What questions should you ask an asphalt driveway contractor?

<div><p>When hiring an asphalt paving contractor to install your driveway, ask as many questions up front as possible. Here are a few questions to ask a prospective driveway contractor:</p><ul><li><p>How many years of experience do you have?</p></li><li><p>Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?</p></li><li><p>Do you have worker’s compensation?</p></li><li><p>Do you use subcontractors on your projects?</p></li><li><p>Do you clean up after the job is done?</p></li><li><p>Who is responsible for any damage to lawn or landscaping?</p></li><li><p>Do you provide a guarantee or warranty on your work?</p></li><li><p>Do you give free estimates?</p></li><li><p>What is the timeline for completion?</p></li><li><p>How do you handle change orders?</p></li><li><p>Can you provide at least three references?</p></li><li><p>Can I see some of the work you’ve done?</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

How thick should an asphalt driveway be?

<div><p>An asphalt driveway should be at least 3 inches thick over a compacted gravel base. Areas with poor drainage should have a thicker stone base. To <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-install-asphalt-driveway.htm">install a new asphalt driveway</a> over an existing driveway, the new asphalt should be at least 2 inches thick and the existing driveway should be in relatively good condition.</p></div>

Top 10 Best Asphalt driveway pros in Ithaca, NY

Q: How long does asphalt last?

<div><p>An <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-long-does-an-asphalt-driveway-last.htm">asphalt driveway should last 25 to 30 years</a>, depending on the type of asphalt used, the climate, how well the foundation was prepared, the type of soil under the foundation, and how well you maintain your driveway. Maintaining asphalt by filling cracks and reapplying sealer every few years can help extend the life of your asphalt driveway.</p></div>

Q: What is the price per square foot of asphalt?

<div><p>An <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-install-asphalt-driveway.htm">asphalt driveway costs</a> about <b>$7 to $15 per square foot</b>, including labor and materials. The cost will vary depending on your location, how thick the base material is, what prep is required, the thickness of the asphalt, and the accessibility of the job site. The national average cost to install an asphalt driveway is about <b>$4,740</b>. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Asphalt Driveway Service pros in Ithaca, NY

*The Angi rating for Asphalt Driveway Service companies in Ithaca, NY is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Asphalt Driveway Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Asphalt Driveway Service companies in Ithaca, NY is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Asphalt Driveway Service needs.

Last update on August 13, 2025

Reviewed in August 2025
Pete's Absolute Asphalt paved my driveway. They were on time and on point. A crew of 10 showed up and completed the job to my satisfaction (and Pete's!) Pete was there to supervise the entire process. The job turned out wonderful and I would certainly use his services again, and...
Pete's Absolute Asphalt
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Reviewed in April 2024
JDL is highly skilled and incredibly efficient in all areas of his profession. He dug our whole new house foundation, put in a driveway and graded the property. Highly recommend !
JDL Excavation LLC
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Reviewed in November 2021
Lee Stark and his crew of Antonio W., Kevin R., and Derrick T. arrived on time and proceeded to install a gutter discharge line under an asphalt driveway. They worked expeditiously and took great care to repair the surface of the driveway to appear nearly untouched. Professional and...
JES Foundation Repair
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Reviewed in October 2021
It went very well. The finished job is absolutely excellent. It was a big job and the woods along driveway now look to us like a national park! We are very pleased with Bill's judgment and the work provided. At our request we also have all the mulch we need for the coming year. Thank you!!
W. Case Tree Service
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Reviewed in July 2021
Excellent experience - they did a fantastic job putting in our new driveway. They were quick to schedule, did a great job installing, and were fairly priced.
Siteworx, Inc.
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Reviewed in July 2021
I recently had Lambert and Son's blacktop my driveway and was very pleased with the overall experience. They were professional, curtious, gave a fair price and did excellent work. I have hired a lot of contractors over the years and can honestly say it was a pleasure working with Rick and his...
Lambert & Sons Paving
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Reviewed in December 2020
For 15 years, Karl and his crew have plowed my driveway, mowed my lawn, and cleaned gutters. Very polite, professional staff. Karl is one of the "good guys". I would highly recommend their services. John S.
Quality Lawn Care
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Find Asphalt driveway pros in Ithaca

