Three paving quotes with three different totals are not three choices until the scopes match.
Paving proposals often hide the important differences inside short phrases such as “repair base as needed” or “install two inches asphalt.” Slow the comparison down.
Put the site on paper
Each contractor should price the same limits. Use a marked plan or aerial image showing paving, milling, repair, sealcoat, and striping areas. Confirm measured quantities and exclusions.
If one contractor sees 20,000 square feet and another sees 24,000, settle that before comparing unit prices.
Clarify removal and base work
Ask what will be removed, to what depth, and how unsuitable material will be identified. For base work, get the material, placed depth, compaction approach, and quantity allowance.
“As needed” without a unit price or approval process can become an open checkbook. A better proposal states an included quantity and a rate for authorized additional work.
Read asphalt thickness correctly
Find out whether thickness is stated before or after compaction. The proposal should identify the mix or specification, number of courses, compacted thickness for each, and transitions.
Also ask how joints, edges, utility covers, drains, curbs, garage slabs, sidewalks, and public-road tie-ins will be handled.
Make drainage visible
Water is part of the paving scope even when no new drain is installed. Ask for planned slope, correction of low spots, drainage outlets, and how final grades will be checked.
Do not accept a promise that every puddle will disappear if the site geometry cannot support it. Do expect the contractor to identify limitations before work starts.
Compare operations, not just materials
Commercial jobs may require phasing, traffic control, pedestrian routes, business access, delivery coordination, night work, and temporary markings. Residential work still needs a plan for vehicles, mail, waste pickup, and access to the home.
List who handles notices, barricades, permits, testing, cleanup, and restoration.
Review the closeout
Get payment schedule, change-order process, warranty terms, exclusions, and the person responsible for punch-list work. Ask what documentation comes with the job: material tickets, test results if specified, photos, and maintenance instructions.
Use the same ten questions
- What exact area is included?
- What comes out?
- What base work is included?
- What asphalt goes back, at what compacted thickness?
- How are drainage and elevations handled?
- What repairs are allowances?
- How will access and traffic work?
- What is excluded?
- How are changes approved and priced?
- What does the warranty actually cover?
The cheapest comparable scope may be the right choice. A cheap number attached to an undefined scope is just a cheap number.