Estimating the Cost of a Paving Project — Here’s How We Do It

Budget is a major consideration for any paving project. Before you can decide what improvements you want to make to your property in Eastern Ontario or Thousand Islands, you need to have an idea of how much the various options will cost. Here are some factors that can affect the costs of an asphalt paving project.

Project Size and Scope

The size and scope of a project have the biggest impact on its cost. Paving a large area, such as a huge commercial parking lot, uses a lot more asphalt than a basic residential driveway. Therefore, you can expect the costs to be much higher. Asphalt suppliers price asphalt by the ton, so the more you use, the higher the total project cost will be. A typical residential driveway uses between 7.5 and 15 tons of asphalt, but the amount required to pave a commercial parking lot could be much higher.

The thickness of the pavement you need also affects the amount of asphalt that will be used. Note that pavement that is too thin can be more vulnerable to damage, leading to higher repair costs over time.

Type of Material Used

The type of paving material used can have a big effect on the total cost of your project. In general, asphalt is much cheaper than concrete. Asphalt is also less likely to crack or be affected by harsh weather, so it’s a great choice for keeping long-term costs as low as possible.

There is more than one type of asphalt that you can use for a driveway or parking lot. If you are looking to keep costs low, then recycled mixes are a good way to keep costs low and also protect the environment by giving old materials a new purpose. Other options are hot mixes and cold mixes. Hot mixes are typically more expensive, but they are also likely to be more durable.

Resurfacing or New Paving

Resurfacing an existing lot or driveway is typically a lot less expensive than laying down new pavement on an empty lot. New paving projects require contractors to consider the soil type present in the area, as well as make plans for how drainage will be affected by the new paving. All this work is reflected in the final cost of the project. For resurfacing, however, these basic considerations have usually already been covered. That means contractors simply need to replace the damaged material, which can often be done quickly and without too much expense.

Local Factors

The costs of a asphalt paving project can vary dramatically between different regions and provinces. Looking up the cost of a project in another area might not give you much useful information about how much a similar project would cost in Eastern Ontario or the Thousands Islands area. The only way to get an accurate estimate for the cost of your paving project is to get quotes from local contractors, who are experienced in completing these kinds of projects in your local area.

What to Expect From an Asphalt Paving Estimate

When you’ve decided what you need from your paving project, it’s time to request detailed estimates from local contractors. Each estimate should include a breakdown of the costs, including preparation and cleanup costs. The materials that are to be used should be clearly defined. If you are opting for any add-on services that the company provides, such as parking lot line striping, then these should be included in the total price. The estimate should also give an indication of how long the project will take and when certain milestones will be hit. That’s important so you know when you can expect your parking lot to be ready to use.

Avoid using a contractor who has provided an unclear estimate, as you could end up facing unexpected costs. It’s also best to avoid companies that won’t commit to a specific timeframe.

EverLine Coatings provides clear, accurate estimates for all the paving projects we take on in Eastern Ontario. You can count on us to break down the costs associated with any project, including materials, labor, and any optional add-on services. Contact us today for a free quote!