Pete's Absolute Asphalt

5.0(

)

Serving Ithaca, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1999

Free estimates

Customers say: True professional

"Pete and his team did a totally outstanding job. We have a lakeside house in Ithaca with a very long, steep, and winding driveway. The driveway came out beautifully! Pete is very honest and straightforward, tells you exactly what he’s going to do, what the difficulties might be, and how he’s going to approach the job. And pretty much that was exactly how it all went. Would highly recommend!!!"

Response time40 mins

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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R.C.I. General Contracting, LLC

5.0(

)

Serving Ithaca, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Five stars and two thumbs!!"

Response time4 hrs

Response rate92%

Recommended by80%of homeowners

Serving Ithaca, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Excellent experience - they did a fantastic job putting in our new driveway. They were quick to schedule, did a great job installing, and were fairly priced."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Ithaca, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Free estimates

"The job was done on time. The owner and his crew were professional and courteous. The work looks fantastic, very happy that I selected this company to do this project. Would definitely recommend this business to others."

Response time4 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Ithaca, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 1994

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Very quick to respond, efficient and friendly, did a neat job, finished project early, explained the work done, kept the house clean and tidy. Looking forward to working on another project with them."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Ithaca, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 1990

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Steve replaced the deck on my house and did some interior painting. He replaced light fixtures in my kitchen. He’s efficient, professional and reasonably priced."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Champion Waterproofing Corporation

5.0(

)

Serving Ithaca, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 1996

"Great company that was quick and efficient. I have already recommend to my family and close friends."

Serving Ithaca, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 1993

Free estimates

"A little slow on the estimate but otherwise great."

Response time9 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Pete's Absolute Asphalt

3.0(

)

Serving Ithaca, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 1990

Free estimates

"They did an excellent installation. I was very impressed with the quality of their work, their efficiency and customer service. I have no problem recommending them to anyone."

Response time5 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Pro Dynamic Paving

New to Angi

Serving Ithaca, NY and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We do it all.. Specializing in blacktop, sealing, concrete, painting, etc. estimates!

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Showing 1-10 of 14

FAQs for asphalt driveway service projects in Ithaca, NY

An asphalt driveway should last 25 to 30 years, depending on the type of asphalt used, the climate, how well the foundation was prepared, the type of soil under the foundation, and how well you maintain your driveway. Maintaining asphalt by filling cracks and reapplying sealer every few years can help extend the life of your asphalt driveway.

When hiring an asphalt paving contractor to install your driveway, ask as many questions up front as possible. Here are a few questions to ask a prospective driveway contractor:

How many years of experience do you have?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Do you have worker’s compensation?
Do you use subcontractors on your projects?
Do you clean up after the job is done?
Who is responsible for any damage to lawn or landscaping?
Do you provide a guarantee or warranty on your work?
Do you give free estimates?
What is the timeline for completion?
How do you handle change orders?
Can you provide at least three references?
Can I see some of the work you’ve done?

An asphalt driveway should be at least 3 inches thick over a compacted gravel base. Areas with poor drainage should have a thicker stone base. To install a new asphalt driveway over an existing driveway, the new asphalt should be at least 2 inches thick and the existing driveway should be in relatively good condition.

An asphalt driveway costs about $7 to $15 per square foot, including labor and materials. The cost will vary depending on your location, how thick the base material is, what prep is required, the thickness of the asphalt, and the accessibility of the job site. The national average cost to install an asphalt driveway is about $4,740.

The Ithaca, NY homeowners’ guide to asphalt driveway services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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•
May 3, 2026May 3, 2026
How Long Until You Can Drive on New Asphalt?
Asphalt driveways take anywhere from 48 to 72 hours to dry enough for vehicles. Stay tuned to learn more about how long before you can drive on asphalt.