Your Complete Guide to Researching Your Asphalt Contractor’s Safety Record and Reputation Before You Sign
Choosing the right asphalt contractor can mean the difference between a durable, long-lasting pavement and costly repairs down the road. Poor contractor selection can lead to early wear, safety risks, and financial losses, while cutting corners on workmanship can result in expensive repairs and potential safety risks down the line. Before you commit to any paving project, it’s essential to thoroughly research your contractor’s safety record and reputation to protect your investment and ensure quality results.
Start with License and Insurance Verification
The foundation of any reputable contractor research begins with verifying their credentials. Check Legal Requirements: Verify licenses and insurance to ensure compliance and protection. License verification starts with confirming the status shows “Active” and the classification matches your project type.
When verifying insurance coverage, call to verify that the policy is current and covers your project dates. Ask about coverage amounts—you want at least $1 million in general liability protection. For extra security, request to be listed as “additional insured” on their policy during your project. Watch for red flags like contractors who won’t provide certificates, insurance companies with no record of the policy, or coverage that expires before your project finishes. We’ve seen cases where contractors provided fake insurance certificates, so that direct phone call to the carrier is crucial.
Request their Certificate of Insurance (COI): This document should outline their liability and workers’ compensation coverage. Workers’ compensation is particularly important because it provides benefits to workers injured on the job, covering medical expenses and lost wages. Without it, you might be held responsible for these costs if an accident occurs on your property.
Research Safety Records and OSHA Compliance
A contractor’s safety record is one of the most important indicators of their professionalism and reliability. Construction buyers also rely on these statistics when selecting contractors with acceptable safety results. You can access valuable safety information through several channels:
OSHA collects and maintains a wide range of data related to workplace safety and health. This includes OSHA inspection and citation data, injury and illness data electronically submitted to OSHA, work-related severe injury and fatality data, and chemical exposure health data. Employers, workers, safety professionals, and other interested parties may view and download OSHA’s publicly available data provided online.
For comprehensive contractor verification, some states offer excellent resources. Washington: Use the Department of Labor & Industries to verify a contractor. It displays active license, bonding, insurance, workers’ compensation coverage, safety citations, and any lawsuit filed against their bond. While not all states provide this level of detail, you should search for similar databases in your area.
By collecting safety data, contractors’ average Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) and average DART Rate over a three-year period can be calculated. These averages are then compared to the most recent industry averages published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for each contractor’s specific trade. Each contractor’s average EMR is calculated and compared against the insurance benchmark of 1.0.
Evaluate Online Reviews and References
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating is another useful resource for gauging a contractor’s reputation. However, don’t stop there. Through online reviews and testimonials from past clients, potential clients can obtain quite a detailed insight into the contractor’s reliability, professionalism, and quality of work. Do thorough research and find contractors with a history of best reviews and outstanding ratings.
When reading reviews, those with descriptions will provide the best insight into how the experience will be to work with the contractor. You should be keen on specific details like “prompt,” “on budget,” “great customer service,” “polite,” and “professional,” just to name a few. How the reviewer presents the feedback will tell you a lot about the experience of contracting a paving team.
Another thing to consider when researching feedback is the age of reviews. You will want to look at the most recent reviews, especially if there are many of them or a few negative ones. 9 out of 10 potential clients say online reviews are a key factor in helping them decide which contractor to hire for a paving job. Just one negative review can cost you at least 30 potential clients, which means thousands of dollars lost.
Verify Experience and Local Knowledge
Experience matters significantly in asphalt paving, especially in challenging climates. Asphalt paving solutions must be tailored to withstand Upstate New York’s tough winter weather. Between extreme heat in the summer, devastating winter storms and the ongoing saga of freeze-thaw cycles, New York’s roads take a pounding from extreme weather in all seasons.
Look for contractors with local expertise who understand regional challenges. For example, if you’re seeking an Asphalt Contractor Rensselaer County, NY, you want someone familiar with the area’s specific climate conditions and soil requirements. Experienced teams know local properties inside and out, treating each project as if it were their own. You can count on them to deliver professional results while respecting your property and timeline, with comprehensive expertise including specialized knowledge in asphalt paving, excavation, and concrete services.
When looking for an asphalt contractor, prioritize those with a track record of working in your area. Certifications from industry organizations can also indicate that the contractor is committed to high standards and ongoing education in asphalt paving techniques. Don’t hesitate to ask for proof of these credentials and verify their legitimacy. This step can help you avoid contractors who may not be qualified to handle your project.
Ask the Right Questions
When interviewing potential contractors, ask specific questions about their safety practices and track record:
- Can the contractor provide you with proof of workers compensation and general liability insurance?
- Does the contractor offer a warranty on his work?
- Does his crew consist of employees, or does he hire inexperienced day laborers?
- Confirm if they have liability insurance and workers’ compensation before you hire one.
- What is their Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) for the past three years?
- Have they had any OSHA violations in recent years?
- Can they provide references from recent projects similar to yours?
Red Flags to Avoid
One of the sure signs you’re dealing with a fly-by-night contractor is that they do not have insurance. Insurance helps contractors mitigate potential financial risks associated with accidents, injuries, property damage, or lawsuits. It also provides a safety net to cover unexpected costs.
Other warning signs include:
- Contractors who refuse to provide documentation
- Unusually low bids that seem too good to be true
- Door-to-door solicitation with high-pressure tactics
- Requests for full payment upfront
- No local address or established business location
- Poor communication or unprofessional behavior
The Value of Working with Established, Safety-Focused Companies
Companies that prioritize safety often demonstrate this commitment through their values and practices. Quality contractors emphasize safety, honesty, and customer-first service, guiding everything they do with local knowledge, familiarity with soil conditions, climate challenges, and building requirements. Family-owned operations that focus on quality workmanship and competitive pricing for both residential and commercial clients, being fully insured and licensed for local code requirements, ensure every project meets proper standards.
Established professionals have the benefit of hindsight thanks to their years of experience in the business. They likely have a good reputation in the sector and their workmanship can be vouched by many happy customers. Unlike new contractors, they’re also less prone to make mistakes.
Making Your Final Decision
Finally, trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, whether it’s the contractor’s attitude, their quote, or their level of professionalism, it’s okay to walk away and seek other options. Remember that a well-installed asphalt surface can last 20–30 years. Don’t cut corners – focus on quality over cost to avoid expensive repairs later.
Taking the time to thoroughly research your contractor’s safety record and reputation is an investment in your project’s success. By verifying credentials, checking safety records, reading reviews, and asking the right questions, you’ll be equipped to make an informed decision that protects both your property and your investment. A contractor with a strong safety record and solid reputation is more likely to deliver the quality, durable results you’re paying for.