5 Ways To Spot Asphalt Paving Scams Before They Happen

Unfortunately, dishonesty is everywhere these days, even in the paving and asphalt industry. Asphalt paving scams are all too common, and they can leave you with a poorly done job, damaged pavement and a lot of costly headaches. We don’t want that to happen to you. Here are five paving scam red flags to avoid.

1. Door-to-Door Paving Sales

If someone shows up at your door with a truck full of hot asphalt and an offer to pave your space immediately at a low cost, it’s likely a paving scam. In these situations, scammers will pressure you to pay up front and then disappear after doing shoddy, unsafe work. If your paving fails afterward, you’ll have costly damage on your hands, and you won’t be able to contact this “paving company” for repairs.

Asphalt paving requires preparation beyond pouring asphalt over a person’s space. If someone shows up unsolicited and offers to do the job quickly, they probably haven’t done their homework, and you’ll want to steer clear.

How To Protect Yourself

Most reputable asphalt pavers don’t operate door-to-door. Rather, they’ll wait for you to contact them. If you get a so-called paving company appearing at your door, ask for their credentials and verify them with an online search. Do not let them pressure you into beginning work immediately.

2. Leftover Asphalt Offers

Many paving scammers claim they have leftover asphalt from a previous job. They’ll explain that they need to lay it before it hardens, and they’ll offer to repave your driveway or parking lot at a low rate. Be wary of these offers.

Why Leftover Asphalt Is a Red Flag

To understand why leftover asphalt is a problem, we need to learn more about asphalt itself.

Asphalt is an aggregate material of stone, rock and liquid binders. It is usually prepared and mixed at an off-site facility, then heated for pouring. Once the hot asphalt arrives at your location, it must be laid and compacted within a certain timeframe. Otherwise, it won’t harden and set correctly. Trustworthy asphalt layers want to avoid this situation, and they won’t try to waste leftover asphalt on someone else’s space.

What Reputable Contractors Will Do With Leftover Asphalt

Most legitimate pavers try to never have leftover asphalt. If they do have some, it won’t be enough to pave a large space. Reputable pavers will return leftover asphalt to a processing facility for recycling. If they do attempt to lay leftover asphalt, it’ll be for the original buyer.

3. Suspiciously Low Bids or No Written Estimates

Another sign of an asphalt scam is a too-good-to-be-true cost. Many scammers will quote a low price, then collect an upfront payment to start work. After they begin paving, they’ll invent any number of costly “problems” that they suddenly need to take care of. In the end, you’ll pay much more than expected.

What Professional Asphalt Paving Estimates Should Include

A reliable asphalt paving estimate isn’t done instantly at your door. It takes time and thought. Reputable pavers complete an estimate before the project begins. Many offer free initial quotes on their websites and will send an estimator to your home or business to collect further details and specs. Then, they’ll develop an official project proposal.

Beyond the asphalt price itself, professional paving estimates might include costs like:

• Site prep
• Drainage and grading considerations
• Gas and mileage
• Labor
• Insurance
• Taxes and fees

4. Avoid No-Contract Paving Jobs

Many paving scammers—especially door-to-door ones—don’t use contracts. But contracts are like seat belts in cars. They keep everyone safe and accountable.

Good contracts include fine print that outlines expectations from your paving company. They usually list the project start date, reiterate the cost estimate and describe the promised work. They often contain company contact information, insurance details, limits of liability, and explanations of extra fees and dispute resolution information. This ensures the customer and paving company uphold their ends of the agreement.

Why Cash-Only Paving Deals Are Dangerous

Trustworthy paving companies tend to accept multiple payment methods. If a paver pressures you for cash only, especially before starting a job, it may indicate dishonesty.

Scammers often use cash-only ploys because it avoids a paper trail of credit card or check transactions. This helps them get away with your money. Many will disappear from the area immediately after they finish a job, leaving you with little or no way to track them down if there’s a problem.

That being said, it’s fine to pay for a reputable paving job in cash. Just make sure you pay at the end of the job and always collect a receipt.

5. Look for Marked Vehicles, Uniforms, and Business Footprints

Reputable paving companies should have ample information to demonstrate their legitimacy, including:

• Technician certifications from your state’s Department of Transportation (DOT) or similar body
• Insurance and bonding information
• Websites, complete with contact information
• Business licenses to operate and collect tax in your state

Many paving companies also use branded materials like letterhead, logos, uniforms and company vehicles. However, there are plenty of perfectly legitimate companies that don’t. They should still provide their business credentials on request.

How To Prove a Paving Company Is Legitimate

When hiring an asphalt paving company, politely ask for their licenses, certifications, insurance and accreditations. They should provide this information without being asked. If a paver appears defensive or tries to pressure you to rush, it’s a red flag.

Avoid Asphalt Paving Scams. Trust Raleigh’s Paving Experts

Paving jobs are too expensive and important to be handled by just anyone. Raleigh Paving will do it right. We’re one of the Triangle’s most trusted asphalt paving businesses, and our commitment to honesty and transparency is why clients trust us with their paving needs.

Call (919) 859-3626 or request your free quote now.