New Driveway Quotes

[handybub]

Hi guys, I just received 2 quotes for a new driveway and wanted your feedback. Both prices are nearly identical ($8k for 2000 sqft) and the quotes for the most part look similar. Please let me know if anything looks off, or if I should follow up with specific questions for them. Thanks!


QUOTE #1

1. Excavate and remove old driveway
2. Install gravel as necessary min. 4-6".
3. Fine grade and compact for proper water pitch.
4. Pave 2.5 inches (2" compacted) binder course, applied, spread and compacted.
5. Pave 2 inches (1.5" compacted) finish course, applied, spread and compacted.
6. All exposed edges to be compacted to a 45º angle for better support.
7. Seal end of driveway with liquid tac.


QUOTE #2

1. Excavate and remove old driveway
2. Lay Tbase binder to reinstate foundation up to 12”, compacting in 3 to 4” stages (compacting in stages ensure proper compaction rate) using a vibratory machine roller.
3. Fine grade base with machine to correct pitch & levels.
4. Repave with 3.5” high-grade Driveway top, and machine roll to a smooth and compact finish.
5. All exposed edges to be compacted to a 45° angle for extra support & aesthetics.
6. Seal end of driveway with liquid tac coat emulsion black sand.
( all depths and thickness are before compaction )

 

[Sumboodie]

Dang, parking heavy equipment?

Driveways around here are 1 layer of 1.5-2". My ~20x85ft drive was about $8k... in 2009.

 

[Sumboodie]

Dang, parking heavy equipment?

Driveways around here are 1 layer of 1.5-2". My ~20x85ft drive was about $8k... in 2009.

Never again. Concrete next time.

 

[handybub]

No, this a standard residential home in Mass. I actually got a quote that was $2k higher!

 

[jack stand]

I like the first guy's mentioning his compacted depth and a base and top coat.
The 2nd guy seems like he's doing a little more subsurface work with his gravel depths... if he actually does it. Removing good base just to do it is silly.
I do like that he has a vibratory roller.
My experience is that the material is sold by the mm of the stone. The first guys "binder course" may be local slang, but for a residential driveway 19mm base (3/4") it would be nice to confirm, then a 9mm top coat for a finer finish with the smaller aggregate. The finish coat should be well after the first has cooled down, like a day or two. The truck and paver will make an impression on the base layer if not cold and well compacted.
Make sure that this is his plan and ask for the ton rating on his roller and if it's vibratory.
Compaction is huge for the longevity and it should be at least 10 ton. (vibe)

 

[Chaznsc]

It’s not a bad price in todays market. I’m getting $222 a ton on your estimate which is an excellent price for all in. Personally I’d go with the 2 layer binder option. Here in Georgia, we are seeing $200 a ton for just the asphalt,

 

[Youngandfree]

I'd go with quote 2

 

[P0234]

I just had 1600 SQ ft done in June for 6k so similar price though they didn't redo the base layer even though their quote was worded similarly to the first one you got. I think they added a bit of gravel here and there.

 

[clutch47]

7K square foot estimate not including any stone or prep.
I'll do all that work so I can manage drainage to my desires.
2 inches compacted 25mm base and 1- 1/2 inches compacted of 9.5mm top coat for 3-1/2 inches total, with tapered edge and sealed end joint at road connection.
$20K cash.

 

[jack stand]

I like the first guy's mentioning his compacted depth and a base and top coat.
The 2nd guy seems like he's doing a little more subsurface work with his gravel depths... if he actually does it. Removing good base just to do it is silly.
I do like that he has a vibratory roller.
My experience is that the material is sold by the mm of the stone. The first guys "binder course" may be local slang, but for a residential driveway 19mm base (3/4") it would be nice to confirm, then a 9mm top coat for a finer finish with the smaller aggregate. The finish coat should be well after the first has cooled down, like a day or two. The truck and paver will make an impression on the base layer if not cold and well compacted.
Make sure that this is his plan and ask for the ton rating on his roller and if it's vibratory.
Compaction is huge for the longevity and it should be at least 10 ton. (vibe)

@clutch47 is reminding me that it's been a while....
I mentioned above 19 mm for base and clutch reminds that it's 25 mm for base. Thanks clutch. We used to sell 19mm for a decent "one shot" driveway for those who wouldn't be able to swing a base and top.

 

[clutch47]

@clutch47 is reminding me that it's been a while....
I mentioned above 19 mm for base and clutch reminds that it's 25 mm for base. Thanks clutch. We used to sell 19mm for a decent "one shot" driveway for those who wouldn't be able to swing a base and top.

They're calling the 13mm one coat an 'airport grade' around here.
No idea what the requirements are for an actual runway, but the single coat looks really nice for long country home driveways.

 

[handybub]

I think they added a bit of gravel here and there.

I think that goes for all these companies. Articles online claim a proper base should be dug 10-12", but when I asked, both guys said that never happens except in the rare case that the base is rotten and can't be saved. Otherwise they just add "as needed".

 

[2Fast]

Take what you like from both quotes and then have them both submit new bids, using the same specs. apples to apples

 

[mike93lx]

Where in MA? Nashoba paving did some work for myself and a neighbor several years ago and I was quite happy. Their prep was solid and they did a good job through the finishing details

 

[mike93lx]

Take what you like from both quotes and then have them both submit new bids, using the same specs. apples to apples

I bet that gets one or both to ghost him. The spec is a new driveway, they are choosing slightly different approaches

 

[SarcasticDwarf]

I think that goes for all these companies. Articles online claim a proper base should be dug 10-12", but when I asked, both guys said that never happens except in the rare case that the base is rotten and can't be saved. Otherwise they just add "as needed".

I wonder how many of those guys have the slightest clue when their usual half-assed approach won't work well for the customer.

 

[2Fast]

I bet that gets one or both to ghost him. The spec is a new driveway, they are choosing slightly different approaches

Well, had I known that you were going to post about it, I would have never posted

Everyone knows you always need to be right - right?

 

[mike93lx]

Well, had I known that you were going to post about it, I would have never posted

Everyone knows you always need to be right - right?

Ok bud

 

[handybub]

Thanks for the responses. I appreciate everyone's replies.

@jack stand: I followed up with the 1st guy and he said they use 3/4" (19mm) state dense binder and 3/8" (9.5mm) state top. And both a 2.5 ton roller and a 5 ton vibratory roller to compact in stages.

@mike93lx: I'll call Nashoba tomorrow. I think they service the Metrowest area.

@2Fast: Both quotes are pretty similar (and also to a 3d higher quote I received.) My aim here was to get a feel if anything was off, but it sounds like they're both decent and on par with other companies.

So far I'm leaning to Quote #1, mostly because I liked and trusted him more. Quote #2 felt more like a sale, and I just found a couple reviews where customers said their driveways had developed dips and puddles. So he's out...

 

[mike93lx]

@mike93lx: I'll call Nashoba tomorrow. I think they service the Metrowest area

They do. I was in Stow when I used them.