Installing a high-quality parking lot is essential for any commercial development. Whether you own an office building or a retail store, it’s vital to the safety of your clients and staff—not to mention the appearance of your property—to plan the lot properly. Here’s what you need to know before you hire an asphalt paving company.

How to Handle Parking Lot Planning

1. Optimize Your Space

You likely already have space allotted for your parking lot. It’s up to you to determine its best use. If you own an auditorium or performing arts facility, for example, you need to maximize the available space to its best potential to fit the greatest number of vehicles. But you’ll also need to consider practicality and comfort during this process so that cars aren’t too tightly compressed when parked and backing out. It’s best to angle the spaces and devise a rectangular layout to make the most of what is available to you.

2. Factor Accessible Spaces

By law, your paving company must also incorporate accessible amenities into the parking lot. These include designated handicap spaces, ramps, and other elements that improve safety for individuals who use mobility devices or require proximity to the building.

3. Add Traffic Lanes

Parking lots with one-way traffic lanes can be confusing and may result in unwanted accidents due to people inadvertently going the wrong way. Minimize this by providing enough space for two-way lanes in each aisle. That makes it easy for everyone to comfortably park on each side of the aisle while improving lot safety.

4. Include Safety Elements

You’ll also need to implement other features that make the lot safe for your patrons and staff. Key among those are barriers that create a comfortable space between vehicles that face each other or prevent a car from accidentally striking your building. Adding the appropriate traffic signs also protects pedestrians and alerts drivers to slow down. Add high-quality lighting to ensure the pavement is safe at night as well.

5. Maintain the Surface

Making a protective plan with your paving company now is a great way to protect the life span of your lot over the years. Commit to seal coating the surface to prevent issues such as cracks and potholes from endangering drivers and pedestrians. The coating can also reduce the odds of surface discoloration, which may otherwise take away from your property’s curb appeal.

Are you seeking a qualified paving company to assist in planning your company’s parking lot? Turn to the team at Bennett Paving LLC. Based in Cookeville, TN, and proudly serving clients throughout Putnam County, the company offers a wide range of services, including parking lot resurfacing, seal coating, asphalt paving, and driveway sealing. Visit them online for details on their services or call (931) 858-4596 to speak with an expert about your project.