What Certifications or Licenses Should a Houston Asphalt Contractor Have?

There is no Texas contractor license to help property owners select the right asphalt contractor, but the following can help identify reputable companies to consider working with:

• Education and training in asphalt construction – Asphalt contractors establish themselves in the industry through education or experience (or both). For example, asphalt contractors typically hold a degree in civil or construction engineering. It is also common for asphalt experts to enter the field by gathering experience on pavement projects and learning the trade while on the job.

  The most reputable asphalt companies have a background that borrows from both approaches. They will have principals on staff with an engineering, educational background. They will also have principles on staff who have worked with accomplished pavement companies in the past. Ideally, the company will be run by people who can point to both in their past.

• An impressive asphalt project portfolio and client contacts – Houston presents a unique set of challenges to asphalt contractors. That is why experience in asphalt construction is not enough to prove that a contractor knows what they are doing – they also need experience in the Houston area.

  The standard way for asphalt contractors to do this is with a portfolio of their previous projects. When meeting and evaluating a potential asphalt company, ask to see this portfolio. Ideally, it will have Houston-area projects that show that the business is knowledgeable. And if it does include Houston asphalt projects, you may be close enough to take a short drive and see the asphalt in person. If you know what quality asphalt installation standards look like, this first-hand look will be valuable, as it is difficult to hide low-quality pavement work for long.

  Ask for references, too. These will likely be previous clients willing to vouch for the asphalt contractors’ reliability. Contact those references and ask about the contractors’ skills, safety and professional standards. Was work done to completion and on time? Did the contractor display good communication practices? Has the contractor’s work withstood time and wear? These are good questions to ask previous clients.

• Asking the contractor the right questions – You will have to save some questions for the asphalt contractor, as their answers will give you insight into their professionalism, knowledge and experience. Some important questions to ask include:
  • Will your team pull the necessary permits for the job? Houston regulates asphalt construction jobs through permitting. The project cannot begin until those permits are secured through the city, so who is going to attain them? It should be your asphalt contractor.
    
    
  • How does the contractor manage difficult installation conditions? Will they stabilize an unstable subgrade or install new drainage structures, if necessary? Get a sense for how the asphalt company will ensure long-term results.
    
    
  • How does the contractor handle payment? During business work seasons, an asphalt contractor may ask for a small deposit to secure a project window for a client. However, reputable asphalt contractors will not demand payment in full upfront. If payment is expected before work begins, look for another contractor.
    
    
• Proof of insurance and bonding – Another important question for your asphalt contractor to answer is whether they are insured and bonded? Insurance is a must-have client protection measure that covers damage to your property and any injury that occurs while the pavement team is working on your project.
  
  

  A reputable asphalt contractor will be insured, and many reputable contractors are also bonded, which provides another protective measure to clients. With a bond in place, clients may seek restitution from the third party that is secured the bond on the contractor’s behalf. This bond is a fund held by the third party that can be used to pay out damages if the asphalt contractor does not provide work to standard and completion. Contractors that invest in a bond are confident in their workmanship.