Why One Driveway is $4,000 and Another is $11,000

(And how to tell which one is legit before you waste money)

If you’ve ever gotten paving quotes for a driveway, you’ve probably seen it:

One contractor says $4,000…

Another says $11,000…

And you’re thinking, “How can the same driveway be THAT different?”

Here’s the truth:

Most homeowners aren’t comparing the same job.

They’re comparing two completely different scopes of work — and only one of them might actually be right for your driveway.

Let’s break down why the numbers swing so hard and how to protect yourself from hiring the wrong company.

1) The Base Work (This Is the Biggest Difference)

A driveway is only as good as what’s underneath it.

One quote might include:

✅ digging out soft spots

✅ adding stone

✅ compacting the base correctly

✅ fixing failures BEFORE asphalt goes down

The cheaper quote might skip that completely and basically say:

❌ “We’ll just pave over it.”

If the base is weak, the asphalt will crack, sink, and fail early — no matter how good the top layer looks.

Base repair can add thousands, but it also saves you from paying twice.

2) Thickness of Asphalt (Cheap Quotes = Thin Asphalt)

A lot of homeowners don’t realize how big of a difference thickness makes.

One contractor might quote:

✅ 2” compacted asphalt

✅ or two lifts for strength

Another might quote:

❌ 1”–1.5” (or less)

❌ one quick pass, looks good for now

Thin asphalt is one of the most common reasons driveways break down fast—especially at the apron, edges, and turning areas.

Thicker asphalt costs more. It also lasts longer.

3) Overlay vs Tear-Out (These Are NOT the Same Job)

This is where the biggest confusion happens.

Overlay (cheaper)

• They pave over what’s there

• Faster

• Looks new (for a while)

Tear-Out & Replace (more expensive)

• Remove old asphalt

• Rebuild base if needed

• Start clean

If one company is pricing overlay and the other is pricing full replacement, of course you’ll see a giant price difference.

4) Drainage & Grading Fixes

Water is asphalt’s worst enemy.

If your driveway holds water, slopes the wrong way, or washes out at the edges, a real contractor will include:

✅ proper grading

✅ correcting low spots

✅ shaping water flow

A cheaper contractor may ignore it, because it takes time and skill.

And when the water problem stays?

Your new driveway fails faster.

5) Prep Work Included (Or Not Included)

A professional paving job isn’t just “dump asphalt and rake it.”

Better quotes often include:

✅ milling or removal

✅ proper cleaning

✅ tack coat (bonding layer)

✅ edge prep and tie-ins

✅ compacting properly

Cheaper quotes often skip steps you won’t notice until later.

6) The Edges: The First Place Driveways Fall Apart

Most driveway failures start on the edges.

A quality contractor plans for:

✅ strong, supported edges

✅ correct thickness at edges

✅ clean transitions into lawn/stone

Cheaper jobs often leave:

❌ weak edges

❌ crumbling sides

❌ broken sections within a season or two

7) Access, Layout, and Complexity

Your driveway might look “simple,” but things that change price:

• steep slope

• tight turns

• long driveway

• limited access

• hand work vs machine work

• garage apron tie-in

• extra parking pad

More labor + more equipment time = higher quote.

8) Materials and Asphalt Mix Quality

Not all asphalt is equal.

Some companies use better mix, better temperature control, and better compaction practices.

Others cut corners to move fast.

Cheap quotes often come from “volume paving” — quick jobs, fast money, minimal prep.

9) Insurance, Equipment, and Legit Operations

This matters more than homeowners think.

A company with:

✅ real insurance

✅ experienced crews

✅ maintained equipment

✅ reliable scheduling

✅ better accountability

…will usually cost more than the guy running a crew that “pops up” for the season.

A lot of contractors come and go — and when they disappear, your warranty disappears too.

How to Tell Which Quote Is the Right One

Don’t ask “Why are you cheaper?”

Ask these instead:

✅ How thick will the asphalt be when compacted?

✅ Are you doing an overlay or full replacement?

✅ What base work is included?

✅ Are you fixing low spots / drainage issues?

✅ Is tack coat included?

✅ What exactly is included in writing?

If a contractor can’t answer these clearly, you’re not getting a professional quote — you’re getting a gamble.

The Biggest Mistake Homeowners Make

The biggest mistake isn’t picking the higher quote…

It’s picking the cheaper quote for a job that actually needs more work.

Because the most expensive driveway is the one you pay for twice.

Want Quotes Without the Guessing?

At Not Another Paving Company, we don’t pave driveways — and we don’t sell your info to five or six contractors and leave you stuck sorting through nonsense.

We professionally assess your driveway and match your project with the best-fit local paving contractor we’ve screened personally.

✅ No spam calls

✅ No guessing

✅ Better contractor matching

✅ Less risk of setbacks and issues

Get your driveway assessment today and hire with confidence.