HOW DO I CHOOSE A SEALCOATING CONTRACTOR?
Whenever you are planning to hire a sealcoating contractor, it is essential that you do your homework. The satisfaction you receive from your investment will be directly proportional to the integrity of the business providing the service.
Begin your search by asking anyone you know who has had a direct experience with a sealcoating contractor. If you don’t know anyone who has, look for a freshly sealed parking area and ask the owner who they used. Of course, you can use the yellow pages or the internet to gather prospects as well. Remember it is never a good idea to go with the first person you find, even if recommended by your very best friend. Your idea of quality workmanship may be very different from your friends and in the end you may be minus a friend as well as a professionally sealed driveway!
If possible, secure the name of three or four potential contractors. Then set an appointment with each for a free estimate (they all give free estimates). A good contractor will do three things during his visit: 1) ask you exactly what you think you want to have done, 2) examine your property carefully and determine from a professional viewpoint what he maintenance steps are advisable, taking measurements to determine his price, and 3) sit down face to face with you, informing you of his findings and explaining in detail his proposed work and what his company has to offer. Many will give a price at this time, some will mail a written estimate, others will do both.
There are a few things to keep in mind when talking with a contractor. If at all possible, encourage them to provide similar information in their estimates. Contractors may appear to be offering the same services for very different prices or very dissimilar services for the same price. Items may be included in the services that are not written on the estimate or things you assume will be done that will not be. Do as much research as you can stand to make sure you’re comparing apples to apples.
Above all else, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Besides the educational value of asking questions, you will get a feel for your contractor’s willingness and openness to work with you. In the process it will help you determine your level of comfort and trust in the particular individual. Is he willing to answer your questions? Does he seem open and honest? Are his responses knowledgeable and professional? And by all means ask for three references from previous customers and a copy of their insurance certificate. Do not hire them until you have seen both.
There are several very seemingly superficial indications of the type of experience you will have with a contractor right at the beginning of your relationship. 1) How long did it take to set up an appointment? 2) Did he/she show up on time for the appointment? 3) How long does it take for him to return your phone calls? What you experience in the beginning is more likely than not the best service you will receive. If there are long delays during this part of the process you can be sure they will only get worse. If on the other hand your contractor returns your calls promptly, shows up on time for the appointment and drops the written estimate in the mail the next day, you can be fairly certain you will receive good service down the road.
When you receive copies of the estimates, references and insurance certificates, by all means call the references. It is also a good idea to check with the Better Business Bureau as well. They are very happy to provide information to potential customers.
If you have anyone left after you have done your background check, study the estimates side by side to ascertain, as clear an understanding as possible, as to what each is offering and how it compares to your expectations. If one estimate has an item the other does not, call the first contractor and ask them if the item in question is included in their price and if not how much it would be. As much as possible, make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. When you have a comfortable understanding of what each contractor is offering, don’t let price alone determine your choice. Choose the person who showed up on time for the estimate and with whom you feel you will be most comfortable working, even if the price is a little higher. If his price is considerably higher than others you have received, don’t be afraid to ask him if we would be willing to take a look at his numbers and see if he could adjust them down a bit. Tell him you really would prefer to work with him but his price is a little high for your budget. He may or may not be able to do so, but if he does that is just icing on the cake!
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