
In Indy, with our freeze-thaw cycles, heavy rains, and mix of commercial and residential traffic, proper paving work really matters.
Whether you’re in Meridian-Kessler, Fountain Square, or out in Speedway, hiring a legitimate asphalt company can mean the difference between a surface that lasts decades and one that starts cracking in six months.
As a local paving company, we want to help you make the right call.
Here’s what to look for when hiring an asphalt contractor in the Indianapolis area.
Key Takeaways
- A real asphalt company in Indianapolis will have a local office or yard you can easily confirm in person.
- Proper insurance, bonding, and knowledge of Indiana construction codes help protect your property and your wallet.
- Completed jobs in neighborhoods like Geist or Speedway show that the company is trusted and experienced in your area.
- Full crews, modern equipment, honest pricing, and no pressure tactics are signs you’re hiring a true professional.
Check for a Physical Business Address in Central Indiana
Legit asphalt companies in Indianapolis will have a real, physical office or yard you can actually visit—typically somewhere in or around Marion County. If the contractor only gives you a P.O. Box or a random out-of-state number, that’s a red flag.
Reputable outfits usually operate out of industrial zones near areas like the South Emerson Avenue corridor or along W. Washington Street, where there’s space for equipment, trucks, and asphalt storage.
Ask where they’re based and, if you want, drive by to verify they’re local and established.
Look for Licensing, Bonding, and Insurance Specific to Indiana Standards
A credible asphalt contractor in Indianapolis should carry proper insurance, be bonded, and comply with all Indiana construction requirements. This includes liability insurance to cover damage and workers’ comp to protect the crew.
Bonus points if they’re familiar with local codes enforced by the Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services.
Don’t just take their word for it—ask for documentation and verify coverage is active.
It’s not just about peace of mind; if something goes wrong on-site in neighborhoods like Broad Ripple or Irvington, and your contractor isn’t properly insured, you could end up on the hook.
Ask About Recent Projects in Indy Neighborhoods You Know
One of the best ways to gauge legitimacy is to ask for addresses of recent jobs they’ve completed—preferably in areas you’re familiar with.
A reliable paving contractor should have no problem pointing you to driveways they’ve resurfaced in neighborhoods like Geist, business parking lots near Keystone at the Crossing, or municipal jobs for places like the Decatur Township School District.
It’s even better if they’ve done work for commercial clients whose names you recognize.
When you can see the finished work for yourself, it builds trust.
Make Sure They Use DOT-Grade Materials Suited for Indiana Weather
Indiana’s climate throws just about everything at your pavement—snow, ice, summer heat, and a dozen freeze-thaw cycles each winter. Any asphalt company worth its salt in Indy knows to use Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT)-approved hot mix asphalt designed for our region.
If a contractor can’t tell you what mix they’re using or gives a vague answer like “standard blacktop,” they probably aren’t using materials that will last through an Indianapolis winter.
Reputable contractors should be able to talk specifics, including materials sourced from local plants like Milestone Contractors or US Aggregates.
Pay Attention to Equipment and Crew Size
Drive around any job site in Center Township or Lawrence, and you’ll notice something about legit asphalt contractors: they show up with the right equipment and a full team.
If a crew rolls up with just a pickup truck and a couple of guys with rakes, that’s not a professional paving operation. It’s a patch job waiting to fail. Real companies bring dump trucks, pavers, rollers, and a full team to get the job done efficiently.
The setup should match the scale of the project, especially if they’re working on larger commercial spaces near areas like the Indiana State Fairgrounds or the Circle Centre Mall area.
Read Reviews from Local Homeowners and Businesses
Online reviews can tell you a lot, but focus on the ones that mention specific Indianapolis locations and types of projects. A review that says, “They paved my driveway in Carmel and it held up great through the winter,” is a lot more credible than a generic five-star with no detail.
Check Google, Yelp, and Facebook, and look for responses from the business, especially when issues come up. A legit contractor will engage with reviews and be transparent about how they handle feedback.
Also, ask your neighbors.
Word of mouth still goes a long way in communities like Beech Grove and Nora.
Watch Out for Cash Deals or High-Pressure Tactics
Be wary of anyone offering a deep discount for “leftover asphalt” from another job or demanding full payment upfront in cash. These are common scams that pop up in Indy every spring, especially in suburban areas like Avon and Brownsburg.
A reputable company will give you a detailed, written estimate, schedule the work properly, and only request payment based on a fair contract. If someone’s rushing you into a decision or shows up uninvited offering a deal, that’s a major red flag.
Quality paving work isn’t something you buy off the back of a truck.
Ready to Hire a Trusted Asphalt Contractor in Indianapolis?
At Hendricks County Paving, we’ve built our reputation on honesty, quality, and long-lasting results for homeowners and businesses across Indianapolis, from Westfield Boulevard to West Morris Street. We’re fully insured, locally rooted, and proud to use DOT-grade materials that stand up to Indiana weather.
Whether you need residential paving in Avon or commercial resurfacing in Plainfield, we’re ready to help. Let’s get your project started the right way.
Call us today to request a free estimate or schedule an on-site consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a typical asphalt driveway last in Indianapolis?
Most asphalt driveways in Indianapolis last 15 to 20 years if the base is stable and you maintain it with routine sealing, crack repair, and drainage control through all four seasons.
When is the best time of year to schedule asphalt paving in Indy?
Paving is best between late April and early October when temperatures stay warm enough for proper curing, especially in areas like Wayne or Franklin that see early freezes.
Can you resurface an asphalt driveway, or does it need to be fully replaced?
Resurfacing works if the base is intact, which saves time and money compared to full replacement, especially for aging driveways in places like Lawrence or Decatur Township.
Do asphalt projects require permits in Indianapolis?
Most asphalt projects, including driveway expansions or commercial lot resurfacing, require permits through the City of Indianapolis, especially near easements, sidewalks, or public access points.

