How to Hire Driveway Contractors

Hiring the right driveway contractor is key to getting a beautifully installed and long-lasting driveway. With the right contractor, you can transform your home’s curb appeal and functionality. However, finding and vetting qualified driveway contractors takes time and effort. Follow this guide to learn how to hire the best driveway contractor for your project.

Research Local Driveway Contractors

The first step is to identify qualified driveway contractors operating in your area. Here are some tips for finding local driveway pros:

Search online directories – Angie’s List, HomeAdvisor, and the Better Business Bureau are great resources for finding reviewed and rated contractors. Look for companies that specialize in driveways.
Ask for referrals – Talk to friends, neighbors, and family who have had driveway work done recently. Ask if they were satisfied with the company and the quality of work.
Drive around your neighborhood – Look for newly installed driveways and jot down the contractor signs out front. Freshly paved driveways with clean edges are a good sign of quality work.
Stop by local home & garden stores – The employees here often know who the good driveway contractors are. Stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot may also have contractor recommendation boards.
Search industry associations – Contractors who are members of organizations like the National Association of Home Builders likely do quality work. Search for members in your area.

As you research, create a list of 3-5 promising driveway contractors to further evaluate.

Check Credentials & Certifications

Once you have a list of contractors, do some background research to verify credentials. Here are some things to look for:

Licensing – Contractors should be licensed in your state for concrete work and driveway installation. Ask to see their license.
Insurance – Only consider companies that carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. Ask for proof.
Bonding – Bonding protects against property damage or theft. Reputable contractors are bonded.
Industry Memberships – Membership in industry groups like NAHB and American Concrete Institute demonstrates commitment to quality.
Manufacturer Certifications – Look for contractors certified to install big brand materials like Stamped Concrete Institute certified for stamped concrete.

Checking credentials weeds out unqualified contractors right away. Only move forward with driveway pros who meet licensing, insurance, bonding, and certification requirements.

Evaluate Their Experience

In addition to credentials, you want an experienced driveway contractor. Here’s how to gauge their expertise:

Ask about years in business – Look for companies that have been in business for 5+ years. They have a proven track record.
Request pictures of past work – Quality contractors will happily provide photos of previous driveway projects. Evaluate the scope and quality.
Ask about project scale – How much experience do they have with large driveway installations? Can they handle your square footage?
Inquire about specialty experience – If you want stamped concrete or other special treatments, ensure they have the right experience.
Check reviews – Read online reviews and call references provided. Look for contractors with a long history of good reviews.
Confirm availability – Choose a contractor who has availability when you need the project done. Avoid contractors overbooked months out.

An ideal contractor will have pictures, reviews, and references that give you confidence in their expertise. Their experience should align with your specific project requirements.

Request an On-Site Estimate

Once you’ve identified 3-5 qualified, experienced driveway contractors, have them each provide an estimate. Here are tips for the estimate process:

Get estimates in writing – Verbal estimates won’t cut it. Request a detailed written estimate from each contractor.
Ask questions – As contractors assess your property, pick their brains. Ask questions to understand their process.
Provide project details – Show contractors any plans/drawings. Detail special materials, treatments, or features you want.
Compare scope – Ensure all estimates cover the same exact project specifications, materials, and measurements.
Compare pricing – Get bids apples-to-apples by having contractors estimate the same scope of work.
Beware extremely low bids – Very low bids often mean poor quality materials, inexperienced crews, or cutting corners.

Use the estimates to select a contractor, but don’t make price your only consideration. Weigh value too.

Carefully Check References

Always carefully check references and reviews before hiring a driveway contractor. Here are some best practices:

Review online sources – Check for complaints with the BBB and negative reviews on sites like Yelp.
Talk to real customers – Speaking directly to past customers gives great insight.
Ask about quality & service – Inquire about timeliness, communication, cleanup and overall quality.
Check recent work – Look at driveways contractors have installed within the past six months. Newer projects best show current quality.
Consider longevity – A long list of good references over many years demonstrates consistency.
Watch for uncertainties – Beware if references seem unsure about recommending the contractor. Probe further.
Trust your gut – If anything seems off about a contractor’s references, move on. There are plenty of driveway pros with great reviews.

Taking the time to check references helps avoid hiring contractors with poor service or quality issues down the road.

