"The normal lifecycle of working with anyone who does work on your house is: they do work, you inspect work, you see there's an issue, you bring the issue to the person doing the work, they try to convince you it's not a problem (even though it obviously is), you argue back and forth painstakingly until they finally fix what you asked them to, The lifecycle of working with South Shore Excavation is: they do amazing work, you feel fantastic about it. I have never worked with anyone who took such pride in their work as Matt and John. They were extremely hardworking, transparent on their progress and pricing throughout the project, and provided incredible customer service. I would recommend South Shore Excavation to anyone looking for any of the work they handle. I legitimately can't say enough great things about this company."
"ASHPHALT DRIVEWAY, CONCRETE WALKWAY AND FENCE!! These are just three of the services we hired Gill Services for and did we hit the jackpot with them! Gill is multitalented and offers so many services, so don't be afraid to ask if he can add additional services to whatever you are thinking about. Gill and Isabela were a joy to work with! Hardworking, conscientious, responsive, GREAT listener, talented, efficient, creative and reasonably priced are just a few descriptions that come to mind immediately! Already have future projects lined up! If you don't contact them for a site visit and quote you will be the one missing out! Thank you to Gill, Isabela and your amazing crew!!"
"Henry did a great job clearing snow for me, including shoveling walks and stairs. He took care to protect my stone walls. He was very professional and timely."
"They are courteous and dedicated to the work they perform. Great communication skills and attention to the customer's needs and requests!!! We would definitely use their services again!!!"
It is possible to DIY complete hardscaping projects, but in most cases, hiring a professional is best to get the job done correctly. Hardscaping—including installing patios, decks, retaining walls, walkways, and water features—is challenging and time-consuming, so the money you spend on a professional is typically worth it. Not only will the quality be better, but you could avoid problems that come along with a lack of hardscaping experience, like drainage issues that can lead to costly foundation damage and leaks in your home.
Interlocking pavers offer a number of advantages over regular pavers. For instance, they’re more durable, more resistant to shifting, and easier to repair. There are also permeable options that allow for drainage. However, interlocking pavers are more often more expensive than regular pavers and are prone to growing weeds over time.
Pavers are a type of permeable hardscape that can be used for driveways, patios, walkways, and other landscaping features. Unlike poured concrete or asphalt, pavers typically have a layer of gravel underneath to prevent water runoff from damaging your property—though you can also lay pavers on grass. Because pavers are installed piece by piece, you can customize a one-of-a-kind hardscape that best suits your aesthetics, boosting your curb appeal along the way.
In most cases, driveway repair is worth the investment. Your driveway is one of the first things people see when they look at your home, so repairing cracks, chips, and potholes can improve your home’s curb appeal and overall value. Repairing your driveway is also almost always more affordable than replacing it entirely—an average of $1,765 compared to the cost of replacing a driveway, which typically costs around $5,000.
While blacktop is a type of asphalt, the terms should not be used interchangeably, as not all asphalt qualifies as blacktop. The primary differences are in their composition, production process, and ideal applications. Blacktop contains more stone than other types of asphalt and is heated to a higher temperature during production—300°F or more—while hot-mix asphalt is heated to between 275°F and 300°F. The ratio of bitumen (a tar-like crude oil) is a key differentiator, though sources vary: some state blacktop has less bitumen, making it less durable, while others claim it has a higher ratio. Due to these differences, asphalt is generally more durable and better for high-traffic areas like highways and streets, while blacktop is more suitable for playgrounds and residential driveways. For a driveway project, it is best to consult a professional to determine the most appropriate material.
The Somerset, MA homeowners’ guide to paving services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
The cost of a tar and chip driveway falls between gravel and asphalt. Is this unique process the happy medium you've been looking for? Let's take a look.
Get proactive with marketing for your paving contractor business. Use these paving marketing ideas (ranked by budget and experience level) to grow your business, get more leads, and earn more money.