How to Choose the Best Asphalt Paving Company in San Jose

1. Start with the Basics: Licensing and Insurance (a.k.a., The Bare Minimum)

Imagine someone knocks on your door and says, “Hey, I’ve got leftover asphalt from a job down the street. Want me to pave your driveway for half price?” NOPE. Just nope.

Why? Because no licensed, insured contractor operates like this. Licensing ensures they’ve passed the official “I Know What I’m Doing” test, and insurance protects you from footing the bill if they accidentally turn your driveway into a disaster zone. Ask for proof of both—no exceptions.

2. Experience Matters (Unless You’re Cool Being Someone’s Guinea Pig)

Would you trust someone who just learned how to cook to make you a 7-course meal? No. So why would you trust an inexperienced contractor with your asphalt?

San Jose’s weather—sunny, sometimes rainy, and occasionally earthquakey—requires a contractor who knows how to handle it. Look for companies with years (preferably decades) of experience.

Bonus points if they’ve tackled projects similar to yours.

3. Equipment and Crew: The Asphalt Avengers

Bad equipment and understaffed crews are the arch-nemesis of good asphalt jobs. Imagine a 3-person team trying to lay an entire asphalt parking lot that needs to be spread at 300 degrees and compacted before it cools. Spoiler alert: It doesn’t end well.

Look for a contractor with modern equipment and a crew of 6-8 workers who can work like a well-oiled machine. Anything less, and your driveway might end up with weak spots and cracks faster than you can say, “Was that supposed to happen?”