"Leveling was done well and at a reasonable price. It took a bit more mud (6 tons instead of the 4 that was estimated), but that's life. I was surprised that the estimate did not include sealing of floor cracks, but we took care of that on another work order. That sealing was thorough and fairly priced, but not exactly cosmetic. We may need to add a top coating for that."
"The crew arrived on time and finished the job in one day. The work site was left clean and I was able to begin construction on my new shed the following week. "
"The guys did a great job on my driveway. They asked how it looked as they went, listened to special requests, and did a professional job. I am very happy with the result. They were timely and efficient. The price was right followed by quality work."
"Gino's crew did a great job with the new siding and other features. His employees work well together and were very helpful with suggestions. The siding looks great and I am quite happy with the job performed. "
"Marty, Andy, Marty and Mike have all been great. They have been working in and around my house for the last month. They are all very personable, friendly and respectful of us, our home, our pets...............Everything. They are on time, do great work and they do not waste any time. The work they have done is above and beyond what we ever expected. I will personally recommend Howard's Home Improvement to anyone."
Gravel is one of the few driveway materials that can handle rain the second it’s installed. Unlike asphalt, which needs days to set, or concrete, which requires weeks to cure, gravel is ready as soon as it’s compacted. It’s naturally permeable, allowing water to drain straight through—with no risk of pooling or surface damage. Gravel driveways are one of the most affordable, at $1 to $3 per square foot, and can also last upward of 100 years.
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.
The cost to pour a driveway apron depends on the material and size. Concrete costs $3 to $10 per square foot, asphalt ranges from $2 to $5, and pavers are $5 to $15 per square foot. Additional expenses, like excavation, base material, and labor, can increase the total cost. For example, a standard 12x15-foot concrete apron could cost between $540 and $1,800, depending on local rates and additional work required. Always consult a local driveway paving contractor to get an accurate estimate tailored to your project.
While paving a driveway is possible to do as a DIY project, we don’t recommend it. Hiring a driveway professional to pave it will ensure that your driveway looks neat and clean and lasts for years to come, and it will also prevent a weak driveway and, potentially, damage to your foundation. Paving a driveway requires heavy machinery, and while you can rent the equipment needed, operating it close to your garage slab or around your home’s foundation can crack it and lead to structural issues.
Yes, using recycled asphalt millings is an eco-friendly alternative compared to concrete. Millings are reclaimed pieces of gravel that are recycled into aggregate that can be used on driveways, patios, walkways, basketball courts, tennis courts, and more.
The Tidioute, PA homeowners’ guide to asphalt driveway services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Adding a new asphalt driveway to your home can boost its overall appearance and give homeowners a nice ROI down the line. But how long do asphalt driveways last, and what can you do to maximize their lifespans? Read this guide to find out.