We need to talk about getting your asphalt done right here in Boston. You might have a driveway that has seen too many harsh New England winters. Or maybe you are putting in a new driveway for your property. Whatever the project, you need a good Asphalt Contractor. Finding a good Asphalt Contractor can feel like navigating the Callahan Tunnel at rush hour. This can be a real headache if you do not know the lanes.
Our team has been doing this for years with Boston Paving Solutions. We have seen all kinds of asphalt work. We have seen good work as well as bad work as well as everything in between. So, let us give you the straight scoop on how to hire someone you can trust for your Boston Asphalt Contractor needs. We will tell you what questions to ask. We will also tell you what to look for in their quotes. In addition, we will explain how to spot a faker.
First Things First: Verify They Are Legitimate
Before you even think about getting a quote for your asphalt project, you need to make sure the Asphalt Contractor is legitimate. This is not just about avoiding scams. It is about protecting your investment as well as your property. Here is how you do it:
- Check for Licenses and Registration: In Massachusetts, Asphalt Contractors doing work over $1,000 on a one-to-four family home where the owner lives need to be registered as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) with the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR). They should also have a Construction Supervisor License (CSL) if the work involves structural elements. You can look up their HIC registration on the state's website. If they do not have one, you should walk away. It is illegal for them to work on those projects without it. You will not be able to use the state arbitration program if things go bad.
- Insurance is Important: They need general liability insurance as well as workers' compensation insurance. Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) directly from their insurance agent. Do not just take a photocopy from the Asphalt Contractor. This protects you if a worker gets hurt. It also protects you if there is damage to your property during the asphalt job.
- Local Footprint: A legitimate Asphalt Contractor company will have a verifiable local business address. Be careful of contractors who just show up at your door. This is especially true for those claiming to have