Evaluate Their Proposal

Once you’ve selected your top choice, carefully go over their proposal before signing a contract. Make sure it includes:

Materials detailed – Type, size, brand, color, and warranty periods for all materials should be specified.
Project scope & schedule – The proposal should cover every project detail including start date, estimated completion date, crew size, work hours, phasing plan, and number of days.
Payment schedule – Standard payment terms are 10-30% down, with progress payments, and final payment due upon completion. Make sure the schedule aligns with work phases.
Permit plan – The contractor should pull all necessary permits and handle inspections. Ensure this is outlined.
Site protection – The proposal should cover how existing structures, landscaping, and utilities will be protected during the project.
Warranty – Standard driveway warranties are 1-5 years. Understand what’s covered if issues arise.
Lien waivers – These waivers protect you financially if the contractor fails to pay suppliers or subcontractors.

Scrutinizing the proposal protects you. Don’t proceed until the document addresses every project detail and specification.

Get it in Writing

Never hire a driveway contractor without a written and signed contract. This legally binding agreement should clearly spell out:

Scope of work – All materials, specifications, designs, colors, features, site plan, and phasing should be detailed.
Project timeline – Agree on a start date and estimated end date. Built-in weather delays are wise.
Payment terms – Payment amounts, due dates, and payment methods should be spelled out. Never pay fully up front.
Permits & fees – The contract should state who is responsible for obtaining permits and paying permit/inspection fees.
Warranty – Length of warranty and what is/isn’t covered under warranty should be detailed.
Contractor liability – The contract should protect you from liability for injuries to the contractor or crew.
Cancellation policy – Understand costs/fees associated with cancelling after signing the contract.
** Lien releases** – Contract should include contractor’s responsibility for final lien releases from subcontractors.

Scrutinize the contract and don’t sign until you fully understand every word and detail. Never proceed without a contract.

Understand the Timeline

Driveway installation involves long dry times and weather considerations. Be realistic about timeframes.

For concrete, allow 2+ weeks for proper drying before driving on it. Cooler weather lengthens the curing.
Asphalt driveways need at least 24-48 hours before driving. Cold temperatures extend the curing.
Installation may take longer if it involves excavating, grading, drainage work, or landscaping adjustments.
Weather delays are likely. Talk through a contingency plan for rain days and cold/hot temperature limitations.
Most driveway projects take 2-4 weeks from start to finish. Beware if a contractor says they can complete work much faster.
Don’t schedule your project around an upcoming event without leaving a 3-4 week cushion in case of delays.

Understanding the project timeline helps avoid frustration over scheduling and delays out of the contractor’s control.

Stay On-Site During Work

Having a crew working intensively on your property for days or weeks at a time warrants close monitoring of the project. Here are some ways to oversee the work:

Be on-site during work hours as much as possible to monitor progress firsthand. Stop by on your lunch breaks.
Take pictures and videos throughout the project. Useful if any issues arise later.
Chat with crew members daily about the work being done. Building a friendly rapport helps ensure conscientious work.
Keep your home secure by locking doors/gates when away. Don’t allow workers access to your home. Monitor belongings.
Do daily walk-throughs of the full property to check that everything is being completed per plan.
Check work at end of each day to catch any issues early before significant progress is made.
Confirm cleanup is done regularly. Construction debris shouldn’t pile up on your property.

Being on-site keeps work moving forward productively and gives you peace of mind.

Communicate Frequently

Consistent communication ensures you and the contractor are aligned throughout the project.

Provide your contact info – Give contractors your cell number and best methods to reach you (text, email, etc.)
Agree on a plan for daily or weekly check-ins about progress and any decisions needed.
Bring up issues immediately to avoid escalation or impacting other work.
Sign-off on each project phase before the next phase begins so there are no surprises.
Request updates if weather or an issue causes delays so you can adjust your own schedule.
Make payments on time as the payment schedule outlines so as not to hold up the contractor.
Notify neighbors about the project schedule as a courtesy if work will impact access.

Consistent communication helps minimize missteps and keeps the project running smoothly.

