This checklist covers what to verify, what to ask, what a contract should say and the warning signs that should make you walk away.
Paving Contractor Checklist: What to Verify Before You Sign
- State registration: Washington requires contractors to be registered with the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Ask for the registration number and check it on L&I's official contractor lookup, which also shows bond and insurance status and any violations.
- Insurance and bond: Ask for a certificate of insurance, and for commercial jobs ask to be named as an additional insured.
- Business details: A real business name, address and phone number. Be cautious of contractors who cannot or will not provide them.
- References and photos: Ask for recent local projects you can see, and for references you can actually call.
- Written disclosure: Washington requires contractors to give residential customers a written disclosure statement before certain work. Ask for it and check L&I's website for what applies.
Paving Contractor Questions to Ask: Quotes and Scope
- How many inches of compacted asphalt will be placed, and how many inches of compacted crushed rock base?
- Is the old pavement being removed, milled or overlaid, and why?
- What drainage and grading corrections are included?
- What equipment will be used, and how is compaction handled?
- What is the schedule, and what happens if weather delays the job?
- What does the warranty cover, for how long, and who honors it?
- What is excluded, such as permits, tree roots, utility adjustments or striping?
Our asphalt paving cost guide has a longer checklist for comparing quotes line by line.
Paving Contractor Red Flags: Warning Signs of a Bad Deal
- The "leftover asphalt" pitch. A crew shows up unannounced saying they have extra material from a job down the street and will give you a deal. This is a classic scam.
- Pressure to decide immediately or a price that is good only today.
- A large cash deposit or payment in full before work starts.
- No written estimate, or one that never states thickness, base depth or square footage.
- A price far below every other quote. It usually means a thin mat, no base or no drainage work.
- No registration, insurance or local address, or a refusal to show them.
- No questions about your site. A contractor who never asks about drainage, soil or vehicles is not planning the job carefully.
Paving Contractor Contract: What Should Be in Writing
- Names, addresses, registration number and contact details for both parties
- A clear scope: area, base depth, asphalt thickness, drainage, removal, striping and cleanup
- Start and completion dates, and how delays are handled
- Total price and a payment schedule tied to progress
- Warranty terms in plain language
- How changes to the scope are priced and approved
- What the contractor will do about damage to lawns, sprinklers and adjacent surfaces
Paving Contractor Payment: Deposits and Milestones
It is normal for contractors to ask for a deposit on larger jobs, particularly to cover materials, but the amount should be reasonable and spelled out in the contract. A payment schedule tied to milestones, with a final payment due after the work is complete and you have walked it, protects both sides. Pay by check or card that leaves a record, not by cash. Washington has specific rules protecting homeowners on residential projects, so check L&I's guidance before signing.
Paving Contractor Selection for HOAs and Commercial Properties
Boards and property managers should request written bids on a shared scope, check references on similar properties and confirm insurance in advance. For multi-phase projects, ask how access will be maintained for residents, tenants and customers. See commercial paving, parking lot paving and subdivision road paving for what these projects involve.
How to Choose a Paving Contractor FAQ: Common Questions Answered
Paving Contractor License: Do Spokane Paving Contractors Need to Be Registered?
Yes. Washington requires contractors to register with the Department of Labor & Industries. You can verify registration, bond and insurance on the state's official lookup.
Paving Contractor Estimates: How Many Quotes Should I Get?
Three is a good number for most projects. Make sure each is based on the same scope so you can compare them fairly.
Paving Contractor Scam: What Is the Leftover Asphalt Scam?
Unsolicited workers offer a discount because they have extra asphalt from another job. The work is often thin and poorly prepared, and the crews are hard to find afterward.
Paving Contractor Warranty: What Is a Typical Paving Warranty?
Warranties vary. Many cover workmanship for a set period and exclude damage from water, roots, heavy loads or de-icers. Get the terms in writing before you sign.
How to Choose a Paving Contractor: Related Paving Services Across Spokane County
Ready to move from research to a real number? Request a free local estimate, or read about the services behind this guide.