Maintain the parking lot

Thinking about cutting costs by deferring parking-lot maintenance? Think again. A store’s parking lot is one of the first cues to brand image and, depending on its condition, it can welcome customers or drive them away. Here are some cost-saving suggestions from Rose Paving Co., Bridgeview, Ill., for ensuring a safe and convenient parking experience:

• Buy maintenance services in the first and second quarters of the year. Material prices are lower during the months of January through June because demand is lower — prices increase when the demand for asphalt and raw materials is highest, typically in July, August and September. Prioritize repairs by considering the location of the defect (potholes in high-traffic areas, for example, should be repaired first).
• To significantly minimize surprise expenses, implement a pavement-management plan that helps budget for repairs and maintenance services well in advance.
• Schedule and perform maintenance in separate mobilizations and during off-peak business hours so as not to disrupt the flow of traffic or inconvenience customers. Make sure the contractor is capable of working around your schedule and not the other way around.
• Relying on a low bid is like tossing the dice. Instead, thoroughly research and conduct background checks on pavement contractors.
• Become educated on pavement maintenance. By better understanding the technologies, services and materials available, you will make well-informed and financially wise decisions concerning your asphalt or concrete investment.