It’s only natural to want to get the most for your money. Unfortunately, we live in a world where people know this and love to take advantage of it. At J&W Asphalt, we provide quality and integrity in our workmanship, but beware a popular asphalt paving scam.
Follow this guide to avoid getting ripped off when choosing a contractor for your asphalt installation and repair.
The Traveling Asphalt Salesman Scam
One of the most popular asphalt paving scams involves asphalt salespeople who are not from the area. They are typically from the South and will travel through city after city and town after town, staying in hotels.
They go door to door in an area, claiming to be working on a job in the area. They will claim to have extra asphalt and offer to install or repair a driveway for cheaply. To unsuspecting homeowners, this sounds like an unbelievable deal, and that is exactly what it turns out to be.
You Get What You Pay For
These con artists always manage to con the homeowners out of more money than the originally quoted. They will claim to have found serious problems during the job and coerce homeowners into handing over more money. Instead of completing a beautiful driveway with quality workmanship, they end up doing a subpar job.
They lay the thinnest possible amount of asphalt. Rather than beautifully graded pavement, it is thicker on the outside and thin in the middle because they lack the experience and equipment to do a professional job.
No Recourse for Homeowners
Unfortunately, because they are not connected to any company, the homeowner has little recourse in these situations. The asphalt does not come with a warranty, and there is no one to call when the pavement begins to demonstrate serious structural integrity issues.
Warnings signs of a scam artist:
● Only takes cash, not credit or checks
● Pressures you to decide immediately
● No written estimate
● Surprisingly low price
Gravel Scam Artists
These hucksters also prey on gravel driveway owners. They will offer to spray sealcoat on a gravel driveway, claiming it is a new, innovative product. Alternately, they will provide a base material mixed with sticky tack. When it rains, the product goes away or worse yet, leaves an unsightly mess. Either way, the homeowner is left holding the bill.
Hire an Established Asphalt Paving Contractor
Asphalt paving and gravel scams can cause you headache and cost you money. To avoid getting tricked, be sure to hire an established contractor. A good crew will do the job right the first time with the proper equipment and years of experience.
Signs of a legitimate contractor:
● A contract
● A marked company vehicle
● Business cards
● A website with reputable information
● A permanent address
Experienced Twin Cities Asphalt Contractor
An established, trustworthy asphalt contractor will always be able to provide references and information about their business. Well-established and experienced contractors are unlikely to overestimate the amount of material needed for a job.
At J&W Asphalt, we have more than 42 years of experience in the asphalt installation business. We prize quality, innovation, and customer service, and we stand by our work with warranties. For more information, give us a call at 952-977-8071, or contact us at info@jwasphalt.com.