What questions should you ask an asphalt driveway contractor?

<div><p>When hiring an asphalt paving contractor to install your driveway, ask as many questions up front as possible. Here are a few questions to ask a prospective driveway contractor:</p><ul><li><p>How many years of experience do you have?</p></li><li><p>Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?</p></li><li><p>Do you have worker’s compensation?</p></li><li><p>Do you use subcontractors on your projects?</p></li><li><p>Do you clean up after the job is done?</p></li><li><p>Who is responsible for any damage to lawn or landscaping?</p></li><li><p>Do you provide a guarantee or warranty on your work?</p></li><li><p>Do you give free estimates?</p></li><li><p>What is the timeline for completion?</p></li><li><p>How do you handle change orders?</p></li><li><p>Can you provide at least three references?</p></li><li><p>Can I see some of the work you’ve done?</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

How thick should an asphalt driveway be?

<div><p>An asphalt driveway should be at least 3 inches thick over a compacted gravel base. Areas with poor drainage should have a thicker stone base. To <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-install-asphalt-driveway.htm">install a new asphalt driveway</a> over an existing driveway, the new asphalt should be at least 2 inches thick and the existing driveway should be in relatively good condition.</p></div>

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Q: How long does asphalt last?

<div><p>An <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-long-does-an-asphalt-driveway-last.htm">asphalt driveway should last 25 to 30 years</a>, depending on the type of asphalt used, the climate, how well the foundation was prepared, the type of soil under the foundation, and how well you maintain your driveway. Maintaining asphalt by filling cracks and reapplying sealer every few years can help extend the life of your asphalt driveway.</p></div>

Q: What is the price per square foot of asphalt?

<div><p>An <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-install-asphalt-driveway.htm">asphalt driveway costs</a> about <b>$7 to $15 per square foot</b>, including labor and materials. The cost will vary depending on your location, how thick the base material is, what prep is required, the thickness of the asphalt, and the accessibility of the job site. The national average cost to install an asphalt driveway is about <b>$4,740</b>. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Asphalt Driveway Service pros in San Jose, CA

*The Angi rating for Asphalt Driveway Service companies in San Jose, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Asphalt Driveway Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Asphalt Driveway Service companies in San Jose, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Asphalt Driveway Service needs.

Last update on April 07, 2025

Reviewed in December 2024
Very hardworking crew. They installed ADA compliant handicap parking spaces and ramps for us, quick turnaround time, measuring all places as they went. Even when we found a small issue, they came back the next day after we contacted them to make the correction. These guys have team and equipment...
We Love Paving Inc
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Reviewed in August 2024
Was very responsive and did an asphalt overlay on my very damaged existing driveway in preparation of selling the house. Helped me walk through the process and was very fair in price.
United Paving
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Reviewed in March 2024
Great. They showed up on time, did a very good job, and left no mess. Very good workers and pleasant to be around.
Bay Certified Paving & Grading
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Reviewed in February 2024
This is the third job I’ve had First Class Paving perform, and as usual I couldn’t be more pleased. Nick and his crew replaced several hundred square feet of wood chips with decorative rock. At the same time, they also resurfaced my gravel driveway, which turned out great. I would highly...
First Class Paving
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Reviewed in November 2020
All the people from SOD Home Group that worked at our house, were very professional, reliable people, hard-working and honest. More then that, they also made sure to wear masks all day long and to keep distance from each other. SOD Home Group is a truly quality company. We are very glad that we...
SOD Home Group
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Reviewed in August 2023
I would give them five because they showed them on time, and they had all the equipment that they needed. kept to their estimate. And finished it in less than two days
Bay Area Grading & Paving
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Reviewed in September 2018
Excellent experience with Black Diamond Pavers. I had them replace two concrete driveways after one of them cracked. The project manager and designer, Michael Martinez, was a unique combination of informative, easy going (no pressure), and meticulous. The prices were competitive and the design...
Black Diamond Paver Stones & Landscape Inc
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Reviewed in June 2023
We hired Westside Grading and Paving to repave/repair our private road and the driveways of the six residents on the lane. Jason was professional, knowledgeable, friendly and he and his workers did a great job. He gave us good prices, and when I felt that one part of it could be improved, he had...
Westside Grading and Paving
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Asphalt driveway pros in San Jose

Asphalt driveway services FAQs

An asphalt driveway should last 25 to 30 years, depending on the type of asphalt used, the climate, how well the foundation was prepared, the type of soil under the foundation, and how well you maintain your driveway. Maintaining asphalt by filling cracks and reapplying sealer every few years can help extend the life of your asphalt driveway.

When hiring an asphalt paving contractor to install your driveway, ask as many questions up front as possible. Here are a few questions to ask a prospective driveway contractor:

How many years of experience do you have?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Do you have worker’s compensation?
Do you use subcontractors on your projects?
Do you clean up after the job is done?
Who is responsible for any damage to lawn or landscaping?
Do you provide a guarantee or warranty on your work?
Do you give free estimates?
What is the timeline for completion?
How do you handle change orders?
Can you provide at least three references?
Can I see some of the work you’ve done?

An asphalt driveway should be at least 3 inches thick over a compacted gravel base. Areas with poor drainage should have a thicker stone base. To install a new asphalt driveway over an existing driveway, the new asphalt should be at least 2 inches thick and the existing driveway should be in relatively good condition.

An asphalt driveway costs about $7 to $15 per square foot, including labor and materials. The cost will vary depending on your location, how thick the base material is, what prep is required, the thickness of the asphalt, and the accessibility of the job site. The national average cost to install an asphalt driveway is about $4,740.

The homeowners guide to asphalt driveway services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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Mar 17, 2025

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Apr 2, 2025

How to Build a Gravel Driveway

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•

Apr 2, 2025

How Long Until You Can Drive on New Asphalt?

Asphalt driveways take anywhere from 48 to 72 hours to dry enough for vehicles. Stay tuned to learn more about how long before you can drive on asphalt.