Asphalt pavement is typically measured and estimated based upon either the square footage or the square yards which is 9 square feet (1yd x 1yd or 3ft x 3ft).
To measure the number of square yards of asphalt pavement needed on your property multiply the length and width of the asphalt pavement in feet. To calculate the square yards divide the total square footage by 9.
Once you have calculated the square footage of pavement, multiply the quantity by the unit pricing to calculate a rough budget for the pavement.
A asphalt crew can typically tear out and re-install a new concrete asphalt driveway in 1 to 3 days. The first two days are used to tear out the existing asphalt pavement, lay new base rock and prep the site. Once the site is prepped the asphalt crew can typically pour the driveway in a half days worth of work.
Asphalt sealcoating an existing asphalt driveway is a fast process that can typically be completed in a half day.
In construction, there is a term called economies-of-scale. The larger the project, the more efficient the contractor can be installing the asphalt pavement.
If your asphalt pavement is in decent shape, your Contractor may be able to just mill and overlay a topping coat on top of the existing pavement. If your pavement base course cannot be salvaged the existing pavement will have to be removed ($.50 to $1.00 per sf).
Asphalt pavement removal and construction can cause damage to grass and landscaping adjacent to the work, so keep in mind you may need to re-seed or repair damage from pavement work.
The location where you are installing the asphalt will have a significant impact. If you are installing the asphalt in downtown San Francisco the asphalt will obviously cost much more than the same pavement being installed in Suburbia.
Spring and Summer is peak asphalt pavement season and Asphalt Contractors are generally swamped with work, so if you are getting pavement installed during this time you will likely pay a premium.
Asphalt contractors will generally provide an all inclusive bid to 'furnish and install' all labor and asphalt materials on the project.
Here is an example of how to write a Scope of Work that insures your Concrete Contractor provides an all-inclusive bid.
All Asphalt work is to be Contractor Purchased, Contractor Installed.
