Paving Contractors in Houston, Texas

Paving Contractor Service Cost Guide

While every paving contractor will have a different cost for their services based on labor and the price of materials at the time, below are the general costs that you will likely expect to pay:

 

Cost of paving a driveway per square foot (depends on length/size of driveway and the quality of materials) - Average of $3 - $15 per square foot.

Average square footage cost per type of ground material:

Concrete: $4 - $8 per square foot.

Asphalt: $7 - $13 per square foot.

Gravel: $1 - $3 per square foot.

Pavers: $10 - $30 per square foot.

Pavers with grass: $4 - $6 per square foot.

Install heated driveway: $12 - $21 per square foot.

Colored asphalt: $12 - $17 per square foot.

Cold mix asphalt (in the bag): $10 - $15 per bag.

Hot mix asphalt (trucks backs up and pours it out): $100 - $200 per ton.

Total average cost to pave a driveway - $2,000 - $7,000.

Remove old driveway to install a new one: $1 - $3 per square foot.

Extend or widen an existing driveway: $2 - $15 per square foot.

Resurfacing an existing driveway: $1 - $10 per square foot.

 

Tips For Hiring A Paving Contractor

If you intend to hire a paving contractor to lay out a driveway, patio, sidewalk, or other portion of your house, then consider these tips before you sign the dotted line:

Only Hire A Contractor With A License And Insurance

 

Your driveway or patio is too important to hire a contractor without the proper experience or credentials, so ask for proof of necessary documentation from every contractor that you contact. A contractor that is licensed has proof that they know what they are doing and that they have the training to do the job right. Insurance is important in the case that the contractor is hurt during the job or they damage your home or property.

Do not be afraid to ask the potential contractor for a physical copy of their license and insurance. If they hesitate or claim not to have either, then consider that to be a red flag. 

Be Specific About Your Project

During your search for a paving contractor, you will want to get several quotes. Every contractor charges their own rates for labor and the cost of materials will differ based on supply and demand. For that reason, you will want to contact numerous contractors so you can get a quote that fits your budget.

In order to get the most accurate quotes, you will want to know as much as possible about your driveway project so you can see if the contractor can deliver on what you seek. So, think about the materials you will want to use, the length of the driveway, if you have pot holes or imperfections that need to be fixed, the pitch of the surface, and if you want any decorative features added.

Tell the contractor everything you want so they can determine a price. Then, you can adjust your plans if necessary.

Ask Plenty Of Questions

Once you decide to pave your driveway or lay a foundation in your garage or patio, it is a wise idea to have several paving contractors to your home to look at what needs to be done so they can tell you how they plan to perform the job and their total cost, including parts and labor.

While they are there, feel free to ask as many questions as possible until you are satisfied. If the contractor doesn't have answers or doesn’t offer to find an answer, then look for someone else. Questions you should ask include:

• How much experience do you have?
• Is your company established?
• If I need to file an insurance claim, how do I go about it?
• Do you have a contract that I can review and sign?
• Does your work come with a guarantee?
• What is the source of the materials?
• Any advice on how to protect the driveway after the fact?
• What does the clean up look like?
• What should I do after the asphalt is laid?
• Do you have experience using the specific materials that I want installed?
• Are there any subcontractors involved in the project, or are the contractors responsible for all of the work? 
• How can I get a hold of you in the future?

Beware Of Scams

 

Unfortunately, not all contractors are legitimate. Instead, some contractors will knock on your door and promise affordable pricing but will use substandard materials or charge an exceedingly high price. Remember that if anything seems too good to be true, then it probably is. Ask all necessary questions to make sure that you are getting the best deal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are commonly asked questions that folks have before hiring a paving contractor:

How Long Can A Driveway Last?

The good news about hiring a paving contractor is that if you find the right professional at the best price, then you won’t need to have it repaved very often. Most concrete driveways will last up to 25-30 years with proper care and maintenance. An asphalt driveway will typically last for 15-30 years. Driveways made out of the other various materials will last between those two spans.

Naturally, the length of time necessary for resealing your driveway will depend on the usage of the driveway. If you constantly park heavy trucks, campers, and trailers, then you will need thicker asphalt, and you may need to replace it sooner. Also, if you live in a state with a lot of rain or freezing temperatures, then water can seep into the cracks, then expand and cause damage. 

How Can I Protect My Investment?

In order for your driveway to last as long as possible, proper maintenance will be required. After the driveway is installed or fixed, wait at least 72 hours before driving on it. As the years go on, regularly inspect the driveway for cracks and have them repaired immediately.

On the hottest days, make it a habit to spray cold water on the driveway to prevent future cracks. Gasoline and vehicle fluids can also lead to cracks and deteriorating asphalt, so don’t park vehicles that may be leaking.

Between every season, make it a habit to clean your driveway by using a push broom and a mixture of soap and water. Also, wipe away any motor oil stains. If there are any potholes, get them repaired immediately. 

How Can I Prepare For A Paving Project?

Since you are also paying for the contractor’s time, you will want to prepare before your appointment so you can make the project as quick and easy as possible. First, remove any unnecessary cars, items, and debris from on and around the driveway, so it doesn’t get in the way of the contractors. Also, it is a good idea to schedule the work right before garbage day as the paving company will likely produce a lot of trash and waste during the project that you will want to dispose of right away.

It is also a good idea to take the day off of work on the day of the project so you can supervise and ensure that the work is done to your specifications. Also, the contractors may need to make unexpected changes that you will need to authorize.

Be there on project day, know what to expect, and you’ll have a driveway of which you can be proud.