Any recent asphalt driveway costs to share?

[mm08822]

Yes, $35k. Then he called back the next day and said he had a job cancelled and if I would do it today he would used the "canceled asphalt" and do the job for $30k. He's off the list now

Will likely pull the trigger in a couple of weeks with one of the ~ $30k bids we have.

Don't be afraid to go back to each of the remaining 2 contractors and ask for more precise quotation details (in writing). Mark up their quotes where you want clarity.
Such as:
rolling the sub-grade before adding stone,
6" thickness final of rolled stone, (is CR sufficient for your area? drainability/freezing)
Is it a single asphalt coat or a base coat and then a finish coat? compacted thickness(es) spec'd
etc.

Yes, some of these details could increase the cost or at least you know ahead of time what you are/aren't getting for the stated price. Nothing worse than finding out at last minute that you and contractor had a difference in your mutual "understanding".

 

[manwithtools]

Don't be afraid to go back to each of the remaining 2 contractors and ask for more precise quotation details (in writing). Mark up their quotes where you want clarity.
Such as:
rolling the sub-grade before adding stone,
6" thickness final of rolled stone, (is CR sufficient for your area? drainability/freezing)
Is it a single asphalt coat or a base coat and then a finish coat? compacted thickness(es) spec'd
etc.

Yes, some of these details could increase the cost or at least you know ahead of time what you are/aren't getting for the stated price. Nothing worse than finding out at last minute that you and contractor had a difference in your mutual "understanding".

The drive is on flat ground and has a solid base of 2" stone covered with asphalt millings.

No need for any rolled stone, the existing drive is very solid, we just need an asphalt paving.

 

[TheClaw]

Asphalt is going to be expensive now because of oil prices. I use the following website anytime I need a a estimate on home improvement stuff i'm not that familiar with. Better than Angie's List orr home advisor because no contractor will call you if you ask for information and it prices by the square foot and based on what zip code you live in

Homewyse.com

 

[manwithtools]

Asphalt is going to be expensive now because of oil prices. I use the following website anytime I need a a estimate on home improvement stuff i'm not that familiar with. Better than Angie's List orr home advisor because no contractor will call you if you ask for information and it prices by the square foot and based on what zip code you live in

Homewyse.com

So far the contractors have told me there is no impact (passed on to the customer) due to oil prices. I think local competition is part of that as well. We have to remember the bitumen used in asphalt is a by product of refining so it's always going to be available as long as refining is going on, no doubt at some point pricing pressure will emerge.