A Homeowner’s Guide to Driveway Paving

When it comes to your home, the driveway does more than lead the way—it frames your curb appeal, adds functionality, and influences long-term value. But for many homeowners, the idea of tearing out and replacing a driveway feels overwhelming. What happens during the process? Will it damage the landscaping? How long will you be without parking? 

At JK Meurer, we’ve worked with homeowners for decades and understand those concerns well. That’s why we approach every asphalt driveway project with clarity, care, and respect for your property and schedule. This guide walks you through what it’s like to partner with us—from consultation to completion—so you know exactly what to expect when investing in a new driveway. 

Before the Project Begins: Preparing for Your Driveway Paving Experience 

Your first interaction with our team will likely be during a consultation. That’s when we gather the information we need to give you a customized quote. We’ll talk through the size and shape of your asphalt driveway, review slope and drainage, and understand how you plan to use the space. We’ll also ask if you’ve noticed any pooling water or cracks—details that help us build a long-lasting solution. 

Ahead of installation day, we’ll guide you through a few prep steps: clearing the driveway of vehicles or planters, unlocking any gates, and letting us know about access needs. You won’t need to guess what’s required—our team makes it easy. 

Many homeowners worry about what might be disrupted. We take that seriously. Our crews are trained to protect nearby landscaping and minimize impact on your home’s daily routine. We’ll let you know what to expect, and we’re always ready to answer questions. 

Understanding the Estimate and Timeline 

We build every quote based on the specifics of your project—square footage, layout, and complexity of work. The average cost of labor for asphalt driveway installation is between $5 and $7 per square foot, and labor and equipment make up about 40–70% of the overall project cost, depending on the site conditions. It’s also wise to plan a cushion of about 20% for unexpected changes during the process. 

You can request a free quote directly through our Request an Estimate page. Once scheduled, most residential jobs take about one to two days, depending on weather and scope. 

What Homeowners Should Do to Prepare 

Before our crew arrives, we recommend a few steps to help the process go smoothly: 

• Remove vehicles from the driveway and garage 
• Notify neighbors if shared access will be affected 
• Keep children and pets indoors or secure 
• Trim back any low-hanging branches near the driveway 

We’ll let you know if anything else is needed—but this short list is often all it takes to be ready. 

During the Project: What the Process Looks Like, Step by Step

When work begins, you’ll see our crews moving efficiently—each step carefully planned. Our team arrives with equipment sized for residential jobs and uses protective measures to safeguard surrounding areas. We work with speed and accuracy, and keep the job site clean from start to finish.  

The Paving Process in Action 

Here’s what you can expect: 

1. Grading and base prep: We shape and compact the sub-base to support your new surface.
2. Asphalt application: Hot mix asphalt is poured and spread evenly across the prepped base.
3. Compaction: The surface is compacted using a roller to create a smooth, uniform finish.
4. Edge detailing: We finalize edges for clean lines and polished appearance.
5. Initial curing: Once finished, the surface needs time to cool and harden. 

It’s normal for some areas to look darker or feel softer during the first few days—that’s just part of the curing process. 

Questions Homeowners Commonly Ask During the Job 

We’re used to hearing: 

• “How long before I can drive on it?” Typically 24 to 72 hours, depending on weather. 
• “What if it rains?” Light rain won’t usually affect the schedule, but heavier storms might delay work. We stay in close contact to keep you updated. 
• “Will I be able to get in and out during the day?” We’ll coordinate with you beforehand, so there are no surprises about access. 

Our team is always available during the job to answer questions and provide updates. You’re never left wondering.