The most important question to ask a commercial paving contractor is what their base preparation scope includes. Most premature pavement failures trace back to shortcuts in base preparation, and the contractors who cut those corners are the ones who also offer the lowest bids.
Questions to Ask Before You Hire
What does your base preparation scope include?
A qualified contractor should be able to describe their subgrade evaluation process, aggregate base depth specifications, drainage correction approach, and compaction standards. Vague or dismissive answers to this question are a red flag.
What asphalt mix design are you specifying?
Not all asphalt mixes perform the same. The mix should be appropriate for the expected traffic type and load. A contractor who can’t specify the mix or doesn’t know why it matters may be using whatever is cheapest and most available rather than what is right for your project.
How are you addressing drainage on this project?
Every commercial paving project should include a drainage evaluation. If a contractor isn’t asking about drainage or including it in their scope, they’re not planning to address it — and the new pavement will face the same water problems the old one did.
Will your own crew be doing the work or will it be subcontracted?
Some contractors win jobs and subcontract the actual work to whoever is available. Owner-managed crews with consistent quality control produce more reliable results.
What warranty do you offer?
A contractor who stands behind their work offers a written warranty. Ask specifically what it covers and for how long.
Can you provide references from commercial clients with similar projects?
References from property managers, municipalities, or industrial facility operators who had comparable work done are the most relevant. A contractor who does good commercial work will have them readily available.
Are you licensed and insured for commercial work in Massachusetts?
Verify general liability and workers’ compensation insurance before any work begins. Request certificates directly rather than taking a verbal confirmation.
What the Answers Tell You
A contractor who answers all of these questions specifically, in writing, and without hesitation is a different category from one who deflects or provides generic answers. The question set functions as a filter. Contractors who do good commercial work are comfortable talking about how they work. Contractors who cut corners typically are not.
Freequently Asked Questions
Why do commercial paving bids vary so much?
The price difference almost always comes down to base preparation scope. Contractors who reduce or eliminate base prep can quote lower prices. The savings show up early and the costs show up later when the pavement fails ahead of schedule.
Should I always choose the lowest bid?
Not without first confirming what the lower bid includes. A complete bid that specifies base preparation, drainage correction, material specifications, and warranty terms is a different product from an incomplete bid that leaves those items out. Compare scope, not just price.
How long has US Asphalt been in business?
US Asphalt has operated for five generations, with roots going back to 1888. The Patterson family was involved in paving one of the first roads in Pennsylvania and has been in the paving and infrastructure business ever since.
Does US Asphalt work on commercial and industrial projects?
Yes. Commercial and industrial paving is the primary focus of US Asphalt’s work across the Boston metro and the broader Northeast, including parking lots, truck terminals, warehouses, distribution centers, municipal roads, and large-scale reconstruction projects.
US Asphalt has served commercial and industrial clients across the Boston metro for five generations. Call (855) 246-8867 or visit usasphalt.com to request a proposal.
Contact Us Today
Are you tired of working with contractors that just don’t fit the bill? Have you experienced terrible workmanship, late contractors, or unfinished jobs and are ready to move onto something better? US Asphalt can eliminate all your worries and leave you with nothing but the perfect paving job and a massive smile. We’re here to take on any of your large commercial projects or residential jobs in Natick, MA and beyond. Give us a call today or fill out our contact form to receive your 100% FREE estimate.