How to Get the Most Accurate Bid from Houston Paving Contractors
13 Jun
How to Get the Most Accurate Bid from Houston Paving Contractors
Investing in new asphalt paving is a big decision that requires significant planning. The Houston paving contractors you hire to complete the job is among the most important decisions in this process. There are many factors to consider when speaking to contractors, but the total cost holds the most weight for property owners.
When you start speaking with paving companies, you’ll receive many bids. Unfortunately, bids aren’t always accurate, making it difficult to make decisions about your paving project with confidence. So, how do you get the most precise bid from contractors?
Why Is Getting an Accurate Bid Important?
Bids are rarely pinpoint accurate. Asphalt paving is complex, and costs can fluctuate based on your needs. It’s always important to have a contingency to cover unplanned expenses. However, getting accurate bids makes all the difference.
The paving company you hire should provide you with figures that are as precise as possible to ensure you understand the costs involved with your asphalt paving. Without accurate bids, costs can balloon significantly, making your pavement cost far more than anticipated. This investment is sizable enough, and having more precise bids makes planning and managing costs easier.
How Precise Should I Be About the Details of My Paving Project?
The key to getting accurate bids from Harris County paving contractors is to be precise about the scope of work involved. Of course, you’re not a paving expert! You hire a paving company because of their many years of experience and knowledge about the asphalt paving industry. A great Houston paving company will be your partner in this process, helping you every step of the way.
That said, it pays to be as precise as possible when discussing your needs. A big reason costs skyrocket throughout a project is that Houston paving contractors encounter unexpected work. For example, teams may realize that the site needs significantly more prep work than normal. Or, your property may have certain hurdles to overcome to make installing pavement possible.
Communicate your needs and provide as much information as possible. Bring up possible challenges paving companies might face and provide accurate dimensions of what you want the final product to be. It’s also important to discuss details like intended use. Doing so will give paving contractors in Houston more insight into the work involved, allowing them to factor in every possible expense when developing a bid.
How Much Asphalt Will Houston Paving Contractors Use?
Bids will vary between asphalt paving companies. However, the cost of materials will be similar across the board. Labor and additional expenses cause the biggest total cost differences.
One way to ensure accuracy when getting bids from Harris County paving contractors is to enter discussions with a general idea of how much asphalt you’ll need. You don’t need to be ultra-precise. Paving contractors in Houston will get into specifics later. However, a general understanding of how much asphalt your project requires will make it far easier for you to compare bids.
Most standard paving projects require about 145 pounds of asphalt per cubic foot of coverage. Once you know that, you can easily calculate the approximate material tonnage your pavement will need.
Start by considering the depth of your pavement. Residential driveways only need about four to five inches of depth. Meanwhile, commercial parking lots might need seven to eight inches. Industrial lots will require even more.
Take the dimensions of your proposed asphalt paving to perform this calculation.
Length(ft) X Width(ft) X Depth(ft) = Total Cubic Feet of Asphalt
Now, multiply that figure by 145 pounds. That calculation gives you the total amount of asphalt paving companies need to complete your project. Divide that number by 2,000, and you have a rough estimate of how many tons of asphalt paving contractors in Houston will have to order.
How Do I Compare Quotes from Houston Paving Contractors?
A general understanding of how much asphalt Harris County paving contractors need for your project is just the jumping-off point. With that number, you can compare bids across asphalt paving companies and better understand the total cost to complete your project. However, you shouldn’t stop there.
There are many paving contractors vying for your business. Look beyond the bid to ensure you get the results you deserve. Scrutinize the reputation of the paving companies you speak with. Ask for references, look at examples of past work and ask contractors about their methodologies. Reputable paving contractors will have no issues answering all your questions and giving you all the information you need to make a confident decision.
If you’re searching for a paving company you can trust, look no further than Pavement Services. We’re premier Harris Country paving contractors offering comprehensive services like new asphalt paving, repairs, sealcoating, cement stabilization, parking lot reclamation and more.
We’ve proudly served residential and commercial property owners throughout Harris County since 1980. We never ask for payment upfront and prioritize outstanding customer service every step of the way.
Call Pavement Services at (713)661-9295, use our online contact form or email the team at info@pavementservice.com to discuss your needs and get a free quote.