How to Prepare Your Property for a Paving Project

You have scheduled your paving project, the date is set, and the crew is on its way. What should you do beforehand to make sure everything goes smoothly? A little preparation on your end can help the job stay on time, avoid unexpected delays, and ensure the best possible result.

Here is a practical checklist for Delaware homeowners getting ready for a paving project.

Clear the Area

Before the crew arrives, remove everything from the area being paved. This includes:

• Vehicles. Move all cars, trucks, trailers, and recreational vehicles off the driveway and away from the work zone. You will not have access to the paved area for at least 24 to 48 hours after the job is done.
• Portable items. Basketball hoops, planters, trash cans, bikes, lawn furniture, and anything else that could be in the way. Move them to your garage, backyard, or another area well clear of the work zone.
• Landscaping elements. If you have decorative borders, edging, or landscape lighting along the driveway, pull them back temporarily. The crew needs a clean edge to work against.

The more clear the area is, the faster and more efficiently the crew can work. This is one of the simplest things you can do to help your project go well.

Talk to Your Neighbors

Paving projects involve heavy equipment, dump trucks, and material deliveries. The crew will need space to stage equipment and may temporarily block portions of the street in front of your home.

Give your neighbors a heads-up a few days before the project starts. Let them know which day the work is scheduled, roughly how long it will take, and that there may be some noise and temporary access disruptions. Most neighbors appreciate the courtesy, and it avoids any friction on the day of the job.

If you share a driveway, border, or access road with a neighbor, make sure your contractor is aware so they can plan around it.

Mark Utilities and Sprinklers

If you have underground sprinkler systems, invisible dog fences, low-voltage lighting wires, or other utilities near the paving area, make sure your contractor knows about them before work begins.

In Delaware, contractors are required to call 811 (Miss Utility) before any excavation to locate public utility lines. But private utilities — like your sprinkler system — are your responsibility to identify. Mark them with flags or spray paint, or walk the contractor through their location during the pre-job site visit.

This small step can prevent costly damage and delays during the project.

Understand the Timeline

Ask your contractor what to expect on the day of the project and in the days following. Key questions to ask:

• When will the crew arrive? Most paving crews start early in the morning to take advantage of the full day.
• How long will the work take? A standard residential driveway typically takes one day. Larger or more complex projects may take two to three days.
• When can you drive on it? New asphalt needs time to cool and begin curing. For most residential projects, you should wait 24 to 48 hours before driving on the surface, and avoid parking in the same spot for the first few weeks.
• What about rain? Your contractor will monitor the weather and may reschedule if rain is expected. Asphalt cannot be laid on a wet surface.

Understanding the timeline helps you plan around the project — arranging alternate parking, adjusting your schedule, and knowing when things will be back to normal.

After the Job Is Done

Once your new asphalt paving is down, take care of it from day one:

• Stay off the surface for the recommended curing period.
• Avoid turning your steering wheel while the car is stationary on fresh asphalt — this can scuff the surface.
• Keep heavy equipment, dumpsters, and trailer jacks off the new surface for at least a few weeks.
• Wait 6 to 12 months before applying the first sealcoat.

A little patience in the first few weeks goes a long way toward ensuring your new pavement lasts for decades.

Planning a paving project? Request your free estimate or call Campos Mora Construction at 302-883-9000 to get started.