Education

What Do Paving Contractors Do?

You may be wondering what paving contractors do. These professionals lay concrete, asphalt, and other paving materials to enhance your property. First, they need to be licensed to do business in your state. Once approved, you can hire them for any paving project. However, the paving work can differ depending on your project type. 

Licensed paving contractors

Licensed paving contractors are required by state law to perform a specific job. Unfortunately, while many paving companies advertise that they are licensed, the truth is that unlicensed operators often end up causing more problems than they solve. Cracked asphalt, for example, will not be fixed with seal coating alone; it will require a new layer of asphalt. This is why it is vital to get your paving project done by a licensed contractor. You can learn more about it at paving contractors North Augusta SC.

Applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience or four to five years of relevant experience. However, if the experience is not enough, pursuing a degree in civil engineering is a good idea. This way, they can gain the professional knowledge they need to pass the licensing exam. This includes knowledge of accounting software, project management, and the tools and equipment used in the industry. They may also use explosives or rollers.

Types of paving contractors

There are several different types of paving contractors. Some work on streets and other public areas, while others apply materials to parking lots, runways, and taxiways. In addition to contractors, there are paving equipment operators. While some states have different licensing requirements depending on their work setting, most require the same license. The report will record if the job requires a permit in more than one setting. Some contractors may overstate their skills, leading to a subpar outcome.

When choosing a paving contractor, ensure they are licensed, bonded, and insured. A contract should clearly outline the scope of the work and the agreed price. If you do not have a contract, your contractor might refuse to perform the work or charge you more money than you originally approved. To ensure that your paving contractor is legit, you can also check with your local building inspection department. Whether they are licensed or not, they should have these documents.

Requirements for licensing paving contractors

The requirements for licensing a paving contractor vary from state to state. Twenty-four states require licenses for paving contractors working on residential or commercial property. Ten require two to five years of experience under a licensed paving contractor. Mississippi and Alabama require three contracted jobs, and 12 require no experience. The license requirement varies by state, but in general, it involves 508 days of education, a fee of $365, and one exam. It ranks as the 28th most-burdensome occupation.

Civil engineers must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience to sit for the contractor’s licensing exam. Therefore, pursuing a civil engineering degree is advisable to pass the exam. In this degree program, you will learn about project management, accounting software, and the tools and equipment used during the project. For example, some of the tools that paving contractors use may include rollers, spreads, and explosives.

Benefits of hiring a paving contractor

Hiring a paving contractor can be beneficial for several reasons. It can be more expensive than doing it yourself, but it will give you better results. For starters, you can have the paving contractor clean up any mess you leave behind. Plus, a paving contractor will be more efficient than a DIYer. And, you will be able to see their work in person. You can even visit other paving projects in the area to see their quality of work firsthand.

A paving contractor has experience with the various materials used to lay pavement. They are also knowledgeable in the multiple types of asphalt and how they are paid. This will save you money in the long run by avoiding substandard paving. In addition, a paving contractor will work within the budget and timeline you have set, freeing up your time to run your business. They will also develop a maintenance strategy for your pavement.