Frequently Asked Questions

HomeGuide's national range for a 400-square-foot asphalt driveway is about $2,000 to $4,800. Some contractors set a minimum of $2,000 or more. Removal of an old driveway, base repair and any approach work add to that. We give you a written price after seeing it.

National guides list new asphalt driveways at about $5 to $12 or more per square foot (HomeGuide) and $7 to $15 per square foot (Angi). Commercial lots run about $2 to $4.50 per square foot (HomeAdvisor) because of their size.

Asphalt is usually cheaper to install. Concrete generally lasts longer and needs less routine upkeep, while asphalt needs sealing every few years but is easier and cheaper to repair. The right choice depends on budget and how long you plan to stay.

Work on your own property generally does not need a right-of-way permit. Work on the approach, curb or sidewalk in the public right-of-way does. The city's current application lists $50 for sidewalk and approach work plus a $200 deposit.

Roughly May through September for full paving. The average last spring frost at the Des Moines airport is around April 24 and the first fall frost around October 14, but asphalt needs warm ground, not just frost-free nights.

Yes. We can price multiple driveways or shared drives, follow the association's standards, and phase the work so residents keep access.

For a driveway, HomeGuide's national range is about $2,500 to $6,000 for 500 square feet. Removal of an old surface and base work add to that. We price your site in writing.

Most residential driveways take one to two days of work: tear-out and base one day, paving the next. Then a few days before driving on it.

Yes. We cut a clean joint and taper the asphalt to meet the concrete so there is no lip.

Usually several overlays stacked up over the years. A full removal brings the surface back down to the right height.

Yes. We pay attention to backfill near the foundation, which keeps settling for a while after a house is built.

On a sound base it can last much like new asphalt. On a weak base, cracks reflect through quickly. The base check is the most important part of the estimate.

No. Sealcoating is a thin liquid protective coat. Resurfacing is a new layer of hot asphalt that replaces the worn surface.

Sometimes. We check heights at the garage and sidewalk. If another layer would sit too high, removal is the better option.

Often, when the drives are worn but not failed. We can phase the work so residents keep access.

Smaller lots, often yes. Larger lots are usually split into phases over several days with at least one entrance open.

Commercial pavement is typically specified at a minimum of 4 inches of asphalt, with heavier sections where trucks drive. We size it to the traffic.

Yes. We price shared drives and private streets, follow association standards and phase work so residents keep access.

We do. If the project touches the public right-of-way, we coordinate the West Des Moines permit and notices.

Because the base under it is wet or broken. A saw-cut repair that replaces the base is the fix that lasts.

Late summer through fall, before water gets in and freezes. Dry weather helps the sealant bond.

Only temporarily, with cold patch. Permanent hot-mix repairs wait for warm weather.

If failures are limited to a few areas, repair. If they cover a large part of the driveway, replacement usually costs less over time.

Every few years for most driveways. HomeGuide gives a range of 2 to 10 years depending on sealer and conditions; sun, salt and traffic shorten it.

No. Wait three to six months for the asphalt to cure.

Only after the cracks are filled and only if the base is sound. Otherwise sealing is cosmetic.

Yes. Scheduling several driveways together keeps the cost down. We price them as a group.

Usually 12 to 72 hours, depending on temperature and humidity. We give you specific times.

Under the 2010 ADA Standards, a lot with 51 to 75 spaces needs 3 accessible spaces, at least one of them van-accessible.

Many metro lots need it every year or two because of plowing. Any sealcoat or overlay also means restriping.

Sometimes. A new layout can add spaces by changing angles or widths. We show you the plan before painting.

Usually, once the sealer has cured enough to hold paint. We schedule both together.