January 8, 2026
Hiring an asphalt contractor can feel deceptively simple. A quick search brings up dozens of companies offering driveway paving, parking lot work, or asphalt repairs. Prices vary widely, timelines sound similar, and everyone promises quality. The reality is that not all asphalt paving companies operate at the same standard, and the differences often don’t show up until months or years later.
For property owners in Northeast Ohio, especially across Holmes, Wayne, Stark, and surrounding counties, asking the right questions upfront can make the difference between pavement that lasts and pavement that fails prematurely. This guide walks through five essential questions to ask before hiring an asphalt contractor, what good answers should include, and how Kingsway Services approaches each part of the process.
Not every company advertising asphalt paving offers the same level of service. Some crews focus only on surface installation, while others manage the entire process from site preparation to final compaction.
A true asphalt paving contractor should be able to handle:
Skipping proper grading or base work is one of the most common reasons pavement fails early. Cracks, potholes, and drainage problems usually start below the surface, not on top of it.
At Kingsway Services, projects are approached as a full system, not just a top layer. That means the work starts with the foundation, drainage, and long-term performance in mind, so the surface you see is supported by what you cannot see. You can see our full scope on the Paving Services page.
This question alone can reveal a lot about a contractor’s approach.
High-quality asphalt paving depends on a properly prepared foundation. Without it, even the best asphalt mix won’t perform well. A professional contractor should be able to clearly explain how they evaluate soil conditions, handle drainage, and compact the base to support long-term use.
For commercial paving projects such as parking lot paving or business access roads, base preparation becomes even more critical due to heavier traffic and vehicle loads. Residential paving requires the same attention to detail, especially in areas with freeze-thaw cycles common throughout Ohio.
Kingsway Services does not treat base preparation as a shortcut opportunity. It is treated as the part of the project that determines whether the pavement holds up through seasons, traffic, and time. Contractors should be willing and able to explain their plan clearly, because the base is where quality is proven. If you want a simple overview of how we run jobs, see What to Expect During a Kingsway Paving Project.
Driveway paving and commercial asphalt paving are not interchangeable. The thickness, materials, layout, and preparation methods vary significantly depending on how the surface will be used.
Before hiring, ask whether the contractor has experience with projects similar in size and function to yours:
An asphalt contractor familiar with Holmes and Wayne County conditions will understand local soil types, drainage challenges, and weather patterns that directly impact performance. Experience in your specific region matters just as much as experience in your project type.
Kingsway Services has experience across residential, commercial, and public paving. That matters because it builds the kind of planning and execution that protects access, reduces disruption, and delivers results that fit how the space is actually used. You can see featured projects on each service page below, or on the dedicated Projects Page.
Paving should never be treated as a one-and-done service. Even the best asphalt surfaces require maintenance over time.
A reputable asphalt paving company should talk openly about:
Contractors who only focus on installation often disappear when maintenance questions arise. Companies that offer parking lot repair, asphalt driveway repair, and resurfacing services tend to build longer client relationships and deliver more durable results.
Kingsway Services takes a long-term view. The goal is not just installation day. The goal is helping property owners protect the investment with the right repair approach at the right time, and being the contractor you can call years from now.
Clear communication is often overlooked, yet it plays a major role in project success.
Before hiring, find out:
Commercial paving projects, in particular, require coordination to minimize business disruption. Residential paving also benefits from clear timelines so homeowners can plan vehicle access and daily routines.
Kingsway Services treats communication as part of the job. With a mission of Love People, Build Communities, the expectation is professional planning, clear updates, and respectful coordination throughout the project.
Ohio’s climate is demanding on asphalt. Freeze-thaw cycles, snow removal, and heavy rain put constant stress on paved surfaces. Contractors who cut corners may deliver a surface that looks good initially but deteriorates quickly.
Asking these questions helps property owners avoid:
Strong asphalt work begins long before the first truck arrives and continues well after the final roller passes.
A quality asphalt paving contractor does more than install pavement. They evaluate conditions, plan strategically, communicate clearly, and stand behind their work. The goal is not just a smooth surface today, but pavement that performs year after year.
Kingsway Services approaches every project, residential or commercial, with that long-term mindset. Serving Holmes County, Wayne County, Stark County, and surrounding areas, the focus remains on building surfaces that support homes, businesses, and communities reliably.
Asking the right questions puts control back in the hands of the property owner and sets the foundation for better results. Contact Kingsway Services.
