National contractor guide
How to compare paving contractors
Direct answer: Paving price must be tied to measured area, base condition, asphalt mix, compacted thickness, number of lifts, transitions, drainage, traffic loads, mobilization, and testing. A tonnage-only quote can hide scope differences.
Common project types
Asphalt driveways
Base, mix, lift thickness, compaction, edges, garage and road transitions, drainage, and cure time.
Parking lots
Traffic loading, base repair, milling, paving, drainage, curbs, striping, phasing, and accessibility.
Overlays
Existing pavement condition, milling, leveling, tack, transitions, drainage, reflective cracking, and limits.
Full-depth repair
Saw cutting, failed-base removal, undercut, aggregate, compaction, asphalt lifts, and joint sealing.
Sealcoating and crack work
Cleaning, crack preparation, material, application rate, weather, traffic closure, and realistic limitations.
Milling and grading
Depth, profile, disposal, edge transitions, drainage corrections, utility structures, and surface preparation.
What a complete estimate should state
- Measured area, pavement condition, core or base assumptions, and limits
- Excavation, undercut, aggregate type, depth, compaction, and testing
- Asphalt mix, compacted thickness, number of lifts, tonnage, and rolling
- Milling, tack, joints, edges, curbs, structures, drainage, and transitions
- Mobilization, traffic control, phasing, striping, permits, and cleanup
- Weather plan, use restrictions, warranty, and unit prices for base failures
Proof to compare before hiring
- Paving projects with comparable traffic and drainage
- Written mix and compacted-thickness specifications
- Base-repair and compaction process
- References that address drainage, schedule, traffic, and warranty response
Directory coverage and sponsored placement
ServiceGoat is building national directory coverage market by market. A contractor may advertise or claim a listing, but sponsored visibility should be labeled and is not proof of quality, review strength, licensing, or a top-rated designation. Direct matching is offered only where ServiceGoat has a verified route.
Paving Contractors FAQ
Is sealcoating the same as resurfacing?
No. Sealcoat is a protective surface treatment. It does not replace failed base, restore structural thickness, or correct major drainage and settlement.
What is compacted asphalt thickness?
It is the final thickness after rolling. Estimates should clarify whether stated thickness is loose or compacted and how many lifts are included.
When is milling needed?
Milling can preserve elevations and transitions, remove distressed material, improve profile, or prepare for an overlay. The need depends on existing conditions.
Can asphalt fix a drainage problem?
Paving can adjust surface flow only when the elevations and outlets support it. Base and surrounding drainage may also need correction.