How to Hire a Seal Coat Contractor

Your driveway can look good as new with the right contractor.

A seal coat contractor is basically hired to work on your driveway or other concrete or asphalt area around your home. Such a contractor can install an entirely new driveway, for example, or just resurface or repair your existing surface. Whenever you hire a contractor to complete a home improvement project, you should research your options carefully, even if the level of work is small compared to other home projects.

Instructions

1. Look for newly-done driveways of businesses in your area and inquire about the seal coat contractor. When driveways are newly done, it will be a much darker shade of black than older driveways. You can also check with people you know who have recently had their driveways done.

2. Increase your list by checking with trade associations. These associations can provide the names of area seal coat contractors who are members. Some examples include the National Pavement Contractors Association and the National Asphalt Pavement Association.

3. Contact each contractor on your list to find out if they specialize in seal coat contracting or if they offer other services. You will want to choose a contractor who specifically focuses on seal coating and driveway work. Also, find out if the seal coat contractor offers the type of driveway work you want done. For example, you might want an entirely new driveway or you might just want your current driveway resurfaced.

4. Start checking up on the seal coat contractors on your list. Find out if the contractors are properly registered, licensed, bonded and insured, which requires a copy of their state insurance certificate. Not all businesses need all these credentials, but in most states, seal coat contractors do. Contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to verify their track record. Then, ask each contractor for a few references. Insist on at least one reference where the job was done over a year ago. That way, if you can view the driveway, you will know how the contractor's work held up.

5. Try to talk with the references provided one-on-one to ask if they were satisfied with the seal coat contractors and about the quality of the finished product. Find out if you can come by and view their driveways. If you can, check on the quality of the work. Make sure there are no cracks or discolored areas in the finish.

6. Set up an appointment for an estimate with the three or four seal coat contractors who either most impress you or seem most qualified. While at your house, the contractor should ask you about your project, examine your driveway, make recommendations and talk with you about any findings. A written estimate is usually provided in the end for seal coat contracting work.

7. Compare the estimates of your top two seal coat contractors side by side. Note any differences in terms of materials, labor and included service, and call each to inquire about these differences. This will help you make the most informed hiring decision.

References

• SealcoatingAsphalt: How do I choose a Sealcoating Contractor
• Asphalt Sealcoating Direct: Asphalt Sealcoating Contractors