Be Wary of Asphalt Paving Scams in Michigan

Lansing, MI Lansing –July 28, 2004. Some of the asphalt paving scams warning signs are:

· Selling door-to-door. Reputable asphalt contractors will rarely, if ever, sell their product door-to-door.
· 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. Rarely will they have leftover material.
· Push you to make a quick decision. Reputable contractors will provide a written estimate that will be valid for days or weeks. If the great deal they are offering you today is not available tomorrow or next week it is probably a scam. Never hire someone on the spot. Ask for references, then check them!
· No contract offered. Insist on a written contract specifying in detail, the work to be performed and the agreed total price – not the price per square foot. Chances are unless you measured the area to be paved you do not know what the total cost will be.
· Cash only sales. Most reputable contractors take checks or credit cards and don’t require cash-only terms.
· Deals that seem to be good to be true. If the quoted price seems very low, chances are the quality of the work will also be quite low.
· Unmarked truck. Often the trucks they travel in are unmarked or they have an out-of-town address and phone number. A little research will reveal that they have no permanent address and the phone number is often an answering machine.

A professionally designed and properly constructed asphalt pavement will last for many years and most reputable contractors will stand behind their work. They will also know whether or not a permit could be required before work begins. Consumers are safer dealing with a contractor who has roots in the community. Know whom you are doing business with!

For a brief overview of asphalt paving and some helpful information regarding working with asphalt contractors, call Michigan Asphalt Paving Association at 1-800-292-5959 (in Mich) and request the free “Asphalt Driveway and Parking Lot” brochure.