Why the Right Driveway Contractor in Richmond, VA Matters
A driveway is the red carpet to your home. In Richmond’s mix of historic Fan District row-houses and sprawling Chesterfield suburbs, it also has to survive humid summers, freeze-thaw winters, and the occasional hurricane remnant. The contractor you choose decides whether you get a crisp, 20-year surface—or one that spalls and cracks before the next Monument Avenue 10k.
Below is a homeowner-tested roadmap to vetting Driveway Contractors in Richmond, VA, from first Google search to final seal-coat.
Popular Driveway Types in Richmond & What They Cost to Install
Knowing the pros, cons, and ballpark prices helps you speak the same language as contractors and spot low-ball bids.
Concrete
- Avg. cost: $8–$14 per sq ft (standard broom finish)
- Best for: Longevity, clean look, heavy vehicles
- Richmond caveat: Ask for 4,000-psi minimum and air-entrainment to survive freeze cycles
Asphalt
- Avg. cost: $4–$7 per sq ft (install + compacted base)
- Best for: Budget-friendly, black “top” matches many Hanover farm-style homes
- Richmond caveat: Seal-coat every 3–4 years or UV and diesel will cook it
Pavers (Brick or Concrete)
- Avg. cost: $14–$22 per sq ft
- Best for: Historic districts, custom patterns, instant curb appeal
- Richmond caveat: Polymeric sand prevents ants from re-creating the Siege of Petersburg under your pavers
Gravel
- Avg. cost: $1.50–$3 per sq ft (#57 granite or river rock)
- Best for: Long rural lanes in Powhatan & Goochland
- Richmond caveat: Add geotextile fabric under stone to keep red clay from mixing in
Where to Find Reputable Driveway Contractors in Richmond, VA
1. Local Search Shortcuts
- Google Maps: Search “driveway contractors near me” and filter by ≥4.5 stars & 20+ reviews
- Nextdoor: Look for posts asking for “paving recommendations in 23226” and note repeat names
- Facebook Groups: “RVA Homeowners” or “West End Moms” often have contractor threads
2. Trade Associations
- Virginia Asphalt Association (VAA) member directory—contractors get updated specs on VDOT mixes
- National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) for paver installers
3. Supply-Store Referrals
Visit Chesterfield Branch of S.B. Cox or Cemex on Jefferson Davis Hwy. Counter staff know who buys quality concrete and who argues over a few yards of fiber mesh.
7-Step Vetting Checklist Before You Sign
1. Verify Virginia Licenses & Insurance
Driveway work ≥$1,000 requires a Virginia Department of Professional & Occupational Regulation (DPOR) contractor license. Ask for the license number and check it at dpor.virginia.gov. Minimum insurance: $500k general liability + workers’ comp.
2. Read Richmond-Specific Reviews
Filter Google reviews for keywords “Henrico,” “Carytown,” or “Short Pump” to see how they handled local soil conditions or HOA rules.
3. Ask for Nearby References
Any reputable crew has 3–5 driveways within a 20-minute drive. Visit them on a Saturday, knock on the door, and ask:
- Did they arrive on the scheduled morning?
- Any cracks after the first winter?
- Were the edges clean and uniform?
4. Get a Line-Item Written Bid
Look for: demo, disposal, base thickness, concrete PSI, joint spacing, sealant, and warranty length. Vague language like “install as needed” is a red flag.
5. Compare Apples to Apples
Two asphalt quotes may differ by 2″ of base stone. Ask each contractor to quote the identical spec so you’re judging price—not hidden shortcuts.
6. Check Scheduling Realism
Richmond’s busy season is April–June. If someone promises “next week” in May, odds are they’re overbooking or sub-contracting to uninsured crews.
7. Review Warranty Terms
Concrete: 2–5 yrs against major cracking. Asphalt: 1–2 yrs on surface raveling. Pavers: lifetime against manufacturer defects, 1 yr on settling. Get it in writing.
Top 10 Questions to Ask a Richmond Driveway Contractor
- Are you licensed in Virginia and will you pull the permit?
- Will you call Miss Utility (811) before you dig?
- What is the compacted thickness of your stone base?
- Will you use rebar or fiber mesh, and at what spacing?
- How many expansion joints will you cut, and where?
- What slump (consistency) of concrete will you order?
- How long before I can drive on it? (Typically 7 days for concrete, 2–3 for asphalt)
- Do you offer a written workmanship warranty?
- Who supervises the pour—owner or crew lead?
- What is the payment schedule? (Never pay >50% up front)
Richmond & Henrico Permits: What Homeowners Forget
City of Richmond: A “surfacing” permit is required if you alter grade or add impervious area >300 sq ft. Fee: $75 + plan review. Henrico & Chesterfield generally don’t require permits for residential driveways unless you add a new apron onto a county road. Your contractor should handle paperwork; if they tell you “permits aren’t needed,” double-check with the county.
Red Flags That Scream “Scam”
- Out-of-state tags and “leftover asphalt” from another job
- Demand for cash-only or Venmo the night before pour
- No physical address on business card—just a burner phone
- Pressure to decide “today only” because concrete is “cooking”
- No contract—just a handwritten note on carbon paper
Best Time of Year to Install a Driveway in Richmond, VA
Concrete: April–May & Sept–Oct when daytime temps are 55–75 °F and humidity is moderate. Extreme July heat causes rapid surface evaporation and shrinkage cracks.
Asphalt: May–Sept; asphalt plants close around Thanksgiving. Night temps must stay ≥50 °F for proper compaction.
Pavers: Year-round if ground isn’t frozen. Winter installs often score 10–15% discounts.
How to Prepare Your Property for Installation Day
- Move cars 50 ft away; concrete trucks weigh 70,000 lb
- Mark sprinkler heads—Richmond clay eats PVC if hit
- Give contractor water access for cleanup (they use ~100 gal)
- Notify neighbors; trucks may block narrow Fan District alleys
- Cover nearby plants with tarps; muriatic acid wash can brown boxwoods
Maintenance Tips to Maximize Driveway Life
- Concrete: Apply penetrating silane-siloxane sealer every 3 yrs—especially after a snowy winter full of VDOT salt brine
- Asphalt: Fill cracks <¼ in. with rubberized sealant within 30 days of noticing them
- Pavers: Re-sand joints every 2 yrs; use a plate compactor with rubber pad to avoid chipping
- All types: Keep gutters directed away; Richmond’s clay holds water and will undermine edges
Frequently Asked Questions
Seven full days for passenger cars, 14 days for SUVs or light trucks. Richmond humidity can slow cure times; ask your contractor to do a field cure test if you’re unsure.
Up-front, yes—roughly half the price. Over a 20-year span, concrete often wins because it needs less maintenance. Factor in your plans to stay in the home and your tolerance for periodic seal-coating.
If the apron touches a county-maintained road, yes. You’ll need a VDOT encroachment permit plus a Henrico drainage review. Budget 3–4 weeks for approval and $200–$400 in fees.
Only if the slab is level, crack-free, and has proper drainage. Most Richmond contractors prefer to remove the old concrete so they can adjust base slope and prevent freeze-heave. Expect an extra $3–$4 per sq ft for removal and disposal.