Material choice: asphalt vs concrete vs paversAsphalt driveways cost $1,750–$2,765 in New Orleans — lower upfront cost but require sealing every 3–5 years and crack repair over time. Concrete runs $2,370–$8,440 — more durable and maintenance-free but costs more and is harder to repair. Concrete pavers cost $3,555–$10,550+ but allow individual block replacement and look premium. In New Orleans, seasonal factors affect pricing affects which material performs best long-term.
Removal and disposal of existing drivewayIf you have an existing driveway, demolition and haul-away adds $500–$2,000 to your project depending on size and material. Asphalt can sometimes be milled and recycled (reducing disposal cost); concrete disposal is more expensive. Confirm whether removal is included in your quote — some contractors price this separately and the omission inflates apparent price differences between bids.
Base preparation is where corners get cutA properly built driveway in New Orleans requires 4–8 inches of compacted gravel base before any surface material is applied. Contractors who skip or skimp on the base to reduce cost produce driveways that crack and sink within 3–5 years. Ask specifically: how many inches of base material are included? Will it be mechanically compacted? These questions separate professional installs from budget jobs.
Drainage must be addressed at installationPoor drainage is the primary cause of premature driveway failure — water that pools or flows across the surface accelerates cracking and undermines the base. In New Orleans, local climate conditions means drainage planning is essential. Confirm your contractor accounts for water flow direction, slope (minimum 1–2% grade away from structures), and whether french drains or channel drains are needed.
Size and edging affect final cost significantlyDriveway paving is priced per square foot. A standard two-car driveway is 500–800 sq ft; a single-car 200–300 sq ft. Curved edges, decorative borders, or stamped concrete patterns add 20–40% to the base price. Confirm your contractor's quote specifies the square footage being paved — this makes bids comparable and exposes any scope discrepancies.
Sealing and maintenance extends lifespan at low costAsphalt driveways in New Orleans should be sealed 6–12 months after installation and every 3–5 years thereafter ($150–$400 per sealing). Concrete driveways benefit from penetrating sealer every 5 years. Crack filling ($100–$300) done promptly prevents small cracks from expanding into structural failures. Build these maintenance costs into your long-term ownership calculation when comparing material options.