Season of Asphalt Paving Scams

    As the Colorado weather gets warmer and the asphalt paving season begins, consumers are warned to be extremely cautious when selecting a contractor to pave a driveway or parking lot. Each spring unethical pickup truck vendors enter our state in order to scam unsuspecting homeowners and business people.   Their favorite targets are senior citizens.

Some of the scams warning signs are:

Selling door-to-door: Reputable asphalt contractors will sometimes offer there services if they are doing a legitimate job in the immediate area. Always ask for references.

Claiming they have leftover asphalt from another job: Professional asphalt contractors will know, with great accuracy, how much paving material is needed to complete a project.  

Push you to make a quick decision: Reputable contractors will provide a written estimate that will be valid for weeks or  a month. If the great deal they are offering you today is not available tomorrow or next week it is a scam.

No contract offered: Insist upon a written contract specifying in detail, the work to be performed and the agreed upon price.

Cash only sales: Most reputable contractors take checks or credit cards do not accept cash in the field.

Deals that seem to be good to be true: If the quoted price seems very low,   the quality of the work will also be quite low. You get what you pay for, a true statement. Looks good the first year but one winter and you are redoing the work.

Unmarked truck:   The trucks have an out of state plate, an out of town address and phone number. A warranty will not exist.

A professionally designed and properly constructed asphalt pavement will last for many years and a reputable contractor will stand behind their work. Know who you are doing business with, check with the BBB.  Consumers are safer dealing with a contractor who has roots in the community.