how to verify driveway replacement dimensions?

[87GN]

I need to replace my driveway at home. I've read through a lot of posts on this forum and made a cliff notes version of what to look for/ask for when replacing a driveway. My question is how do I know I am actually getting what was contracted? i.e if I am paying for 10" base, 2" basecoat, 2" topcoat, all compacted, how do I know that this is what the contractor actually did? Do I measure the depth of the area after they remove the old driveway from a few points on the perimeter, measure from the same points after the base is compacted to determine how much base was put down? Use the same procedure for the basecoat and topcoat?

 

[theundermount]

I would take a core sample when it's done

 

[Lynden]

Do I measure the depth of the area after they remove the old driveway from a few points on the perimeter, measure from the same points after the base is compacted to determine how much base was put down? Use the same procedure for the basecoat and topcoat?

Yes. That's what an inspector from the city would do.

 

[rayra]

Contractually require a pause at each step to allow for your inspection. The contractor would probably fire you, though.

 

[87GN]

Thanks for the replies. I plan on being there throughout the complete process. If I core sample when finished and it is not to what was agreed, then what? They come back and re do it? How about payment? 1/3 to start, 1/3 when completed, 1/3 after 60 days?

 

[mz44]

If you are going to be there watching you will see the depth of the stone base. And for the asphalt get a piece of all-thread, bend a handle on one end, run a nut up the other end to the depth it should be and poke a few spots to check the depth. Cores are what state jobs use, but you don't want to core the your driveway.

 

[yeldogt]

What's there now ?

Depending on what's there and the level -- you can use it for a base remove the top layer ... tar and put down 2".

 

[Kaizen]

If you are standing there or checking in as they work and you can use a measuring tape what’s the problem?? No it’s not going to be exact. Some places might be 2.5 and some might be 1!3/4. If the hit a Volkswagen size rock that area will be thin.


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[thickhead]

Just measure the area and ask for copies (snap a photo) of the tonnage installed from the delivery trucks (each load is ticketed at the producer’s scale). Will be easy to figure yield this way, it’s done all the time.

Also, once the old drive is excavated it will be pretty easy to see if you have a 14” deep hole in the yard.

The two 2” lifts is the way to go IMO. Ask if they use a vibratory roller or not - compaction is what will matter in the long run.

Also, if you find a driveway guy that will take the last third of the $ sixty days after completion, he is likely the only one in the country.

Can you get the dimensions of your driveway for me?

 

[Chris705]

Buy, borrow or rent a builders level or rotary laser level. Sketch out a layout of your driveway. After they excavate make note of elevation of bottom of driveway in many spots where you can see from a base location and your fixed benchmark. When level is set up use the benchmark to set you level ‘s height. Now go into the bottom of driveway and measure depth of cut in many locations. Record these. When they put in base material and compact it , again set up level, log benchmark elevation and base elevation in same location ‘s as before. You can then do the same for each asphalt layer....

 

[87GN]

What's there now ?

Depending on what's there and the level -- you can use it for a base remove the top layer ... tar and put down 2".

Not really. Most of the driveway is 40+ years old. It is cracked and full of weeds.

 

[87GN]

Can you get the dimensions of your driveway for me?

30' at the garage, approx 60' long. Only picture showing the driveway I have and this was taken in 2008. I can get an overall picture tomorrow. I have one paving co coming out tomorrow to get me a quote.

 

[87GN]

The paving co came and looked at my driveway and left this estimate. I was not there because they came to the house 2 hours before our appointment time. i did ask about removing the old drive way and starting from scratch. and was told it may cost upward of $15,000. They would do it if this is what I really want. They feel the stone base is in excellent shape for 40 years and does not need to be replaced. I attached a copy of the estimate but without any company information. What do you all think? This is the first estimate I have gotten. Still waiting for call backs from other paving companies

 

[Kaizen]

I’d want specific sq ft written in there.


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[JeffsJeeps]

I've recently gotten 3 estimates for my driveway. Two are written and one was verbal. The written ones are both local companies, and were very close and included removing the existing 1600 sq. ft, compacting a stone base, and adding 1000 sq. ft to the job. I don't have a copy at the writing of this for more details...
All 3 are about $6500.
But try not to rush, and get written quotes from at least 3 companies. Also do research on their reviews from past clients! I have two local friends telling me to go with a fourth local company and insist to wait for them to be available. I postponed the job that was going to be done THIS WEEK~!!~ just to wait for this other guy to even come by and give me his estimate and time frame. So, i am actually annoyed that this 4th company 'customer service' *****, and they haven't even been to me yet!!

Jeff

 

[Wolfman6]

Nobody or company is going to wait 60 days for final payment. The final payment is due before they leave on the last day, if not before.

 

[hellrzr]

You can measure the un-compacted HMA before they roll it. It will obviously be thicker before compaction and that number should be 1/4" per 1" of material. So if your final compacted layer is to be 2" thick than the um-compacted it will be 2.5" thick. The contractor should have a probe and can check it for you and show you the depth or you can get a probe of your own and check it close to the edge. I would ask the contractor to do it though and have them show you. If you tell them what it should be and that you would like them to check that might keep them on top of things because they will know you are keeping an eye on them and you know what it should be.

Another check is to get the HMA tickets from the truck drivers as they deliver the material. You can calculate how many tons of material each layer will take and make sure you get that amount of HMA on the ground. Again, discuss this with the contractor and have him show you the calculations on the amount of tons they plan for each layer.

Or you just pretty much trust that you have chosen a good contractor and let them do their work. I would still make sure they are measuring depth as the place the material on the ground and ask them how thick it is. They should do that in multiple places anyway. The base layer will vary though because it's meant to smooth out the sub-grade so it's thickness will not be as consistent. I wouldn't have the driveway cored. That is a bit much for a driveway. I would do the items above instead of that though.

Good luck and I envy your new driveway!

 

[ItsNemo]

Seriously? Eye balling if you're around as they go through the steps isn't enough...or a quick measuring tape here and there? I'm probably the biggest stickler of a person when it comes to these things and even I'd be ok with just watching as they go. A half inch here or there, or even an inch or two in the base isn't going to make a big difference, it's the process and proper compaction that is important.

 

[CraigStu]

I don't understand how your being there watching the whole job leaves you with this question? If you are not confident in being able to eyeball the dimensions in the estimate keep a yardstick handy.

 

[87GN]

Thanks for all the replies. So far, out of 4 companies I have contacted, only 1 has gotten back to me.