator works
Answer each item Yes / Partial / No. Yes scores 2, Partial 1, No 0.
Critical items can't be waved off. A missing license or insurance flags high risk no matter how strong the rest of the score is.
The percentage sets the tier. 80%+ reads as lower risk, 50–79% moderate, and below 50% high risk — with guidance on what to close before signing.
Frequently asked questions
How do I vet a paving contractor?
Verify the license for your state, get a certificate of insurance (general liability and workers' comp) naming the correct entity, and require a written, itemized scope that spells out base/subgrade work, asphalt thickness, warranty terms, and what's excluded. Check references or recent comparable projects, and be wary of large upfront deposits.
What are red flags in a paving bid?
A price far below the others, no written scope, vague or missing base/drainage work, no stated thickness, no warranty, a large upfront deposit, and reluctance to provide insurance or references. A cheap bid usually means thinner asphalt or skipped base preparation — the costs you can't see until the pavement fails.
Does The Pavement Directory verify contractors?
No. Listings may include self-reported information, and the directory does not independently verify licensing, insurance, or workmanship. Always confirm these yourself before hiring — this scorecard is a structured way to do that, not a guarantee.
Why is a written scope so important?
Because three bids can look like three prices while describing three different jobs. A written, itemized scope lets you compare equivalent work and holds the contractor to what they promised — base repair, thickness, warranty, and exclusions included.
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.
Looking for a pavement contractor?
Use The Pavement Directory to search asphalt, concrete, sealcoating, striping, ADA access, and pavement maintenance contractors by service and location. Always verify license, insurance, references, and written scope before hiring.
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