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During a paving estimate, the contractor walks your property, measures the area, checks the existing surface, soil and drainage, and asks how you will use the pavement. Then they work out the tons of asphalt and base needed and give you a written, itemized quote. For what to bring and ask, see our paving estimate visit guide or call (210) 326-5707.
Reviewed by Courtnay Brooks, Owner of C. Brooks Paving and a fourth-generation paving professional with 23+ years of experience.
In this article: the site visit step by step, how the price is calculated, a worked tonnage example, what the written estimate should list, how to prepare, and common estimate questions.
Key Takeaways
- The estimate starts with the ground, not the asphalt. Soil, base and drainage drive most of the price and most failures.
- Price follows tonnage. Asphalt is typically figured at about 110 pounds per square yard for each inch of thickness.
- Drainage gets checked closely. Standing water is the leading cause of driveway failure.
- Everything should end up in writing. Area, thickness, base, drainage, dates, price and payment schedule.
- Estimates differ for a reason. Compare thickness and base work, not just the bottom line.
What Happens at the Paving Estimate Site Visit?
The site visit is where the real estimate gets made. A contractor who quotes from a satellite photo is guessing. Here is what a thorough visit covers, in the order it usually happens.
- Talk about your goals. New driveway, overlay, repair, chip seal or parking lot? What vehicles will use it: cars, work trucks, RVs, delivery trucks?
- Measure the area. Length and width of each section, plus turnarounds, aprons and parking pads.
- Check the existing surface. Old asphalt, concrete or gravel? Is it sound enough to pave over, or does it need to come out?
- Look at the soil and base. In the Hill Country that could mean shallow limestone, caliche, or clay that swells when wet. Soft spots get marked.
- Study the drainage. Where water comes from, where it goes, and whether the new surface needs slope, a crown or a culvert.
- Check access. Can dump trucks and the paver reach the site? Are there gates, low limbs, septic lines or utilities to protect?
- Explain the options. For example, full-depth asphalt vs chip seal, or overlay vs replacement, with the tradeoffs of each.
- Deliver a written estimate. Either on the spot or shortly after, with every item listed.
Why Drainage and Base Get So Much Attention
Most paving failures start underneath. The National Asphalt Pavement Association calls standing water the leading failure cause for driveways. Water softens the base, and a soft base lets the asphalt flex and crack.
That is why a good estimator checks slope. The Washington Asphalt Pavement Association recommends a minimum 2 percent slope, about a quarter inch per foot, so water runs off. On Hill Country lots with steep grades or clay soil, the drainage plan can change the price more than the asphalt itself.
How Is a Paving Estimate Calculated?
The price comes from quantities. The estimator turns your measurements into square yards, then into tons of asphalt, then adds base, labor, equipment and trucking.
The Tonnage Math
The Asphalt Institute’s rule of thumb is about 110 pounds per square yard for each inch of compacted asphalt. Here is how that plays out for common driveway sizes.
| Driveway area | Square yards | Asphalt at 2 inches | Asphalt at 3 inches |
|---|---|---|---|
| 600 sq ft | 67 | About 7.3 tons | About 11 tons |
| 1,000 sq ft | 111 | About 12.2 tons | About 18.3 tons |
| 2,000 sq ft | 222 | About 24.4 tons | About 36.7 tons |
| 4,000 sq ft | 444 | About 48.9 tons | About 73.3 tons |
Going from 2 to 3 inches adds 50 percent more asphalt. That is the single biggest reason two quotes for the same driveway can look so different. Our asphalt driveway thickness guide explains which thickness fits which use.
What Else Goes Into the Price
- Removal of old asphalt, concrete or grass
- Base material and how deep it needs to be
- Grading and compaction, including fixing soft spots
- Drainage work like culverts, swales or regrading
- Trucking distance from the asphalt plant
- Edges, transitions and cleanup
For current price ranges, see our breakdown of Texas asphalt driveway costs.
What Should the Written Estimate List?
A written estimate protects you and the contractor. The Colorado Asphalt Pavement Association’s best practices say a driveway contract should cover dates, dimensions and materials, plus drainage, permits and extra work. Look for these lines:
- Area in square feet or square yards
- Compacted asphalt thickness
- Base type and depth, and who handles soft spots
- Drainage work included
- Start window and time to complete
- Total price, deposit and payment schedule
- What is not included, such as permits or unexpected rock
Ready for a site visit? Call (210) 326-5707. Courtnay walks every property personally and puts the full scope and price in writing, with no hidden charges.
How to Prepare for Your Paving Estimate
- Know what you want paved. Mark the area with flags or paint if you can.
- List your vehicles. Tell the estimator about RVs, trailers, farm equipment or delivery trucks.
- Find your property lines and any easements.
- Know where utilities run, including septic lines, water lines and sprinkler heads.
- Check HOA or city rules on materials, width or permits.
- Take photos after a rain to show where water pools.
Paving Estimate Questions We Hear Most
What happens during a paving estimate?
The contractor walks your site, measures the area, checks the existing surface, soil and drainage, and asks how the pavement will be used. They then calculate tons of asphalt and base, add labor and trucking, and give you a written, itemized estimate.
Is a paving estimate free?
Many local paving companies, including C. Brooks Paving, give free estimates. Some firms charge for detailed engineering or large commercial bids. Ask before the visit.
How much asphalt does a 2,000 sq ft driveway need?
About 24 tons at 2 inches thick, or about 37 tons at 3 inches, using the common rule of 110 pounds per square yard per inch. Base material, removal and drainage are priced on top of that.
Why are my paving estimates so different?
Quotes usually differ in thickness, base depth, drainage work and what is left out. A lower price often means thinner asphalt or skipped base work. Line up the written scopes side by side before you compare totals.
How long does paving usually take?
Most residential driveways take one to a few days once work starts, depending on removal, base work and weather. Larger lots and private roads take longer. Your written estimate should give a time frame.
Book Your Paving Estimate With C. Brooks Paving
Call C. Brooks Paving at (210) 326-5707 to set up a free site visit. Courtnay will walk your property, check your ground and drainage, and give you a written, itemized estimate with no hidden charges. We are open 7am to 6pm, Monday through Sunday, serving Bulverde, the Hill Country and South Texas. You can also schedule your site visit online.
C. Brooks Paving
C Brooks Paving
480 Old Boerne Rd, Bulverde, TX 78163
Phone: (210) 326-5707
Hours: 7am to 6pm, Monday through Sunday
Website: cbrookspaving.com
About the reviewer: Courtnay Brooks owns C. Brooks Paving and is a fourth-generation paving professional with 23+ years of experience. Courtnay is on every job site, from the first walk-through to the final roll.
