It amazes me how often parking lot owners and managers put themselves behind the eight ball right off the bat when initiating a new pavement project. A loose vague and verbal specification will cause you more headaches in the long-run. Rather than outline the negatives – let me suggest a schedule for you to use that will help you get the best job possible. This approach assumes that you plan your project at least 6 months in advance.
OCTOBER: Call three reputable companies and get pricing (give them a general scope of what you want to do).
DECEMBER: Determine which approach you feel best meets your performance and budgetary requirements.
JANUARY: Create a written bid document outlining specifically what the job entails.
FEBRUARY: Mail a copy of the specifications to the three original bidders with an invite to an onsite pre-bid meeting to discuss the project as well as the date and time the bids are due
MARCH: Choose a contractor that best fits your needs and execute the job early in the year (this is when you will get your best price).
By following these steps, you will ensure yourself of getting the best job at the best price!
