Paving contractors construct paved surfaces for residential, commercial, and municipal projects using large equipment. Residential contractors meet with homeowners, while commercial contractors bid on jobs. Workers must be prepared for outdoor work in various conditions and coordinate with other activities.
A paving contractor is a company that constructs paved surfaces such as roads, sidewalks, concrete floors. They also work on bigger projects like airport runways. These companies are hired by homeowners, businesses, and city agencies to pave new surfaces or repair existing ones. Many paving companies specialize in either residential or commercial jobs, although some can do both types depending on the scope of the project and the equipment needed.
The residential paving contractor must meet with homeowners and provide estimates to secure new projects. He may be hired to install a new driveway, patio or concrete floor or repair structures such as steps or walkways. Some companies may focus on landscape paving, including installing hollow surfaces and placing stone products such as pavers or outdoor tiles.
Commercial paving contractors typically provide pricing for jobs in the form of an offer, and the lowest bidder usually gets the job. In a commercial setting, the paving contractor typically reports to a general contractor or construction manager rather than directly to the homeowner. He may be responsible for pouring floors, parking lots or walkways in a new development. Contractors working on municipal projects may install new roads or sidewalks, or repair holes, cracks, and other signs of damage in existing paved surfaces.
Those interested in a career as a paving contractor should be prepared to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions. They must be comfortable working on busy roads as the paving job is completed while traffic passes nearby. It is helpful to have some experience with road signage and safety, as many paving contractors must be trained in these areas. Workers must be prepared to work in dirty, noisy, and busy conditions, and they must be willing to coordinate with other activities throughout the duration of a project. Those working with hot asphalt should be aware of the potentially toxic fumes and high levels of heat involved in this type of work.
Most paving jobs are done with large pieces of equipment. A paving contractor may use a paving machine to smooth a freshly laid road surface or an excavator to prepare the land for paving. Large compactors help level dirt or gravel surfaces, and concrete trucks keep concrete and other paving materials mixed and ready to pour. Paving can also use a dump truck or tractor to transport stones, gravel or asphalt, or to transport excess dirt and waste.
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