Top Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring Asphalt Companies in Keene, NH

Choosing the right contractor for asphalt paving in Keene, NH, is crucial for long-lasting driveways, parking lots, and road surfaces. Whether you need residential asphalt paving in NH or commercial asphalt paving in NH, hiring the wrong company can lead to cracks, drainage problems, budget overruns, and long-term repair costs.

Homeowners and businesses often make avoidable mistakes when selecting a contractor. Understanding these pitfalls can help you find the best asphalt paving company in Keene, NH, and ensure your investment pays off for years to come.

Below are the top mistakes to avoid—and how to choose trusted asphalt paving professionals in NH with confidence.

1. Not Checking Licensing and Insurance

One of the biggest mistakes people make is not verifying whether the contractor is properly licensed and insured. Asphalt work involves heavy machinery, skilled labor, and safety considerations. If you hire an unlicensed company, you risk legal issues, substandard work, and financial liability.

A reputable company offering asphalt paving in Keene, NH should have:

• A valid state or local contractor’s license
  
  
• General liability insurance
  
  
• Workers’ compensation coverage
  
  

Without these, you could be held responsible for damages or injuries during the project. Always request documentation upfront and confirm its validity.

2. Ignoring Local Experience

Every region has unique weather patterns and soil conditions, and New Hampshire is no exception. Hiring a contractor without experience in the Keene area can lead to premature damage caused by freeze-thaw cycles or improper drainage planning.

When evaluating companies, look for those who:

• Have completed projects locally
  
  
• Understand the climate challenges
  
  
• Are you familiar with residential asphalt paving in NH
  
  
• Have experience with commercial asphalt paving in NH
  
  

Local expertise ensures that materials, techniques, and thicknesses are appropriate for long-term durability.

3. Choosing Based Solely on Price

It’s tempting to choose the lowest bid, but this often leads to poor-quality work. Some contractors may cut corners by using subpar materials, rushing the job, or skipping essential steps like compaction and grading.

When comparing estimates, consider:

• Years of experience
  
  
• Reputation in the community
  
  
• Material quality
  
  
• Project timeline
  
  
• Warranty details
  
  

A slightly higher investment upfront can save thousands in future asphalt repair in Keene, NH.

4. Failing to Review Past Work

Many property owners skip the step of checking previous projects or asking for references. Seeing real examples of residential or commercial work helps you assess the quality of the contractor’s craftsmanship.

Ask for:

• Before-and-after photos
  
  
• Local addresses of completed projects
  
  
• References from past clients
  
  
• Case studies for a similar scope and budget
  
  

Trusted asphalt paving professionals in NH will be proud to showcase their work and client feedback.

5. Overlooking Written Contracts

A handshake agreement isn’t enough when dealing with major paving projects. Failing to secure a detailed written contract can result in surprise charges, communication issues, and disagreements about what was promised.

Your contract should clearly outline:

• Scope of work
  
  
• Timeline
  
  
• Material specifications
  
  
• Total cost and payment structure
  
  
• Warranty details
  
  

A professional asphalt repair or paving company will always provide proper documentation.

6. Not Asking About Materials and Techniques

The quality of your pavement depends heavily on the materials used and the process followed. Some companies use recycled asphalt or diluted mixtures without informing the customer.

Key questions to ask include:

• What grade of asphalt will be used?
  
  
• How thick will each layer be?
  
  
• Will proper compaction be applied?
  
  
• Is the base being prepared adequately?
  
  

Whether it’s a driveway or parking lot, the best asphalt paving company in Keene, NH, will follow industry standards and explain their approach.

7. Skipping Warranty and Maintenance Discussions

Many people forget to ask about warranties or maintenance recommendations. Without this information, you could be responsible for preventable damage within a short time after project completion.

Look for companies offering:

• Written warranties on materials and workmanship
  
  
• Guidance on sealing and care
  
  
• Asphalt repair services in Keene, NH, for future needs
  
  

A clear warranty shows confidence in the quality of their work.

