As the New Jersey weather gets warmer and the asphalt paving season begins, consumers are warned to be extremely cautious when selecting a contractor to pave a driveway or parking lot.
Each spring, bands of con-artists, often referred to as traveling criminals or gypsy pavers, enter our state in order to scam unsuspecting homeowners and business people.
Here are 7 asphalt paving warning signs:
1. Selling door-to-door: Reputable asphalt contractors will sometimes offer their services if they are doing a legitimate job in the immediate area. Always ask for references.
2. Claiming they have leftover asphalt from another job: Professional asphalt contractors will know, with great accuracy, how much paving material is needed to complete a project. Rarely will they have leftover material. Some of the reasons a contractor might have left over material are due to weather, equipment problems, cancellations and etc.
3. Push you to make a quick decision: Reputable contractors will provide a written estimate that will be valid for weeks or months. If the great deal they are offering you today is not available tomorrow or next week it may be a scam.
4. No contract offered: Insist upon a written contract specifying in detail, the work to be performed and the agreed upon price.
5. Cash only sales: Most reputable contractors take checks or credit cards and don’t require cash-only terms.
6. Deals that seem to be good to be true: If the quoted price seems very low, chances are the quality of the work will also be quite low.
7. Unmarked truck: Often the trucks they travel in are unmarked or they have an out of town address and phone number. A little research will reveal that they have no permanent address and the phone number is often an answering machine.
A professionally designed and properly constructed asphalt driveway will last for many years and most reputable contractors will stand behind their work. Know who you are doing business with. Consumers are safer dealing with a contractor who has roots in the community. Always check the Better Business Bureau and NJ Consumer Affairs web sites for consumer complaints before hiring a contractor.