Someone driving by in a truck offers you cheap asphalt paving. Do you take it?

Question: Someone driving by in a truck offers you cheap asphalt paving. Do you take it?

Answer:

No. Often handymen who have just finished an asphalt paving job will have leftover asphalt from that job, and they figure they can come away with some quick cash, instead of getting rid of it. They'll offer to pave your driveway at a cheap price. Usually, I love "cheap," but not in this case: it's a bad deal at any price. For one thing, asphalt paving must be applied while it's hot, and this leftover material will be too cool for the job. Secondly, such fly-by-night hucksters will not be under contract, meaning they can neglect considerations such as a proper base and drainage for the asphalt paving. And, of course, you can forget about a guarantee. No, you're better off in the long run doing your homework (checking references for reputable contractors) and spending the extra money on asphalt paving intended for your driveway.

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