Frequently Asked Questions Everett WA

Services & Capabilities

What asphalt paving services do you offer in Everett?

Complete residential and commercial asphalt: driveways, parking lots, sealcoating, crack filling, pothole/patch repair, resurfacing/overlay, and new design & installation.

Do you handle both residential driveways and commercial parking lots?

Yes—crew and equipment are sized for homes, HOAs, small businesses, and larger commercial lots.

Do you provide design and layout help?

Yes—driveway and parking lot design, stall counts, traffic flow, and curb/edge details to fit your site.

Can you replace gravel or dirt driveways with asphalt?

Yes—we build base, compact, and pave to spec for a smooth, durable surface.

Do you offer concrete services?

We focus on asphalt; we coordinate concrete curbs/ramps as needed through trusted partners.

What neighborhoods and cities do you serve?

Everett and greater Snohomish County (Marysville, Mill Creek, Lynnwood, Mukilteo, Bothell, Lake Stevens, and nearby).

Do you provide free on-site estimates?

Yes—no-obligation assessments with a written scope and price.

Can you advise on the best solution for my budget?

We present options (patch vs. resurface vs. full replacement) with pros/cons and expected lifespan.

Do you provide ADA/Accessibility guidance?

Yes—basic guidance on stalls, access aisles, slopes, and signage; we can coordinate striping/signage to plan.

Do you handle small jobs?

Yes—potholes, small patches, short drive tie-ins, and trench repairs.

Residential Driveways

What asphalt thickness do you recommend for a residential driveway?

Typical: 2"–3" compacted asphalt over 4"–8" compacted base, adjusted for soil and traffic.

How long will a new driveway last?

With maintenance, 15–25 years depending on soils, drainage, load, and care.

Do you pave on slopes or tricky access?

Yes—site-specific access plans, equipment selection, and compaction sequencing.

Can you widen or realign my existing driveway?

Yes—if setbacks and drainage allow; we saw-cut edges, rebuild base, and pave to a clean seam.

Do you offer decorative edges or borders?

We can integrate crisp saw-cut edges, concrete borders (by partner), or clean gravel shoulders.

Can you transition cleanly to my garage slab or street?

Yes—smooth tie-ins and height control to avoid lips or trip points.

Will you remove and dispose of my old driveway?

Yes—demo, haul-off, base rebuild, and paving in one scope.

Can you add parking pads or turnarounds?

Yes—designed for maneuvering space, drainage, and local setbacks.

How soon can I drive on a new driveway?

Light vehicles after 24–48 hours; heavy loads after 3–5 days, depending on weather.

Do you sealcoat new driveways?

Seal after the asphalt cures—typically 6–12 months post-install.

Commercial Parking Lots & HOAs

Do you handle phased projects to keep businesses open?

Yes—phasing/sectioning plans with signage, cones, and off-hours work if needed.

Can you improve traffic flow and safety?

Yes—layout, aisle widths, turning radii, signage, and speed-calming features.

Do you install or refresh ADA stalls and ramps?

Yes—striping, signage, and ramp tie-ins to plan.

Can you mill and overlay instead of full replacement?

Yes—cost-effective where base is sound; we mill transitions and raise utilities.

Do you coordinate tenant notices?

Yes—we provide schedule notices and maps for property managers.

Can you stripe custom markings and numbering?

Yes—stalls, arrows, fire lanes, numbering, and loading zones.

Do you offer maintenance plans for HOAs?

Yes—annual inspection, crack seal, sealcoat, and targeted patching.

Can you work nights or weekends?

Yes—on request to minimize disruption.

Do you repair trench cuts and utility patches?

Yes—saw-cut, base repair, and infrared or hot-mix patching.

Do you install wheel stops or bollards?

Yes—supply and install to plan.

Pricing & Estimates

How do you price asphalt paving?

By scope: area, thickness, base work, access, drainage, demo, trucking, and materials.

Can you give a ballpark over the phone?

Yes—range by square footage and condition; firm price after site visit.

What can reduce my cost?

Good access, sound base, fewer mobilizations, and choosing overlay where appropriate.

What increases cost?

Poor subgrade, extensive base rebuild, drainage issues, tight access, night work, and complex phasing.

What’s included in your quote?

Written scope, thicknesses, base specs, disposal, timeline, and payment schedule.

Do you charge for mobilization?

Included or listed; larger/complex projects may show a mobilization line.

Do you offer financing?

We can split draws by milestones; ask about options.

Do you price by square foot?

Yes for budgeting; final price reflects site conditions and scope.

Will you match a competitor’s price?

We’ll review comparable scopes/specs and advise on value and risks.

Can you separate line items (demo, base, paving, striping)?

Yes—transparent line items on request.

Process & Timelines

What is your typical paving process?

Evaluate site → demo/grade → base build/compaction → tack coat → pave/compact → edges → cleanup/striping.

How long does a typical driveway take?

Most 1–2 days including base and paving; complex sites may run longer.

How long does a small commercial lot take?

