Replacing or installing a new driveway is a huge investment. At F&M, we replace or install new asphalt or concrete driveways at a rate of over 150 driveways each year. That’s A LOT of driveways! Whether you’re in the market for a new driveway, or more importantly, are in desperate need of a new roof over your head (not something we can help with here at F&M), hands down, references, are the most important tool to use when selecting a contractor of any trade and definitely for a driveway contractor.
You’re the Consumer: It’s Your Choice
When selecting a driveway contractor, two great questions to ask are: “How many driveways have you installed over the last 5 years?” and “how many references can you give me?” The ratio of those two numbers is most important. Let’s say the answer to the first question is 100 driveways, but the answer to the second question is 10-20. That’s only giving you, the consumer, a one out of ten, or maybe a five out of ten chance of being happy. But wait…what happened to the other 80 customers? You are about to spend several thousands of dollars on a new driveway: you should be able to pick and choose which references you want to call. Not a list of that contractors’ ten best customers of the past five years!
Driveway Contractor References on Demand
One thing that distinguishes a good contractor from the rest is the way their customers feel about them. So, when you’re receiving estimates from other contractors, you should always ask for references. Any so-called “driveway contractor” can show up to your door with a fancy new truck, business card, and brochure, but really, a good buying decision should be based on the contractor’s track record. This is going to give you the best indication of who they really are and how competent they are as a driveway contractor.
Sadly, we come across driveway contractors at least twice a year who were incompetent and unable to perform a driveway project. So before you spend several thousands of dollars on a new driveway project, call a few references. It only takes a few minutes to make a few phone calls and this can save you from a potential several-thousand-dollar mistake.
When you receive a driveway estimate from F&M Contractors, you will also receive a driveway reference list for each driveway product whether it’s a concrete driveway or an asphalt driveway. Each reference list has over 300 names, addresses and phone numbers, and are dated within the past five years. Older references are also available upon request. Of course, all of these people have given F&M Contractors permission to use them as references.
Here at F&M we have a 97% success rate with our reference list. In life, you can’t satisfy everyone: we all know that. However, our goal is still to achieve 100% satisfaction, and we strive to do our best through each and every project as a result.
Top 3 Questions to Ask a Past Customer
- Were you satisfied with the work?
- Were the contractor and crew members professional, safe and respectful to the property and surrounding areas?
- Would you use them again in the future?
About F&M Contractors
The trusted source in concrete and asphalt driveway paving since 1979. Contact us today for a free estimate. Check out where we have been working in your neighborhood!
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