Should I buy an existing paving company or start one?

Paving rewards people who have the machines, the crew and the relationships on day one, because the season is short and the first weeks decide a lot. That is the main argument for buying. The main argument for starting is that you choose every piece yourself and inherit nobody else’s habits or problems. Neither is the right answer for everyone. The sections below set out what each path really gives you.

What you get when you buy

A running company brings a fleet that works, operators who know it, and customers who already call. It may also bring supplier credit and an arrangement with an asphalt plant that a new company would have to earn. A record of finished jobs helps when you bid for larger work. Ask which of these will still be there after the sale, since a customer may follow the owner and not the company name.

What you get when you start

A new company has no old debts, no unknown warranty claims and no staff you did not choose. You can buy only the machines you need and grow with the work. The cost is time. You will need to find crews, win suppliers’ trust and build a track record before some customers will take a chance on you. Many people start small, take on jobs and add equipment as they go.

Questions to put to yourself

• Do I have experience running crews and pricing jobs, or would I rely on the seller for that?
• How would I pay for equipment, and what would a lender need to see?
• Which customers and suppliers would stay with a new owner?
• Can I run a company that carries past work and open warranties?

Compare the options with an accountant and a lender, using real quotes and your own numbers. A look at how a purchase is financed and checked may also help you see what questions a seller will expect.