Often 2–4 days including phasing and striping.

How soon can you start?

Usually within 1–3 weeks, subject to weather and permits.

What happens if weather turns mid-project?

We protect the site, adjust sequencing, and resume when conditions meet spec.

Do you provide daily updates?

Yes—start/stop times, progress, and next-day plan.

How do you handle change orders?

We pause, present options and pricing, and proceed only with approval.

Will you be my main point of contact?

Yes—one project lead for coordination and decisions.

Do you photograph and document the work?

Yes—before/after photos and key steps on request.

How do you ensure compaction quality?

Equipment matched to lift thickness; target densities verified by experienced crew.

Materials & Specs

What mix do you use for driveways?

Local hot-mix asphalt (HMA) designed for driveways with proper fines for compaction and smooth finish.

What mix is best for parking lots?

Commercial hot-mix with higher stability for turning/parking loads.

How thick should asphalt be for light-duty lots?

Commonly 2"–3" compacted wearing course over 6"–10" base, adjusted to soils/traffic.

Do you use recycled asphalt (RAP)?

Yes—within spec ranges for performance and sustainability.

What base materials do you use?

Crushed rock/gravel compacted in lifts to achieve a firm, well-drained foundation.

Do you apply tack coat between lifts?

Yes—tack promotes bond between layers for longevity.

How do you handle manholes and drains?

We raise/adjust structures to finished grade with clean transitions.

Can you provide submittals/spec sheets?

Yes—mix design and material specs on request.

Do you saw-cut for clean seams?

Yes—saw-cut and tack to ensure tight, durable joints.

Do you compact edges?

Yes—edge compaction and finish for strength and appearance.

Repairs & Maintenance

What’s the best fix for a pothole?

Saw-cut, remove failed material, rebuild base, and install hot-mix patch.

Can you infrared patch?

Yes—great for seams and small failures when base is intact.

When is resurfacing better than patching?

When widespread wear exists but base is sound—overlay restores surface at lower cost than full rebuild.

When is full replacement necessary?

When failures originate in the base/subgrade or drainage; we rebuild from the foundation.

Do you offer crack sealing?

Yes—clean, heat, and fill with hot-applied rubberized crack sealant.

How often should I sealcoat?

Every 2–4 years depending on traffic and weather exposure.

Will sealcoat fix structural issues?

No—sealcoat protects the surface; structural failures require patching or resurfacing.

Can you fix birdbaths or low spots?

Yes—level with patch or wedge course, or correct grades during resurfacing.

Do you repair raveling or oxidized surfaces?

Yes—options include surface patching, sealcoat, or overlay depending on severity.

Can you create a maintenance plan?

Yes—annual inspection, prioritized repairs, and budget forecasting.

Sealcoating & Resurfacing

What are the benefits of sealcoating?

UV protection, slower oxidation, improved appearance, and easier cleaning.

How long after paving can I seal?

Typically 6–12 months to allow oils to cure.

What is an overlay vs. resurfacing?

Overlay/resurfacing = new asphalt layer over existing pavement after prep and leveling.

How thick is a typical overlay?

Often 1.5"–2" compacted, tailored to grades and structures.

Do you apply leveling/wedge courses before overlay?

Yes—corrects uneven areas and improves drainage.

Will overlay raise my garage or thresholds?

We grind/mill or feather edges to maintain proper elevations.

Do you apply a tack coat before overlay?

Yes—ensures bond to existing surface.

Can you stripe the same day as sealcoat?

Striping follows cure; we schedule for proper dry time.

How long until traffic can return after sealcoat?

Foot traffic: ~6–12 hours; vehicles: ~24–48 hours, weather-dependent.

Will sealcoat make the surface slippery?

We select the right product and sand load for traction.

Weather & Seasonality (Pacific Northwest)

Can you pave in the rain?

We avoid paving in active rain; dry surface and suitable temperatures are required.

What temperatures are acceptable for paving?

We target seasonally appropriate temps to compact before cooling; spring–fall is ideal.

Does winter stop all work?

We can perform planning, estimates, limited repairs, and prep when weather allows.

How do you handle frequent PNW showers?

Flexible scheduling, surface drying, and weather windows to meet spec.

Will cold nights affect a new surface?

We adjust timing and compaction plan to achieve density before cooling.

How does shade affect curing?

Shaded areas cool faster; we sequence and compact accordingly.

Can you pave over light drizzle?

Only if surfaces are dry and conditions meet spec; otherwise we pause.

Do you guarantee schedule dates in rainy seasons?

We set windows and keep you updated; quality and safety come first.

How do you protect fresh sealcoat from rain?

We monitor forecasts and postpone if needed to avoid wash-off.

Will heat cause scuffing?

Fresh asphalt can scuff in heat; it hardens over weeks—normal and cosmetic.

Site Prep & Drainage

Do you evaluate drainage before paving?

Yes—grades, slopes, and outlets to move water off the surface.

Can you add or adjust drains?

Yes—surface inlets, trench drains, and grade adjustments to plan.

