A word of paving warning: If someone knocks on your front door and says, “We have a load of asphalt that was left over from paving nearby, and we can pave your driveway at a bargain rate if you’ll pay cash,” don’t take them up on it. Asphalt that is “left over” from another job will be too cool to make a good pavement for your home. As with any business transaction, you want to know who you’re dealing with before proceeding.

Checking references can save you money in the long run.