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An asphalt paving contractor can help you surface an area in a relatively tight timeframe. However, customers can contribute to expediting the process, too. You can use a checklist to make sure your project will go as smoothly as possible. Put these four items on your checklist.

Permits

You need to be sure you can legally place an asphalt surface at your preferred location. Presuming you can, many jurisdictions will want you to have permits. This is especially the case if the work is likely to interfere with nearby roads or adjoining properties.

Speak with your local code enforcement officials. Tell them your plans for the site. They can then tell you which forms and permits to use and how the process works. Likewise, they can tell you the requirements for any connections to adjacent roads. You should also talk with your neighbors to ensure your project won't inconvenience them unduly.

Engineering

Even the flattest unpaved surfaces can present engineering challenges. Particularly if you're doing asphalt paving on a commercial or public site for the first time, it's wise to have a surveyor measure the area. You can then pass the data along to an engineer so they can check for potential problems.

Folks doing simple residential projects probably won't want to go that far. However, they should at least verify the proposed paved area is relatively even.

You may need to re-engineer the location to accommodate an asphalt paving effort. While this may increase upfront investments, it will save money in the long run. A surface with bumps and troughs can be rough to drive or walk on.

Extreme issues can even cause water to collect and undermine the paved surface. Think about how the proposed grade will work to direct water away from the surface. If a site has major water problems, consider installing drainage.

Add-Ons

Some projects need additional features. Sealing, concrete curbing, and painting are among the most common. Never assume the asphalt paving firm does any of these. Ask if they do. If they don't, then you'll need to make arrangements with the appropriate contractors.

Scheduling Flexibility

If you can have an asphalt paving team in and out on time, that's awesome. Outside factors, though, may bump a project's timeline back. Build some additional days into the schedule to address things like rain delays. Similarly, maintain enough of a buffer that any delays won't create problems with subsequent contractors coming to the site.

For more information on asphalt paving, contact a company like Phend & Brown.