Do you crown or cross-slope the pavement?

Yes—designed slopes to shed water and prevent ponding.

Can you stabilize soft subgrade soils?

Yes—over-excavate, add base, or use stabilization methods as needed.

Do you install edging or curbing?

We install asphalt edges; concrete curbs/ramps coordinated as needed.

Will new paving affect my lawn or landscaping?

We protect, stage access, and restore edges where scoped.

Can you pave over existing gravel without full excavation?

Yes—if depth and compaction are adequate; we test and add base as needed.

Do you compact in lifts?

Yes—lift thickness matched to rollers for proper density.

How do you handle tree roots?

We assess, adjust alignment if possible, or excavate/manage roots per site constraints.

Do you haul away spoils and debris?

Yes—clean site and legal disposal included in scope.

Permits, Codes & Compliance

Do I need a permit for driveway work?

Often not for simple replacements; new locations, approaches, or curb cuts may require approvals—city/county dependent.

Do you handle right-of-way tie-ins?

Yes—coordinate approaches and inspections where required.

Can you help with HOA approvals?

Yes—site maps, specs, and schedule for board review.

Do you provide certificates of insurance?

Yes—on request for owners and property managers.

Do you follow ADA basics for lots?

Yes—stalls, aisles, slopes, and signage per plan.

Will you call utility locates?

Yes—public locates; owners should flag private lines.

Can you provide safety plans for occupied sites?

Yes—traffic control, cones, barriers, and phasing sheets.

Do you manage street use or traffic control permits?

Yes—where required for lane closures or flagging.

Can you provide W-9 and vendor setup docs?

Yes—upon award.

Do you provide lien releases?

Yes—conditional/unconditional releases with progress payments.

Scheduling, Communication & Project Management

How do you schedule jobs?

We align scope, permits, and weather windows; you get a confirmed start window.

Will I get reminders?

Yes—day-before text/call and day-of ETA.

Who do I contact during the job?

Your assigned project lead.

How do you protect access for residents/tenants?

Phased work zones, cones, signage, and access maps.

Do you coordinate with other trades?

Yes—utilities, landscapers, and GC schedules.

How do you handle unexpected conditions?

We document, propose options, and proceed after approval.

Do you clean up daily?

Yes—sweeping, debris removal, and safe barriers.

Can you provide as-built notes?

Yes—final layout and thickness notes on request.

Do you warranty workmanship?

Yes—written workmanship warranty; materials per manufacturer.

Will you return for touch-ups?

Yes—punch-list items scheduled promptly.

Payments & Admin

What payment methods do you accept?

Checks, e-transfer/ACH, and major cards (processing fees may apply).

Do you require a deposit?

Yes—mobilization deposit with milestone draws for larger projects.

Can I get a detailed invoice?

Yes—scope, quantities, unit prices (if applicable), and photos on request.

Do you charge for change orders upfront?

Only after you approve scope and price.

Can I get disposal tickets?

Yes—upon request.

Do you offer multi-property pricing?

Yes—portfolio/HOA pricing for combined scopes.

Can you provide references?

Yes—recent local projects comparable to your scope.

Do you collect sales tax?

We follow applicable local/state tax rules; shown on invoice if required.

Can you hold a start date?

Yes—with an accepted proposal and deposit.

Do you offer seasonal promotions?

Ask about current specials during your estimate.

Care & Use

When can I park heavy vehicles on new asphalt?

After full initial cure—generally 3–5 days; longer in cool/shaded sites.

How should I care for fresh asphalt?

Avoid sharp turns in heat, keep fluids off surface, and delay sealcoat until cured.

How do I prevent oil stains?

Place drip pans; clean spills promptly to avoid softening.

How do I remove snow without damage?

Use rubber-edged blades and avoid metal studs/gouges.

Can I pressure wash asphalt?

Light washing is fine; avoid harsh chemicals and high-pressure close to surface.

How often should I re-stripe?

Typically every 1–3 years or after sealcoat/overlay.

What’s the best long-term maintenance plan?

Annual inspection, crack seal as needed, sealcoat every 2–4 years, and timely patching.

How do I request service?

Call or submit the quote form; include photos, address, and target timeline.

Can you remind me when maintenance is due?

Yes—optional reminders for sealcoat and inspections.

Do you offer emergency repairs?

Yes—subject to schedule and weather, we prioritize safety-critical patches.

Sustainability

Do you recycle removed asphalt?

Yes—milled and removed asphalt is commonly recycled into new mixes.

Can you design for less trucking?

Yes—optimize phasing, on-site stockpiles (where allowed), and efficient haul routes.

Do darker surfaces increase heat?

Asphalt absorbs heat; trees, lighter seal sands, and shading reduce heat islands.

Is porous asphalt an option?

Where subgrade and drainage allow; we can discuss feasibility for your site.

Do you use local materials?

Yes—local plants and suppliers to reduce transport footprint.

Can you reduce waste on my project?

Accurate takeoffs, phased deliveries, and tight quality control limit waste.