CONSUMER TIPS

As a consumer, either residential or commercial, it is your obligation to protect yourself against dishonest contractors, inferior quality products, and scam artists. Unfortunately, the asphalt paving and sealcoating industries have seen no shortage of these types of operations. Whereas all of the information we have provided you in this website is designed to educate our customers about the specifics of how Nu-Look Sealcoating operates, the following information details what you need to watch out for when hiring a contractor. Although these examples present some particular circumstances of fraudulent activity, remember to always use your best judgment. If the deal seems too good, it most likely is.

Always deal with a local, reputable contractor who is either known to you or can provide local references. Avoid dealing with "gypsies", or companies with no set location, but rather travel from state to state soliciting business on the spot. There is often no way of a consumer knowing the quality of the product being applied, nor the expertise with which it is applied. If you are approached by someone offering their services, and they have out of state license plates, be cautious. They will be impossible to reach by the time you notice the lack of quality. Nu-Look has been located in Smithfield since 1987, and we are always pleased to provide you with references.
Always insist on a written quote, with terms and descriptions that are understandable and measurable. State law requires that many jobs include a signed contract prior to beginning work. Your estimate should include details such as square footage to be paved, or have specific dimensions. Never agree to hire someone who charges sealant by the gallon, or asphalt by the ton. You will not be able to confirm the accuracy of the application. Good contractors, like Nu-Look, will always give a firm bid with a total price.
Avoid the popular scam of "Leftover Materials". If you are approached by someone claiming to have either asphalt or sealcoat leftover from a previous job, stay away. Reputable contractors carefully calculate such expensive materials, and never have enough product to do another entire job. They may offer you a great deal, but you can expect to get what you pay for. There is usually no need to quickly dispose of excessive liquid sealcoat, as it will always be usable the next day. If a contractor truly is looking to quickly use hot asphalt, they probably don't have enough time to lay it properly due to cooling, and the result will be a driveway sure to fail. Never be pressured into agreeing to have work done immediately.
Ask lots of questions, to find out all you can from the contractor of your choice. We enjoy educating the public about the benefits of sealcoating, and we want you to have the best possible understanding of the asphalt paving process. If the person you are speaking to seems unsure, or tends to avoid directly answering your questions, walk away. Or, simply call Nu-Look at (401) 232-0795. We'll be glad to help your decision making process.