Why the Right Driveway Contractor in Virginia Beach Matters
A new driveway is one of the fastest ways to boost curb appeal and property value—if it’s installed correctly. Virginia Beach’s salty air, sandy soil, and freeze-thaw cycles can wreck shortcuts. The best Driveway Contractors in Virginia Beach, VA understand local soil conditions, permit rules, and the best materials for coastal climates. Choose poorly and you’ll see cracks, puddles, and costly repairs within a year.
This guide walks you through every step: vetting companies, comparing quotes, spotting red flags, and protecting your investment.
Virginia Beach Driveway Types & Which One Fits Your Home
Before you call a contractor, decide on the surface. Each material performs differently in our humid, salt-air environment.
Concrete: Clean Look, Long Lifespan
- Pros: 30–40 years when sealed every 3–5 years; handles heavy SUVs.
- Cons: Salt can eat unsealed edges; installation cost 15–20 % higher than asphalt.
- Best for: Homeowners who want low upkeep and modern aesthetics.
Asphalt: Budget-Friendly & Flexible
- Pros: Half the upfront cost of concrete; flexes with Virginia Beach’s subtle ground shifts.
- Cons: Needs seal-coating every 2–3 years; softens in extreme summer heat.
- Best for: Long driveways or rental properties where initial price beats long-term polish.
Pavers: Instant Curb Appeal
- Pros: Replace single bricks if damaged; endless color combos match coastal styles.
- Cons: Higher labor cost; polymeric sand joints need touch-ups after major storms.
- Best for: Front-drive courtyards and homes in Sandbridge or Cheswick where aesthetics sell.
Gravel: Rural Feel, Easy Drainage
- Pros: Cheapest install; excellent for large lots near Pungo.
- Cons: Ruts, scattered stones, and weed growth; not HOA-friendly in many neighborhoods.
- Best for: Farm-style properties or temporary solutions while saving for pavement.
Step-by-Step: Researching Driveway Contractors in Virginia Beach, VA
1. Build a Target List Fast
- Google “Driveway Contractors in Virginia Beach, VA” and note the top 10 organic results (skip the ads for now).
- Cross-check names on the City of Virginia Beach contractor license portal.
- Ask neighbors on Nextdoor or local Facebook groups for recent projects—photos included.
2. Verify Licenses & Insurance
Virginia requires a Class C license for residential paving projects under $10k; larger jobs need Class A or B. Demand:
- License number (search DPOR).
- General liability ($1 M minimum) and workers’ comp certificates.
- City business license for Virginia Beach.
3. Read Ratings Critically
Ignore perfect 5.0 scores with only three reviews. Look for contractors with 30+ reviews and a 4.5–4.8 average. Focus on comments about communication, job site cleanliness, and how they handled callbacks.
Getting Apples-to-Apples Quotes
Request the Same Specs from Each Bidder
Email a one-page brief:
- Square footage (measure with Google Earth).
- Material type, thickness (e.g., 4-inch reinforced concrete, 3500 psi).
- Base layer depth (minimum 6-inch compacted aggregate for Virginia Beach’s sandy soil).
- Drainage requests (swale or channel drain).
- Sealer brand and warranty length.
What a Fair Quote Contains
- Line-item breakdown: demolition, haul-off, base, surface, sealer, taxes.
- Payment schedule (never more than 33 % down).
- Start and completion dates with weather clause.
- Written 2-year workmanship warranty.
Ballpark Costs in Virginia Beach (2024)
| Material | Price/sq ft* | 20×20 Driveway |
|---|---|---|
| Gravel | $1.50–$2.50 | $600–$1,000 |
| Asphalt | $3.50–$5.00 | $1,400–$2,000 |
| Concrete | $6.50–$9.00 | $2,600–$3,600 |
| Pavers | $10–$16 | $4,000–$6,400 |
*Prices include standard excavation and base; complex patterns, stamping, or color add 15–25 %.
7 Red Flags That Scream “Run”
- Asks for cash-only or 50 %+ down.
- Uses generic “left-over asphalt” pitch (common travel-scam in Hampton Roads).
- No physical address in Virginia—just a PO box or out-of-state plates.
- Refuses to pull the building permit (homeowner then liable for code issues).
- Quote is 30 % lower than others—corners will be cut on base depth.
- Website has no photos of local jobs or Virginia license number.
- High-pressure “today-only” discounts.
Preparing Your Property for Installation Day
HOA & City Rules
Most Virginia Beach neighborhoods require a DRB (Design Review Board) approval for new driveways. Submit drawings showing dimensions, material color, and drainage plan. City right-of-way permits are needed if the apron connects to a public street; your contractor should handle this.
Mark Utilities & Irrigation
Call 811 two business days ahead. Flag sprinkler heads and low-voltage lighting to avoid repair bills.
Protect Landscaping
Install temporary plywood along lawn edges and move portable items (planters, basketball hoops). Heavy trucks can crack thin concrete walkways if they drive over them.
Post-Install Care: Virginia Beach Climate Edition
Sealing Schedule
- Asphalt: 6 months after install, then every 2–3 years. Use coal-tar-free sealer to meet Chesapeake Bay runoff rules.
- Concrete: Wait 28 days for full cure; apply penetrating silane-siloxane sealer every 3–5 years.
Winter De-Icing
Avoid rock salt—it spalls concrete and corrodes metal edges. Use calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) or sand for traction.
Storm Season Checks
After nor’easters, inspect joints and edges for washout. Replace lost joint sand in pavers promptly to prevent shifting.
FAQ: Hiring Driveway Contractors in Virginia Beach, VA
Yes, if you’re altering the public apron or changing the driveway width. Your contractor should include permit fees in the quote and post the yellow permit card on-site.
Asphalt: 24–48 hours for passenger vehicles, 72 hours for heavy trucks. Concrete: Keep foot traffic off 24 hours, cars off 7 days, heavy trucks off 28 days.
Spring and fall offer moderate temps and lower humidity—ideal for curing. Winter installs are possible with concrete additives, but asphalt plants close when temps drop below 40 °F consistently.
No reputable contractor will pave over cracked concrete or asphalt here. Virginia Beach’s sandy base shifts; a new 6-inch compacted aggregate layer is critical for a 20-year lifespan.