The Hidden Costs of Cheap Paving: What Capital Region Homeowners Regret Most
A low quote might seem like a great deal — until your driveway starts cracking, sinking, or pooling water within the first year. Here’s what every homeowner in the Capital Region should know before picking the lowest bid. Request an expert paving quote today »
Why the Cheapest Paving Isn’t Always the Best Deal
When a paving quote comes in dramatically lower than the others, it usually means corners are being cut. And unfortunately, those savings often show up later — in the form of:
Early cracking or edge crumbling
Standing water after rain
Potholes forming within 1–2 years
Surface wear that fades fast
The upfront price might look great, but the long-term cost adds up fast.
What Corners Typically Get Cut
Here’s where bargain paving contractors tend to save themselves money (at your expense):
1. Skipping Proper Excavation
Some contractors don’t dig deep enough to remove soft, clay-heavy soil. Without that step, your driveway shifts and sinks over time.
2. Weak Base Layers
A strong foundation means at least 6" of compacted crusher run or gravel. Budget outfits might use less material — or none at all.
3. Thin Asphalt Application
Standard residential paving should include a 3" binder layer and a 2" finish coat. Cheap jobs often go thinner, leading to premature failure.
4. No Drainage Planning
Water is asphalt’s biggest enemy. If your contractor isn’t talking about drainage, they’re not building for the long term.
Real-World Regrets (We See Them All the Time)
Homeowners across Albany, Colonie, and Troy often call us to fix driveways that were paved just a year or two ago. Common complaints:
“The edges are already falling apart.”
“We never had standing water until after it was paved.”
“The price was low, but now we have to redo the whole thing.”
By then, it's too late to go back. You end up paying twice.
How Egan Paving Approaches It
We’re not the cheapest quote on the list — and we’re upfront about that. But we:
Grade every site properly
Use full-depth base material
Apply asphalt at full thickness
Plan for proper water flow from the start
Use crews with decades of Capital Region experience
That’s why our driveways last longer. That’s why people call us back after 10, 15, or 20 years.
Final Word: Ask the Right Questions
Before accepting a quote, ask:
How deep will you dig?
What materials are going underneath the asphalt?
How thick will the asphalt be?
How are you managing water drainage?
If those answers aren’t clear, it might not be a deal worth taking.
Talk to a paving expert who actually explains the process »
Internal Resources: Residential Paving Services
https://www.eganpaving.net/services/residential
Drainage & Grading
https://www.eganpaving.net/services/grading
Contact Page
https://www.eganpaving.net/contact
