I've been put in charge of bidding out and awarding a contract to pave parking lots but know nothing about the process
Does anyone have good resources for understanding how parking lots are constructed and the various options for fixing cracked sections/potholes? I've found a bunch of time lapse videos of parking lots being made (mildly helpful) but I want a more comprehensive understanding of the various layers and various the processes for fixing lots. Any help would be much appreciated
[{"id": "i9ugmaw", "text": "This might be helpful, also their crack sealing page: [https://www.rosepaving.com/services/asphalt/](https://www.rosepaving.com/services/asphalt/)\n\nI've had them bid a job before in Chicagoland but due to scheduling constraints used a different company.\n\nIMO there's a lot of options depending on your location, the severity of the use, and current lot condition. You may find it is long-term more cost effective to replace some failed sections with concrete, for example. \n\nConsider having two or three reputable companies meet you at site (separately) and just honestly ask \"what would you do here?\" Then ask them all to bid the same scope, one or two options that seemed most logical.", "replies": [{"id": "i9x2e9g", "text": "We use the sealing on most of office parks I oversee. I love it! Needs to be done every could of years but an extremely cost effective way to give the property a face lift without a major expense \ud83d\ude0a", "replies": [], "depth": 2}, {"id": "iaxr7tm", "text": "Hey sorry it took me a while to say this but thank you!! Both the link and your suggestion to seek advice/explanations as I had companies come take a look at the lots were very helpful. To anyone who may find themselves in the same situation I was in- cannot stress enough that you shouldn't be afraid to ask a bunch of questions to the guys (or girls) who come out to the site. I ended up learning a ton about the milling/paving process and even ended up touring a local asphalt mixing facility.", "replies": [{"id": "iaywq2x", "text": "People sometimes forget that everyone has their expertise. Vendors are there to help you. Don't forget it. And don't be afraid to not be as knowledgeable. That's why you ask questions. If ANY vendor does not respect me wanting to learn more- remove them. They are hiding something. \ud83d\ude0a", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "i9ugpk7", "text": "I would schedule a bunch of paving companies to come out and walk the property with me asking for them to explain everything to me and why it is needed. \n\nDo we need x amount of handicap spaces? Where do they go? How many per parking spaces? Do we have to worry about the slant of the property? Is there any current drainage issues? Would sloping the property slightly cause less headaches? Etc etc. \n\nBasically- everyone is an expert in their industry. Speak to multiple people who want to bid on the job and ask questions. \ud83d\ude0a \n\nAlso let us know where you are at. I have some local badass parking lot people who are also extremely cost efficient.", "replies": [{"id": "i9wcexn", "text": "No no no, you need an architect to make sure you are compliant with code on all those things first and to put their license on the line if they are wrong.", "replies": [{"id": "i9x25lv", "text": "I read it as a preexisting parking lot needing a face-lift. Parking lot crews will 100% be able to tell you what is needed to bring up to code as well as what is grandfathered in, any worrisome areas, ect. They have the ability to design parking lots from both existing to new. \n\n\nIf a architect is needed- make sure to vet and get a good references on someone who specializes in parking lots. My lord a shitty architect can add a couple hundred grand to the budget, months extra on deadline and at least 20 grey hairs by the time the project is completed. Especially if doing a massive interior renovation for a COU. \ud83d\ude12", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}, {"id": "iaxrcrz", "text": "This is exactly what I did and I learned A TON. Was afraid to sound uninformed but realized I was going to either sound uninformed or uninformed but on my way to being informed. Ended up asking a ton of questions and learning A LOT from the guys who came and bidded the project.", "replies": [{"id": "iay2sqe", "text": "See! Most vendors who are worth a shit will take the time to communicate with you and let you know. Especially if you tell them you are trying to learn to make their lives easier. It's an amazing thing as to how much you will learn. Not sure if you also did this and it may not pertain to this situation but I also ask what I can do to better maintain everything and make their life easier. Unless you are in the industry you don't know what the biggest issues people neglect and cause the biggest headaches.   Your vendors are your vendors for a reason. They will make you look amazing or like a asshole. \ud83d\ude0a", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "i9ugshf", "text": "Can you hire a general contractor? Then observe?\n\nAre you building this on raw land or just redoing existing?\n\nAsphalt vs concrete are different but the general process is the same. Scrape, grade, lay base, top. Seal or stripe and blocks. \n\nYou\u2019ll need a site plan if it\u2019s brand new too.", "replies": [{"id": "i9uzn3r", "text": "I highly recommend checking out KB\u2018s Flexi pave. It\u2019s made from recycled tires and it\u2019s totally porous eliminating all kinds of flooding issues. It\u2019s amazing stuff go to Atlanticpic.com", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "i9vhj62", "text": "I oversee responding to bids at work;\n\nGoogle RFBs or RFPs in your local area/city/state to see how they format their bids.\n\nAlthough government ones are usually overkill in terms of submission requirements they\u2019re a good starting point in seeing how to clearly communicate the required qualifications/skills/costings and process to potential bidders.", "replies": [{"id": "i9vzcc5", "text": "I second this. Are used to work in a purchasing office for a city entity and by creating an implemented a purchasing process for multi million dollar firm. You should absolutely create a bid packet, or a request for services, that outlines the scope of work  so everyone can bid on the exact same work. I would also include an evaluation period so that they can view the property and give any additional information or recommendations.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "i9w0t13", "text": "First lesson, because I'm seeing other commenters discussing things that are not specifically paving, but are paving adjacent: striping is different than sealing, sealing is different than paving, and depending on the issues grading and re-baseing is the last thing you want someone to tell you needs to happen. Driveway and parking is usually asphalt work, curbs and curb cuts are concrete work, curb stops are often pre-fab. You may need a vendor for all of the aforementioned steps. This time of year I would expect most trades to be booked through the construction season. I usually get paving or sealing bids in Oct/Nov for the following summer.\n\n\nYouTube is a great intro to construction resource, don't be afraid to use it as you self-educate.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "i9wclts", "text": "I used to be a construction manager for a real estate firm doing exactly what you\u2019re talking about and am now a General Contractor, DM me and I\u2019ll walk you through the process.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "i9ypm76", "text": "I'll do it! And I have no experience either so, we're a good match \ud83d\ude06", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]