Orange City, Iowa — The Sioux County Sheriff’s Office says there may be asphalt paving scams occurring again in the area.
The Sheriff’s Office advises that these traveling asphalt paving crews usually offer a low-priced opportunity to repair or pave your residential or business driveway. They say they’ll normally tell you that they just finished another job and have leftover asphalt and they’ll offer to apply it to your driveway for a low price. In some recent cases, sealant for driveways is applied without asking for permission. Sometimes only patchy, small amounts were applied and caused the overall finish to look mismatched and discolored, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
They say the quality of the material used and the manner it is applied is also often of poor quality. These companies sometimes say that they will apply the asphalt three to four inches thick, when in actuality the finished application is just two inches or less. By the time you notice the problems the company that completed the work is long gone.
The Sioux County Sheriff’s Office says there are three things to look for if you deal with these companies:
- No contract offered: Always make certain there is a written contract. Without a written contract, the original low estimate you were given may grow into hundreds of dollars or even thousands after the work is finished.
- They will push you to make a quick decision: Reputable contractors will provide a written estimate that will be valid for weeks or even months. Good contractors leave the decision to you without pressure.
- Unmarked trucks: Suspicious trucks usually will not have business markings or names on them or will have an out of town address and phone number displayed.
The Sheriff’s Office says you should ask for references and do a check on them before agreeing to have any work started. Get a written estimate and tell them you will get back to them. Making sure that you first get bids from other local paving companies before granting them permission to start is also a good way to compare prices.
They say the best advice is to know who you are doing business with. In many cases, you are safer dealing with a contractor who has local ties to the community.
The Sheriff’s Office also advises that if you are in doubt, don’t agree to any services. If these companies pressure you or begin work without your permission, don’t wait; contact your law enforcement agency immediately.
