Hiring a paving contractor in Boston can be a great investment—whether you’re resurfacing your driveway in West Roxbury or putting in a new parking lot in Dorchester. But like with any home improvement service, there are some bad apples out there.
Scam artists posing as paving pros have been known to take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners and business owners across neighborhoods like Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, and even along busy stretches like Commonwealth Avenue.
If you’re looking to avoid falling victim to a paving scam, here are practical tips that can help you stay protected and make sure your project is in good hands.
Key Takeaways
- People in Boston should avoid door-to-door paving offers using leftover asphalt since they usually signal poor-quality scams.
- Real paving contractors have a valid license, carry insurance, and list a local address instead of out-of-state contacts.
- Checking online reviews and driving by past Boston projects helps confirm if a contractor actually does solid local work.
- Paying the full amount upfront is risky since real pros use written contracts, fair deposits, and milestone-based payments.
- Rock-bottom prices usually mean cheap materials or skipped steps, leading to costly repairs in Boston’s harsh winter climate.
Be Wary of “We’re in the Area” Offers
If someone knocks on your door offering leftover asphalt from a nearby job in South Boston or Hyde Park, that’s a major red flag. Reputable asphalt paving contractors don’t go door to door trying to sell leftover materials.
These “we-have-extra” scams often involve poor-quality work that doesn’t last through one Boston winter, let alone several freeze-thaw cycles.
What to do instead? Always do your own research.
Don’t feel pressured to act on the spot—legit paving companies will give you time to decide.
Verify Their Business Credentials
Boston has strict rules about contractor licensing and insurance—especially for outdoor work involving heavy equipment. A legitimate paving contractor should have:
- A valid MA contractor’s license
- General liability and workers’ comp insurance
- A physical business address, not just a P.O. Box or out-of-state number
If someone is working without insurance and something goes wrong—like a worker gets injured on your property in Allston or a poorly built asphalt driveway damages your curb—it could leave you on the hook.
Check Local Reviews and References
Whether you’re in Charlestown or Roxbury, take the time to check out reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau. But don’t stop there—ask for local references.
A real paving contractor who’s been serving Boston will have a track record of completed projects nearby. If they say they’ve done work in the Back Bay or near Franklin Park, ask for addresses or photos. Drive by if you can.
Never Pay the Full Amount Upfront
Scammers often ask for large cash deposits—sometimes even the full amount—before they’ve done any real work. They may claim it’s needed to “buy materials,” but then they disappear.
A trustworthy contractor will:
- Provide a written estimate
- Ask for a reasonable deposit (typically no more than 30%)
- Break up the payment schedule based on work milestones
Boston residents should also be wary of vague or handwritten estimates. Always ask for a clear contract that outlines the scope of work, timeline, and total cost.
Look for Quality Equipment and Professionalism
A real pro isn’t going to show up in an unmarked truck with a crew that looks disorganized. Reputable paving companies working throughout neighborhoods like Brighton or Mattapan will:
- Use commercial-grade paving equipment
- Wear company-branded gear or uniforms
- Arrive on time and communicate clearly
Many are also Better Business Bureau (BBB) accredited, which is a good sign that they take customer service and accountability seriously. If they’re cutting corners before the job starts, imagine what the work will look like when it’s done.
Beware of “Too-Good-to-Be-True” Prices
Boston paving jobs aren’t cheap, especially with the cost of labor, materials, and logistics in the city. If someone quotes you a price that’s way below the others, there’s a reason.
They’re either using poor-quality materials, skipping important prep steps (like proper grading or compaction), or planning to disappear once you pay.
Remember: A cheap job that fails within a year costs more in the long run than hiring someone who does it right the first time.
Understand What’s Included—and What’s Not
A legitimate paving contractor should be transparent about the full scope of work. For example:
- Are they sealing the edges?
- Will they handle drainage near sloped driveways in hilly areas like Mission Hill?
- Are permits required from the city?
In Boston, some neighborhoods may require sidewalk or curb permits, especially near historical districts or on streets with shared access.
A scammer won’t bother with permits, which could lead to fines or forced removal of your new pavement.
Don’t Get Burned by Bad Contractors—Hire the Right One Instead.
Scammers are targeting Boston homeowners with fast talk and shoddy work that barely lasts a season. If you’ve already dealt with a crumbling driveway or uneven asphalt that pools water every time it rains, you know how frustrating—and expensive—a bad paving job can be.
At Marchi Paving, we’ve spent years earning the trust of homeowners and businesses across Greater Boston—from Beacon Hill to East Boston—by using top-grade materials and providing honest, reliable paving services done right the first time.
Call us today to request a quote or schedule your consultation. Let’s make sure your next paving project is done professionally, without the risk of scams or shortcuts.
