Bay Country Contractors

Jul 1, 2022
6 Asphalt Paving Scams Of The Season!

Does your driveway need an update? Well, with summer here, asphalt paving season is upon us! And with it come the inevitable scams that try to take advantage of unsuspecting property owners. So, are you dreading the thought of dealing with shady contractors? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! This blog post lists common asphalt paving scams; you must watch out for! Stay alert for the following excuses.

1) The Low Ball Estimate

This is when a contractor gives you an estimate much lower than the competition. They may even say they can do the job for half the price! Be wary; this could indicate that they will cut corners on the quality of materials and artistry.

2) The Pushy Salesman

We’ve all had that salesperson who’s just a little too pushy. With asphalt paving scams, the salesperson may pressure you into signing a contract on the spot. Or, they might say that the price is only reasonable if you act now. Don’t let yourself be pressured into anything you’re not comfortable with.

3) The Out-of-Town Contractor

Some contractors will leverage their position by saying they’re from out of town. They may say they can get materials at a discount because they buy in bulk. Or, they might say that they don’t have to charge sales tax. Be wary of any contractor who doesn’t have a local address or phone number.

4) Leftover Asphalt Scam

This is a common scam, where the contractor tells you they have leftover asphalt from a previous job. They’ll offer to pave your driveway at a reduced rate because they won’t have to pay for new materials. However, these leftover materials are often of poor quality and won’t last as long as fresh asphalt.

5) Watery Sealcoats

Some unscrupulous contractors will try to pass off watered-down seal coats as the real thing. The inferior product won’t protect your driveway as well as a quality seal coat; you’ll need to replace it more often.

6) Overlays

An asphalt overlay is a process in which a new layer of asphalt is laid over an existing one. This can be a legitimate way to repair damage or improve the appearance of your driveway. However, some contractors will try to sell you an overlay when you only need a seal coat.

There are always a few scam artists looking to take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners. Stay alert for unlicensed and uninsured contractors and out-of-the-blue paving experts asking for hefty upfront compensation. However, with Bay Country Contractors, you can feel confident that you’ll get desirable returns on your pavement investment. We offer reliable full-service asphalt maintenance and site development services in Stafford. Get a free estimate for your pavement project today.