8. Ignoring Reviews and Reputation

Reputation speaks volumes. Hiring a contractor without checking online reviews, ratings, or testimonials can leave you vulnerable to scams or disappointing results.

Before committing, explore:

• Google Reviews and Yelp
  
  
• Local business directories
  
  
• Social media pages
  
  
• BBB ratings
  
  

Positive reviews indicate reliable service, especially if clients mention durability, professionalism, and attention to detail.

9. Not Considering Equipment and Workforce

Some contractors lack the proper tools or staff to complete large or complex jobs. Others might rent outdated equipment that affects the final finish and timeline.

A well-equipped company offering asphalt paving in Keene, NH should have:

• Modern pavers and rollers
  
  
• Adequate workforce
  
  
• Grading and compaction tools
  
  
• Trucks for efficient material transport
  
  

If they struggle to schedule your project or handle your scope, that’s a red flag.

10. Failing to Compare Multiple Contractors

Another common mistake is hiring the first company you talk to. Even if they seem knowledgeable, comparing at least three quotes helps you understand pricing, professionalism, and service levels.

When comparing:

• Don’t focus solely on cost
  
  
• Pay attention to communication clarity
  
  
• Look at timelines and warranties
  
  
• Ask specific questions about your property type
  
  

This is especially important for commercial asphalt paving in NH, where scale and logistics matter.

11. Forgetting to Ask About Drainage Planning

Improper drainage is a leading cause of cracks, potholes, and erosion. If a contractor doesn’t assess your site’s slope or runoff, you could face costly asphalt repair in Keene NH later on.

Make sure your contractor:

• Evaluates the subgrade
  
  
• Plans for proper water flow
  
  
• Uses adequate base material
  
  
• Ensures accurate pitch and leveling
  
  

Good drainage is non-negotiable for both residential and commercial projects.

12. Not Checking Timeline and Availability

Some companies overbook and leave clients waiting for weeks or months. Others may start your project but leave it unfinished while juggling multiple sites.

Clarify the following before hiring:

• Estimated start date
  
  
• Project duration
  
  
• Work schedule
  
  
• Contingency plans for weather delays
  
  

Reliable scheduling is a hallmark of trusted asphalt paving professionals in NH.

13. Failing to Prepare the Site Properly

Some property owners don’t ask who is responsible for permits, grading, or prep work. Without clarity, you could face unexpected delays or fees.

Ask your contractor about:

• Permit requirements
  
  
• Tree or debris removal
  
  
• Base excavation and grading
  
  
• Traffic coordination (for commercial sites)
  
  

The best asphalt paving company in Keene, NH, will help coordinate or guide you through preparations.

14. Overlooking Communication and Transparency

Communication problems often lead to misunderstandings and poor results. If a contractor is hard to reach or dismissive of your questions, that’s a sign to reconsider.

Look for contractors who:

• Provide clear answers
  
  
• Offer detailed estimates
  
  
• Keep you updated during the project
  
  
• Respect your budget and timeline
  
  

Good communication reduces stress and builds trust.

15. Ignoring Long-Term Value

Some people only think about short-term costs, not the long-term performance of their pavement. Low-quality work means you’ll need asphalt repair in Keene, NH sooner than expected.

Consider:

• Lifespan expectations
  
  
• Maintenance requirements
  
  
• Warranty length
  
  
• Material resilience
  
  

Investing in durability saves money over time, especially for high-traffic areas.

Final Thoughts: Choose Wisely and Protect Your Investment

Avoiding these mistakes can help you hire the best asphalt paving company in Keene, NH, for your needs. Whether you’re planning residential asphalt paving in NH or managing commercial asphalt paving in NH, due diligence is key.

Look for trusted asphalt paving professionals in NH who are experienced, transparent, licensed, and committed to quality. When you consider reputation, materials, warranties, and communication, you’ll make a confident and informed decision—without the stress, delays, or extra expenses that come from poor hiring choices.

If you take the time to evaluate your options carefully, your asphalt surface will be built to last and deliver lasting value.