Top 5 Mistakes Albany Homeowners Make When Choosing a Paving Company

Egan Paving crew resurfacing a residential driveway in Albany, NY

Hiring the right paving company in Albany, NY can make or break your investment. Every year, we see homeowners who spend thousands on asphalt driveways or parking lots, only to deal with cracks, sinking, and costly repairs within a season or two.


The truth is, not every contractor has the experience, equipment, or materials to handle the Capital Region’s freeze-thaw cycles, drainage challenges, and soil conditions. At Egan Paving, we’ve been serving Albany, Colonie, Schenectady, Rotterdam, and Guilderland for over 50 years, and we know what it takes to do it right the first time.


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Mistake #1: Choosing the Lowest Bid Without Checking Quality

Cheapest doesn’t mean best — in fact, it often means disaster. Contractors cutting corners use low-grade asphalt, thinner layers, and inadequate prep work.

Why It Matters:

  • Cheap asphalt cracks faster, especially in Albany’s winter freeze-thaw cycles.

  • Lack of proper compaction leads to early driveway sinking.

  • Repairs cost 2–3x more than getting it done right the first time.


Related Read: Avoid Common Paving Scams

Mistake #2: Ignoring Local Expertise

Before-and-after paving project for a Colonie homeowner

Albany County’s soil and weather are unique. A paving company from outside the Capital Region may skip crucial prep steps, leaving you with drainage problems or uneven surfaces.

Egan Paving’s Advantage:

  • Decades of experience in Albany, Colonie, Guilderland, and Rotterdam.

  • We understand local drainage challenges and soil composition.

  • Trusted by Albany-area businesses, including our First National Bank of Scotia projectsee it here.

Mistake #3: Forgetting About Drainage

One of the biggest causes of driveway failure in Albany County is poor drainage planning. Without proper grading, water seeps beneath the asphalt, causing frost heaves, potholes, and cracks.

How Egan Solves It:

  • Every project includes a slope and runoff analysis.

  • We install drainage solutions to protect your investment.

  • Our techniques are proven on residential driveways and commercial parking lots across Albany and Schenectady.



Mistake #4: Overlooking Reputation & Reviews

Too many homeowners hire contractors without checking references, reviews, or work history — and end up paying the price.

Why Egan is Trusted:

  • Over 50 years of family-owned excellence in Albany and beyond.

  • Dozens of 5-star reviews from homeowners and local businesses.

  • A proven track record with long-lasting driveways and parking lots.



See Our Work: Scotia Bank Striping Project

Mistake #5: Failing to Compare Long-Term Value

Capital Region commercial parking lot freshly striped and sealed.

Going with the cheapest quote often costs more in the long run when you factor in early resurfacing and repairs.

Egan’s Promise:

  • We use high-performance asphalt built to withstand heavy Capital Region traffic.

  • Proper base prep ensures maximum lifespan.

  • Our warranties and follow-up support provide true peace of mind.

Pro Tips: 3 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Albany Paving Company

Before signing any contract, make sure you ask:

1. What Type of Asphalt Do You Use?

Not all asphalt is the same. Ask for DOT-approved, high-performance blends suited for Albany’s weather.

2. How Do You Handle Drainage and Grading?

If they don’t have a clear plan, walk away. Proper drainage is non-negotiable.

3. Can I See Local References or Recent Projects?

A reputable company like Egan Paving can show you recent projects in Albany, Colonie, and Schenectady to prove quality and reliability.



Why Albany Homeowners Choose Egan Paving

For over five decades, Egan Paving has delivered premium asphalt solutions across the Capital Region — from Albany driveways to Colonie parking lots and Schenectady commercial paving. Our local expertise, top-quality materials, and unmatched craftsmanship make us the #1 choice.



📞 Ready to upgrade your driveway or parking lot?

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Paving Companies Near Me: How to Choose the Best Local Asphalt Contractor in Albany, NY