The Missouri Department of Transportation is reminding area residents that traveling asphalt and paving dealers can be active in the spring and summer. Consumers should beware of driveway paving scams and be careful who they choose.
Be aware of paving companies that approach your home, claiming to have extra asphalt left over from a job and offering to pave your driveway, MoDOT officials say. Workmanship can be poor, and the costs can be much higher than what was originally quoted.
Methods used by less reputable paving contractors can include:
*Little or no preparation work
*Using cheap material
*Not using enough material
*Using untrained or inexperienced employees
*No way to contact them for repairs or follow up
*Intimidation or threatening of clients
The Better Business Bureau recommends the following steps to protect against less reputable paving companies:
*Contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for any complaints by visiting http://www.bbb.org or calling 800-356-1007.
*Ask for local references and verify that the contractor is in compliance with local licensing, bonding and insuring requirements.
*Ask for identification and make note of the license plate number on the contractor vehicle.
*Solicit two or three bids for the work you are planning, but don’t automatically accept the lowest.
*Make sure all bids are based on the same materials.
*Read all agreements and guarantees before signing.
*Make sure you understand all terms and conditions.
*Never sign a contract with sections left blank.
*Do not pay for work in advance. Pay by check when the work is completed to your satisfaction.
Consumers can also verify the status of a contractor with the Missouri Department of Consumer Protection at 800-842-2649.