An attractive, well-kept driveway can help a home make a good first impression, provide protection against flooding, and even add value to your investment. But replacing a driveway can be a costly endeavor.

Better Business Bureau advises homeowners to take the time to choose a contractor you can trust. When looking to hire a contractor for your driveway, BBB recommends the following tips:

• Check references. Ask for local references and verify the contractor is in compliance with all local licensing, bonding and insuring requirements. Always check out a contractor on bbb.org before doing business with them. Before you agree to a paving or paving repair job, there are three things to check: The status of the contractor’s license, whether the contractor’s bond is current, and the contractor’s complaint resolution history with the Better Business Bureau. You may want to make sure the contracting company is a member of an industry trade association such as National Asphalt Pavement Association.