| Are you planning an asphalt paving in Michigan for a | | | | a few tips to keep in mind: |
| driveway, parking lot or road? | | | | 1. Asphalt paving contractors have no control of the |
| Many people starting around spring time and into the | | | | material prices, so there is no way to "lock-in" your |
| fall make plans to fix, resurface or build new | | | | price for your next job. |
| driveways, parking lots and roads. This, of course, calls | | | | 2. Whether you are doing a driveway, road or parking |
| for asphalt - and sometimes - lots of it. Since | | | | lot - keep your design simple and focus on the |
| December 2009, asphalt has risen 20%. Unusual in the | | | | foundation of the surface. Use rock, as it's relatively |
| winter months due to very little projects during that | | | | inexpensive and will help the strength of the surface. |
| time, although, many paving contractors will purchase a | | | | 3. Emphasize aesthetics over functionality. If you are |
| large amount of asphalt to use in the coming spring as | | | | trying to sell a house, you may be able to do some |
| this helps them save on the cost of buying it during the | | | | simple maintenance that will enhance the appearance. |
| peak months of the year. | | | | 4. Do your homework before choosing an asphalt |
| Why have the asphalt prices risen so much in a | | | | contractor. See if they have a website which will allow |
| recession? | | | | you to look to see their workmanship. Check |
| In basic terms, it's supply and demand. Inflation is up, | | | | references as well and go watch them on an existing |
| sales of goods and services is down and people are | | | | job. |
| spending less money. Which means that people are | | | | 5. Don't get scammed by "traveler" contractors. Many, |
| consuming less fuel, less fuel is being produced and | | | | "want to be" asphalt contractors will travel hundreds of |
| less asphalt is being made as a result. | | | | miles from their home state to pick up jobs. |
| No matter the price fluctuations, the need to complete | | | | Unfortunately, these "travelers" scam unsuspecting |
| asphalt paving projects will continue. I don't recommend | | | | customers out of their hard earned dollars. Becareful |
| that you just "wait" for the market to stabilize - | | | | who you choose to do your asphalt project (see item |
| because who knows what the government or the big | | | | 4 above). |
| oil companies will do next to cause the prices to go | | | | No matter the state of the economy (Michigan is one |
| even higher. | | | | of the hardest hit in the nation) it's important to take the |
| It is still best to try and get your asphalt projects | | | | proper steps to bring your paving project to a |
| completed sooner rather than later - even in a | | | | successful completion. Leave a comment below to tell |
| recession. If you do have a paving project planned for | | | | us about your paving project - whether good or bad. |
| 2010 (we are already half-way through 2010) here are | | | | |