This contractor is employed by a company that makes surfaces that are paved like sidewalks, floors made of concrete, and roads. Some companies will even work on bigger projects like an airport runway. They will be hired by municipal agencies, homeowners, and business to repair existing paved surfaces or make new ones. Many of the companies that paving contractors work for will focus in either commercial or residential work but some will do both. It depends on the job and equipment needed.
Commercial paving contractors
They are the ones that will usually provide the pricing for the jobs needed in the outline of a bid. The one that is offered the job is typically the lowest bidder but not always. When working in commercial jobs, the contractor will report to the construction manager or general contractor instead of the owner. One of the jobs a paving contractor does is pour parking lots, walkways, and floors in new developments. If it is a municipal project they may repair any damage in an existing paying like cracks or potholes or lay new sidewalks, or roads,
Residential paving contractors
They will meet with the homeowner to discuss the project that is needed, figure out the approximate cost of materials and labor, and then give an estimate to the homeowner. The homeowner may hire them to put down a floor, patio, or walkway. They can also repair structures like walkways or stairs. Some of these paving companies may concentrate just on landscape paving. This can include laying stone items like outdoor tiles or pavers or installing a poured surface.
Machines used
Working as a paving contractor requires being able to use big pieces of equipment, which can include:
• Paving machine to smooth the freshly laid out road or parking lot surface
• Excavator to set up the land for paving
• Tamping machines, which are large machines that are used to help flatten out the gravel or dirt surfaces
• Dump truck to haul away any excess waste products and dirt and to haul in gravel or stones
Becoming a paving contractor
If you would like to have a career working in this field, you need to be one that does not mind working outdoors in any type of weather. You also need to feel at ease working on roads that are busy since this type of work is done in the daytime when traffic is passing nearby. You may also work as a flagger so you should have experience with road safety and flagging. Working as a paving contractor, you can expect to work in conditions that are busy, noisy, and dirty. If you work with hot asphalt, you need to be aware of the different heat levels and potential toxic fumes.