How to Vet a Driveway Contractor: Questions to Ask

Why Vetting Your Driveway Contractor Matters

A new driveway is one of the largest hardscape investments you’ll make. The right crew adds thousands in curb appeal and decades of service. The wrong one leaves you with cracks, puddles, and a lighter wallet. Spending one afternoon asking the right questions can spare you years of regret.

Use the checklist below every time you vet a driveway contractor, whether you need asphalt, concrete, pavers, or gravel.

Step 1: Do Your Homework Before Anyone Shows Up

Define the Project Scope

• Measure the approximate square footage.
• Decide on material: asphalt, concrete, pavers, gravel, or recycled products.
• Note problem areas: drainage issues, tree roots, steep grade, utility lines.
• Set a realistic budget window (see pricing guidance).

Build a Short List of Local Pros

1. Search state/county license databases for active driveway specialists.
2. Cross-check Google Business Profiles for 4-plus-star averages and recent photos.
3. Ask neighbors whose driveways you admire; word-of-mouth is gold in this trade.
4. Verify membership in regional builders’ exchanges or the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA).

Screen for Minimum Credentials

Before you even pick up the phone, confirm:

• Active general liability and workers’ comp insurance (request certs).
• State license if required (CA, FL, NJ, NV, etc.).
• Clean BBB profile within the last three years.

Step 2: The 10-Minute Phone Interview

Call three to five companies. Ask the same baseline questions so you can compare apples-to-apples.

1. Are you insured and bonded?

Request the agent’s name and policy number. A legitimate contractor emails certificates within an hour.

2. Do you carry asphalt or concrete supplier certifications?

Manufacturers such as Quikrete or Roadtec authorize crews that meet mix-spec and continuing-ed standards.

3. How many driveways like mine did you install last month?

You want an answer of “10–30,” not “a couple.” High volume keeps crews sharp and equipment paid for.

4. Can I visit a job in progress?

Seeing them work unannounced reveals cleanliness, safety gear, and employee morale.

Step 3: The Site Visit & Written Estimate

Questions to Ask Face-to-Face

• What’s the soil condition? Will you re-grade or add base rock?
• How will you handle drainage and runoff? (Look for at least 1% slope away from the garage.)
• What’s the compacted base depth? (Minimum 4 in. for asphalt, 6 in. for concrete in cold climates.)
• Will you use reinforcement—wire mesh, rebar, fiber? Where exactly?
• What’s the expected finish: broom, stamped, exposed aggregate?
• How long before I can drive/park on it? (Concrete cure: 7 days partial, 28 days full; Asphalt: 2–3 days.)

Red Flags During the Walk-Through

• Pushes for a “today-only” discount.
• Quotes by the square foot without seeing the sub-base.
• Asks for >50% cash up front.
• Claims “we have leftover asphalt from another job.”
• No tape measure, no camera, no grade checker.

Understanding Driveway Pricing in 2024

Prices vary by region, access, and material. Use the ranges below to judge if a bid is realistic.

Line Items That Should Appear on Every Bid

1. Demolition and disposal of old surface.
2. Geotextile fabric if soil is clay-heavy.
3. Compacted aggregate base (type and depth).
4. Material specifications: PSI for concrete, PG grade for asphalt.
5. Expansion joints and edge restraints.
6. Sealer or curing compound application.
7. Cleanup and landscape repair.
8. Local permits (if required).
9. State warranty documentation.

Step 4: Nail Down the Schedule & Logistics

Ask for a Simple Gantt Chart

Even a one-page sketch beats verbal promises. Key milestones:

• Permit submission
• Material delivery
• Demo day
• Base prep and inspector sign-off
• Pour/pave day
• Sealer/cure day
• Final walk-through

Weather Contingency

Concrete below 40 °F or asphalt in the rain equals failure. Clarify who watches the forecast and who pays if a storm rolls in after the mix is loaded.

Step 5: Review Contracts, Warranties & Payment Terms

Must-Have Clauses

• Total price and payment schedule (typical: 15% at signing, 50% at start, 35% on completion).
• Start and completion dates with a per-day late penalty.
• Detailed material specs (Slump? Aggregate size? Oil content?).
• Minimum 2-year workmanship warranty (5 yrs for concrete, 1 yr for asphalt).
• Right to withhold 10% until passing a third-party inspection.

Payment Safety Tips

1. Never pay the full balance up front.
2. Use credit cards or bank checks, not untraceable cash apps.
3. Request lien waivers from suppliers so you aren’t stuck with material bills if the contractor skips town.

Step 6: Final Walk-Through & Maintenance Handoff

Bring a Simple Checklist

• Surface color uniform? (Stripes can indicate poor mixing.)
• Edges straight and full-depth?
• No puddles 24 hrs after rain?
• Control joints spaced ≤ 10 ft for concrete?
• Manholes and utility boxes reset to grade?

Get the Maintenance Guide

Ask for written instructions: when to seal, which de-icers are safe, load limits for RVs or dumpsters. Good pros leave behind a gallon of matching sealer or an extra bundle of pavers.

FAQ on How to Vet a Driveway Contractor