You cannot compare bids unless you know what exactly each one is bidding on. There are many ways to "fix" your driveway, and all bids must be using the same criteria to evaluate. First, a 1" topping is not a good fix. Then, if you are replacing it, are they using the same base? Will they install a completely new base? Will the topping be a binder + surface, or 1 thickness? What grade of asphalt will they be using?

Just had my asphalt driveway redone this spring. $4400. They tore up the old driveway and put down all new asphalt. The new driveway is about a foot wider on each side. Not sure on the sq ft, but it's a 2 car driveway maybe 35 feet long. it narrows at the street end. The bottom section near the curb is concrete and they left that alone.

I'm not sure you can judge quality by price. My hunch is the ones that charge more will just make more profit. And maybe the 3K guy has no other jobs right now.

Thanks. Pricing may also be dependent upon the area of the country. We are in the NYC suburbs.

Is it possible to ask for references to go and see?

I don’t think I’d pick the lowest bidder. I’m just cautious that way.

Plus, good relations with a neighbor - who shares your driveway! - is a very important consideration.

True, but our financial situations may not be the same, especially in an inflationary environment like this.

Wow tough decision when you need to consider someone else's input. We went with the middle bidder on our asphalt driveway a few years ago. The land our development is built on (in the 1960"s) has springs under so water in basements and collecting on lawns has been an ongoing problem. The middle bidder was willing to rip out the old top and base. Redo base and then he left it to dry out completely before asphalting. This time the driveway did bot sink as it had 25 years previous when the base was not redone. So, I would double check all the bidders for their specifics, so you are comparing apples to apples. Lots of times it is suggested to drop the lowest and highest bidders Good Luck

I had a bid in Wisconsin before Covid. Companies here will not put a new layer on top - must be because of below zero temperatures. I don’t remember the square feet but it was $14,000. I can’t imagine what it would be now!!

Thank you jck910. All bidders will replace the base and the asphalt. Weird, some do it all at the same time. Others leave the base there for a week and then do the asphalt.