Asphalt overlay driveways are one of the best long-term investments you can make for your home. But that investment is worthless without the right contractor to do the job.
You want a driveway that lasts for decades to come — not one that cracks within months.
While there are certainly plenty of great driveway paving contractors out there… there are also a lot of cowboys that will take your hard-earned money and run.
Avoid these nightmare contractors by learning exactly what to look for when hiring someone for your driveway paving project.
Whether you need a full asphalt overlay driveway replacement or just a simple overlay… these tips will set you up for paving success!
Ready? Let’s dive in!
What you’ll discover:
- Why Hiring the Right Contractor Matters
- Red Flags Every Homeowner Should Watch For
- What To Look For in a Quality Paving Contractor
- How To Get the Best Value on an Asphalt Overlay Driveway
Why Hiring the Right Contractor Matters
Nobody wants to think about doing any more research before paving their driveway.
But consider this:
A properly installed asphalt overlay driveway can save homeowners anywhere from 20% to 30% when compared to a full asphalt replacement.
However, if the contractor you hire does subpar work or uses cheap materials… those savings go out the window.
The problem?
Not all driveway paving companies are created equal.
Some use cheap materials. Others cut corners by neglecting important steps like base prep. And in extreme cases, some contractors scam homeowners and run off with their money. The BBB has reported that some homeowners have lost over $8,000 to paving scams where the work was never completed or done so poorly it needed to be redone.
You don’t want to deal with poor workmanship on your driveway.
That’s why doing your homework before signing on the dotted line with any paving contractor is so important. With roughly 125,000 contractors operating across the U.S. paving industry, finding the right one takes effort.
Thankfully, if you know where to look… finding reputable driveway paving contractors in your area is pretty easy!
Take your search for driveway paving contractors in Rockville for example. By reading reviews and checking company reputations with the Better Business Bureau, homeowners in Maryland can quickly identify which companies have a history of outstanding service and which ones they should stay clear of.
Do your research now to avoid headaches later. Your driveway and wallet will thank you.
Red Flags Every Homeowner Should Watch For
Alright, now that the importance of choosing the right contractor is covered, let’s review some important red flags to avoid.
These are things you should run the other way from whenever possible.
Door-to-door offers. If someone suddenly shows up at your door saying they have “extra asphalt left from another job” and they want to offer you a “special deal” RUN. Don’t let them in your house.
Seriously.
Never. Great paving contractors have plenty of work and don’t need to roam from house to house looking for unsuspecting victims.
No written contract. Any reputable contractor will provide a detailed written contract before starting work. This protects you and the contractor should something go wrong.
Cash-only payments. Real paving contractors accept checks and credit cards. If the contractor wants cash only that is a huge red flag.
No licence or insurance. All states require contractors to be licensed in some capacity. Be sure to verify the contractor’s licence before allowing them to start work.
Plus, insist that they provide proof of insurance before starting work.
High-pressure sales tactics. Some contractors will give you a verbal estimate and then try to convince you to accept it on the spot.
Nice guys finish last.
Solid contractors offer written estimates that remain valid for a set period of time. That way you have plenty of time to get multiple quotes.
If they try to pressure you into deciding right then and there… walk away.
Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is.
What To Look For in a Quality Paving Contractor
Alright! Now that the red flags are covered… let’s focus on the things you should look for when hiring a driveway paving contractor.
Here are the 5 most important things to consider:
Experience and Reputation
First and foremost you want to hire a contractor that has been doing this for years.
Experience with asphalt paving projects is everything.
Look for companies with plenty of positive reviews, testimonials and asphalt paving case studies.
Experience shows they know what they are doing.
Don’t be afraid to ask for references from recent jobs either. Any reputable contractor will provide them to you.
Proper Licensing and Insurance
All driveway paving contractors should be licensed and insured.
It’s that simple.
Don’t accept otherwise.
Ask to see their licence and insurance before they start work.
You can always double check with your state’s contractor licensing board to verify that the licence is legitimate.
Detailed Written Estimates
Any professional asphalt driveway paving contractor should be able to provide you with a detailed written estimate.
Not only should the estimate be broken down into detail… you should receive estimates from at least 3 different contractors.
That way you can easily compare pricing and highlight anything that seems off.
A detailed quote should include:
- Cost of materials
- Labour cost
- Estimated timeline
- Preparation work included
- Total cost
Quality Materials and Proper Technique
Cheap materials won’t last as long as high-quality asphalt materials designed for overlay projects.
Don’t be afraid to ask the contractor what materials they plan on using.
Any reputable asphalt paving contractor will be more than happy to explain to you the process they use and what makes their materials so great!
Lastly, make sure the company you choose uses proper paving techniques.
For instance: part of proper asphalt laying technique is preparing the base your asphalt will lay on.
If a contractor skips this step you can bet they will skip other things too.
Warranty and After-Care
Always ask about warranty. Any asphalt driveway paving contractor should offer at least a 1-2 year workmanship warranty on their work.
Planning before the project even begins cannot be stressed enough.
How To Get the Best Value on an Asphalt Overlay Driveway
Just because you know what to look for… doesn’t mean you have to break the bank!
Here are a few tips to save money on your new driveway:
Get multiple quotes. Requesting three written quotes from different contractors not only helps you find the best price… it lets you quickly identify which contractors are misleading in their proposal.
Check the base of your driveway first. Your driveway needs to be structurally sound before laying an overlay on top. Any good contractor will tell you this before they get started.
However, if you’re looking for a second opinion, having your driveway inspected by a structural contractor first is a smart move.
Time it right. Spring and summer are ideal seasons for asphalt paving work.
This is because hot mix asphalt needs warm temperatures to cure properly.
Plus, when the asphalt is installed at the right temperature it will last significantly longer than if it’s installed during cooler seasons.
Plan for maintenance. Sealcoating your new asphalt overlay every 2-3 years will keep it looking new for longer.
Think of asphalt like your car… regular maintenance keeps it running smoothly and lasts much longer.
Bring It All Together
Congratulations, you now know everything there is to know about hiring a contractor for your asphalt overlay driveway.
Let’s review:
- Don’t entertain driveway contractors that knock on your door or refuse to provide you with a written contract.
- Look for contractors with lots of experience, proper licensing and detailed written estimates.
- Get value, not just low prices. Cheap quotes may be enticing but they often cost you more money in the long run.
- Always get a warranty and plan on maintaining your asphalt driveway.
You can expect your new asphalt overlay driveway to last anywhere from 8-15 years or more with proper care and maintenance.
That only happens when you hire the right contractor to do the job.
Take your time, compare contractors and find the best one for your needs.
