10 Questions Every REITs & Management Firms Should Ask Before Hiring a Paving Contractor

REITs & management firms have much to gain from hiring an experienced paving contractor. Reputable companies can manage all the logistics of paving maintenance, simplifying property management while ensuring that all surfaces are safe, smooth, and supportive of the bottom line. That said, choosing the right contractor for the job isn’t always easy for Atlanta and Fort Myers property managers and REITs. To help you find the perfect contractor, here are several questions you need to ask.

Should REITs & Management Firms Hire Licensed Contractors?

One of the first things property management REIT firms should check is licensing. In Georgia, paving contractors need a license to perform any commercial or large-scale work exceeding $2,500 in value. That covers most projects for Atlanta property managers.

Ask for licensing information up front to ensure you’re engaging a legitimate contractor who operates above board.

What Types of Insurance Should Contractors Hold When Serving REIT and Management Companies?

Because REIT management companies have greater needs than a single property owner, projects are often larger in scale. That means more things can go wrong. To protect your business, you must work with paving companies that hold robust commercial insurance.

Ask to see proof of insurance. Contractors should have commercial general liability insurance, umbrella policies or excess liability, workers’ compensation, and auto insurance for all vehicles.

Do Paving Contractors Working with Commercial Real Estate REITs Need Experience?

Multifamily REITs and management firms have a lot on the line. Hiring an amateur is not an option. Be upfront with contractors and ask about their expertise. While years in business don’t always tell the full story, hiring a company with a long, proven track record of success often yields better results than hiring a contractor that has only been serving customers in the last few years.

What Types of Experience Should Contractors Have to Serve Atlanta Property Managers and REITs?

When inquiring about experience, focus on projects that match your needs. Top REIT management firms can have multiple properties with huge parking lots, access drives, and loading zones. Hiring a company that only does residential work can be a costly mistake.

Stick with contractors that have commercial experience and strong project management skills. They need to know how to manage subcontractors and multiple services to ensure every property receives the attention it needs.

Should REITs & Management Firms Request References?

Local references are valuable tools that can help you make informed decisions. Request references from the last 12 to 18 months and focus on local properties you can drive by. Call them to ask about their experiences, including how crews handled changes and whether final invoices matched estimates.

You can gain considerable insight from references. Use them to your advantage.

Do Top REIT Management Firms Typically Pay Large Upfront Deposits?

Commercial real estate REITs often pay deposits, but they’re tied to a strict payment schedule with milestones that contractors must meet. Never sign a contract if payment terms don’t include milestone-based payments tied to completed work.

While you’re at it, ask about change orders. Learn about what triggers them and how they get approved.

Is It Normal for Paving Contractors to Use Subcontractors When Serving Multifamily REITs and Management Firms?

It’s completely normal for paving companies to work with subcontractors, especially when serving REIT management companies with portfolios spanning multiple states. What you need to determine is the line of accountability. Ask about which jobs go to subcontractors and how the company holds them accountable for the quality of work they produce.

Get those terms in writing to protect your business. Any company that refuses may not be worth working with.

What Should REITs & Management Firms Expect When Receiving Quotes?

Estimates need to be comprehensive. Don’t accept a bare-bones quote that doesn’t detail pricing, materials, timelines, and overall scope of work. Top REIT management firms work with strict budgets, and estimates that don’t cover the finer logistics can lead to inflated costs.

You need to know where your money is going and what a contractor’s job includes and excludes.

Do Contractors Handle ADA Compliance for Commercial Real Estate REITs?

Commercial and multifamily REITs must ensure that all properties are fully ADA-compliant. When hiring a contractor, ask about whether ADA striping and compliance are included in the estimate. Inquire about who will verify that everything meets state and federal requirements. The best contractors are well-versed in applicable law and will walk you through your property to help you understand your needs. Then, they’ll confirm compliance standards before delivering the finished product.

Should Property Management REITs Ask About Scheduling and Timelines?

Finally, ask about timelines. Don’t just request a start and end date. Get a day-to-day schedule and request more information about how contractors approach their work. Property management REIT firms often have to work around everyday operations. Is a contractor willing to schedule projects to minimize disruptions? Those are details you need to know.

At The Surface Masters, we’re proud to be among the most trusted contractors for REITs & management firms across the nation. We’re based in Atlanta but have a massive network of subcontractors that allows us to manage properties outside of Georgia. We take a personalized approach when working with management firms, ensuring each property gets the services it needs while also maintaining the strictest quality standards in the industry.

Our services include new asphalt paving, sealcoating, repairs, resurfacing, milling and reclamation, pavement markings, concrete curbing, and more. No matter the size of your portfolio, you can rest assured that it’s in good hands with The Surface Masters. Call us at (770) 338-6217, email Info@TheSurfaceMasters.com, or submit your information through our online form to get in touch, learn more, and request a free quote.