Hiring the right paving contractor in Hershey, PA, is about more than just finding the best price. With harsh winters, heavy rainfall, and the wear-and-tear from Route 322 and Chocolate Avenue traffic, your asphalt surfaces need to be built to last.
Whether you’re repaving a driveway in Hummelstown or repairing a parking lot near the Hershey Theatre, it’s crucial to know how to spot unreliable contractors before they waste your time—or your budget.
Below are some of the biggest red flags to watch for when choosing a paving contractor in the Hershey area.
Key Takeaways
- A super low price usually means shortcuts like cheap materials or skipped prep that fail fast in Hershey winters.
- Contractors promising next-day work without contracts or permits probably aren’t legit and might ignore local paving rules.
- Out-of-state plates and no company name on trucks often mean shady crews offering bad work with no accountability.
- Real pros don’t rush decisions or push same-day deals, especially on big jobs in neighborhoods like Ridgewood.
- No warranty, no maintenance tips, and no local references are all signs someone’s not standing behind their work.
They Offer a Price That Seems Too Good to Be True
At ProSeal Asphalt Maintenance, we offer fair, honest pricing that reflects the quality your pavement needs, especially with Hershey’s freeze-thaw cycles and soft soils near areas like Swatara Creek. Instead of cutting corners, we use durable materials and proper prep to ensure long-lasting results.
Services like crack sealing help prevent damage early, saving you from costly repairs later on.
They Can “Start Tomorrow” Without a Contract or Permit
In Hershey, reputable contractors often have their schedules booked out a few weeks in advance, especially for larger jobs near commercial hubs like Hersheypark Drive or the Hershey Medical Center.
If someone says they can start immediately—without offering a written contract or discussing necessary township permits—it’s likely they’re not running a legitimate operation.
Proper paving requires planning, materials coordination, and adherence to Derry Township’s local ordinances. Rushing in without paperwork is a major red flag.
They Use Out-of-Town Plates or Unmarked Trucks
While not every out-of-town crew is a scam, be wary of contractors driving unmarked trucks or sporting out-of-state plates, especially if they show up unsolicited.
Hershey locals have reported “traveling” paving crews going door-to-door claiming they have leftover asphalt from another job. These types of offers often lead to shoddy work with no way to follow up when problems arise.
Trusted Hershey contractors, like those based near West Chocolate Avenue or Park Boulevard, typically have branded vehicles and a known local presence.
They Pressure You to Decide on the Spot
If a contractor tries to get you to sign a contract immediately—or claims their “deal” is only good for today—that’s a red flag. Reliable paving professionals in Hershey will understand your need to review the estimate, compare quotes, and ask questions.
High-pressure sales tactics are a sign that something isn’t right.
Especially with large residential projects in neighborhoods like Palmdale or Ridgewood, you want to take time to make a thoughtful decision, not get rushed into regret.
They Avoid Discussing Warranty or Maintenance
Any paving job in Central PA needs a solid warranty due to our unpredictable winters and frequent freeze-thaw cycles.
If a contractor won’t discuss warranty terms or refuses to put them in writing, that’s a sign they don’t stand by their work. In areas like Waltonville or just off Cocoa Avenue, property owners should expect long-term durability.
A reputable contractor will also talk to you about maintenance, sealing schedules, and what to watch for as the seasons change.
They Have No Local References or Online Presence
A trustworthy paving company should be able to provide recent references from projects completed in Hershey and nearby towns like Campbelltown or Elizabethtown.
If they have no website, no Google reviews, and can’t show you photos of completed jobs, it’s a red flag.
In a community like Hershey where word-of-mouth is powerful, contractors should have a track record you can verify—whether it’s commercial work near the Giant Center or residential paving in the Highlands.
Their Equipment Looks Neglected or Outdated
Paving is precision work that depends heavily on reliable machinery.
At ProSeal Asphalt Maintenance, we believe that great results start with the right tools. That’s why our sealcoating equipment is always well-maintained and ready to deliver a smooth, durable finish every time.
From precision rollers to clean, calibrated machines, we invest in top-tier gear because your pavement deserves nothing less.
When you choose our team in Hershey, you’re not just getting a service—you’re getting a sealcoating solution built to last.
They Don’t Explain the Process or Scope Clearly
Finally, if a paving contractor can’t explain how the job will unfold—from grading and base prep to rolling and sealing—that’s a major concern.
In areas like Hershey with unique slope and drainage issues, especially near hillsides or older streets like Elm Avenue, clarity matters.
You want someone who can walk you through the project step by step and answer your questions in plain terms—not someone who brushes off your concerns or gets vague when it counts.
Don’t Risk a Bad Paving Job in Hershey
Choosing the wrong paving contractor can cost you more in the long run—cracks, uneven surfaces, drainage issues, and even liability problems. If you’re in Hershey, you’re dealing with weather, traffic, and soil challenges that demand quality craftsmanship and regional experience.
At ProSeal Asphalt Maintenance Inc., we specialize in asphalt paving, sealing, and repair tailored to the Hershey climate. We know the traffic flow around Chocolate World, how spring storms affect surface drainage, and the types of wear that show up fastest in our area.
Whether you’re a homeowner in Union Deposit or a business owner on Fishburn Road, we’ve got you covered with honest estimates, reliable crews, and results that last.
Call us today to request a free quote or schedule a site visit—we’ll show you what reliable paving looks like.