Plan for Post-Project Cleanup & Repairs

Once the driveway is complete, there is often still cleanup and restoration work:

The crew should haul away all old materials and construction debris. Don’t make final payment until the property is cleaned up.
Dirt and spills on the new driveway need to be power washed. A cleanup crew may handle this.
Nearby grass, trees, and structures may need repairs if incidental damage occurred. Document any issues.
Sealing, restriping, or refinishing may be needed on nearby parking areas or walkways impacted by equipment.
New sod, plants, or mulch may be required if the existing landscaping took a hit.
Plan for leftover supplies and dumpster removal if the contractor isn’t handling it.

Build post-project cleaning, repairs, and restoration into your budget and schedule. Leaving these tasks undone can diminish the enjoyment of your new driveway.

Hire a Pro You Trust

Finding an experienced, credentialed driveway contractor you can trust will give you confidence from estimate through project completion. While it takes diligence to research and evaluate your options, having a seamless installation and hassle-free experience is worth the effort. Follow these tips and you’ll drive away satisfied with your beautiful new driveway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some common questions about hiring driveway contractors along with detailed answers:

How much does a new driveway cost?

The cost of a new driveway varies considerably based on size, material, and other factors. On average, expect to pay:

Asphalt driveway – $3 to $12 per square foot
Concrete driveway – $8 to $18 per square foot
Pavers – $10 to $30 per square foot
Gravel – $1 to $3 per square foot

For a standard two-car driveway of about 400 square feet, costs often range from $1,600 for gravel up to $14,400 for high end pavers. Location also impacts pricing. Getting multiple bids is the best way to estimate your exact costs.

How do I measure my driveway?

When getting bids for a new driveway, contractors will measure your existing driveway and access points. However, you may want to measure it yourself to provide the dimensions to contractors upfront. Here’s how:

Measure the length from the street to the end of the driveway furthest from the road.
Measure the width at the street, at the widest point, and at the end. Write down all measurements.
For curved driveways, break the measurements down into smaller straight segments as best as possible.
Multiply the length by width measurements for each segment to calculate the square footage of that segment.
Add up the total square footage of all straight segments to get your total.

Providing accurate measurements upfront allows contractors to provide more precise bids.

How long does a driveway last?

With proper installation and maintenance, you can expect the following driveway longevity:

Asphalt – 15 to 20 years
Concrete – 25 to 50 years
Gravel – 5 to 10 years
Pavers – 15 years or longer depending on weathering

Factors that shorten driveway lifespan include poor drainage, improper installation, low quality materials, weather damage from freeze-thaw cycles, ground movement, tree roots, and insufficient sealing/repairs.

Should I seal my new asphalt driveway?

Yes, sealing your asphalt driveway as soon as possible after installation helps protect it and extends the lifespan. The ideal timeline is:

Shortly after install, clean driveway thoroughly with pressure washer.
Wait at least 90 days for the asphalt to properly cure and any oils from installation to dissipate.
Apply asphalt sealer per manufacturer instructions. Reapply every 1-3 years.

Sealing prevents water penetration, resists gas/oil stains, minimizes oxidation, and reduces wear from weather and vehicles. Investing in regular sealing protects your asphalt driveway.

How long should I wait to drive on new concrete?

Here are concrete driveway curing times to allow before driving:

7 days before driving vehicles under 10,000 lbs.
10 days for vehicles 10,000 to 30,000 lbs.
14+ days for vehicles over 30,000 lbs.

Wait longer in cool weather. Driving too soon can lead to damage from tire tracks, chipping, and scaling. Letting the concrete properly cure results in increased strength and longevity. Be patient!

When should I pay my driveway contractor?

Never pay for the entire project upfront. The standard payment schedule is:

10-30% down payment when you sign the contract
Progress payments throughout the project as work is completed
10% retainage held back until the end
Final payment after the job is done, cleaned up, and you’ve accepted the work

Stick to the mutually agreed upon payment terms in the contract to avoid misunderstandings. Never make final payment until satisfied with the finished driveway.

Conclusion

Selecting the perfect driveway contractor involves careful research, comparing credentials and experience, checking references, evaluating proposals, understanding timelines, overseeing work, and asking the right questions throughout the process. While hiring the right pro takes diligence upfront, it pays off with increased curb appeal, added home value, and years of low-maintenance enjoyment of your new, high-quality driveway. Use these tips to make your driveway installation process smooth from start to finish.