If you’re thinking of paving your asphalt driveway, you’ll likely face some unique challenges: clay-heavy soils, sloped terrain, drainage issues, and strict permitting.
Due to these factors, it’s important you work with a contractor who understands how to build pavement that stays level, drains well, and holds up over time.
Hire the wrong one, and you could end up with cracks, soft spots, and costly repairs.
Here’s how to choose the right asphalt paving contractor for your San Jose project.
Key Takeaways
- Hire a licensed, experienced local asphalt paving contractor to ensure your surface drains properly, holds up over time, and avoids costly failures.
- To choose the right contractor, verify licensing, check reviews, get local references, compare detailed estimates, and review materials, warranties, and communication.
- Choose Betz Works for paving in San Jose with decades of hands-on experience, proven materials, owner-led crews, and clear communication – call 831-400-8466 for a free estimate.
10 Steps to Hiring a Reliable Asphalt Paving Contractor in San Jose
1. Verify License and Insurance
Before anything else, make sure your contractor is legally allowed to perform asphalt work in California and carries the right insurance to protect your property.
What to look for:
- Valid CSLB license (C-12 classification for paving).
- Active general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
- Business name on license matches who you’re hiring.
2. Check Credentials and Reputation
Look into their history. Reputable contractors have good track records, industry affiliations, and satisfied clients.
What to look for:
- Good standing on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with few or no complaints.
- Membership in groups like NAPA or NCAT.
- Positive reviews that mention durability, professionalism, and follow-through.
3. Ask About Local Experience
San Jose has unique soil and permitting requirements. Local experience means fewer surprises during the job.
What to look for:
- At least 5 years of experience working specifically in San Jose or Santa Clara County.
- Familiarity with grading clay soil, managing hillside runoff, and local permit processes.
- Completed projects in your area.
4. Request References from Similar Projects
A reputable asphalt paving contractor should have no problem sharing past jobs, especially those similar to yours.
What to look for:
- At least 3 references from clients with similar projects (residential driveway, commercial lot, etc.).
- Willingness to let you visit past job sites.
- Feedback about long-term performance.
5. Get and Compare Detailed Estimates
Don’t settle for a rough guess. A detailed estimate helps you compare contractors fairly and spot red flags.
What to look for:
- Square footage, material types, asphalt thickness, and prep work clearly listed.
- Drainage or grading work included, if needed.
- Separate pricing for each phase and a clear total cost.
6. Review the Contract
Verbal agreements won’t protect you. A clear contract sets expectations and protects both parties.
What to look for:
- Detailed project scope, timeline, and materials.
- Payment terms and warranty information.
- Cleanup responsibilities and change order process outlined.
7. Ask About Materials and Installation
Not all asphalt or prep work is the same. Quality materials and proper technique are key to a long-lasting surface.
What to look for:
- Hot mix asphalt (HMA), not cold patch (except for temp fixes).
- 2–3 inches of compacted asphalt over 4–6 inches of Class II AB base for driveways.
- Compaction in layers with steel drum rollers.
- Reinforced edges and proper drainage slope.
8. Understand the Warranty
Warranties show a contractor is confident in their work. Know what’s covered before you sign.
What to look for:
- Written warranty covering labor and materials.
- Coverage lasting 1–2 years or more.
- Clear terms for what’s excluded or could void coverage.
9. Agree on a Fair Payment Schedule
A proper payment schedule protects you from unfinished or low-quality work.
What to look for:
- 10–20% deposit to start.
- Progress payments tied to work stages (base prep, asphalt install, completion).
- Never pay 100% upfront – final payment should be due only after the job is complete.
10. Evaluate Customer Service and Communication
Good paving isn’t just about equipment and materials – it’s also about how well your contractor communicates before, during, and after the job.
Local companies tend to offer more responsive, hands-on service, especially when the owner is directly involved.
What to look for:
- Easy to reach by phone or email with prompt responses.
- Clear answers to your questions – no vague promises or dodging details.
- A dedicated point of contact throughout the project.
- Willingness to walk you through the process and explain each step.
At Betz Works, the owner is on-site for every job, ensuring nothing gets missed and you always know who to talk to. That level of accountability is hard to get with big, out-of-town crews.
Why Choose Betz Works
Betz Works is a locally owned, family-run paving company with roots going back to 1958.
We know the soil, slopes, and permit rules that come with paving in San Jose and across Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Monterey Counties.
Led by third-generation contractor Allan Betz, we bring decades of hands-on experience, clear communication, and owner-led crews to every project.
Allan holds a General Engineering Contractor’s License (CSLB #1098361) and is both a PG&E Certified Contractor and Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) registered, so you know your project is in qualified, accountable hands.
With Betz Works, you get:
- A valid CSLB license and full insurance coverage
- Decades of local experience in San Jose and the surrounding areas
- Detailed written estimates, fair pricing, and clear contracts
- High-quality asphalt mixes, properly compacted base layers, and industry-standard paving techniques
- A team that also handles driveway repair and maintenance, sealing, erosion control, underground utilities, and more
- Owner-led crews focused on workmanship and customer care
- Work backed by a written warranty
Need an Asphalt Paving Contractor in San Jose? Contact Betz Works!
Betz Works provides expert asphalt paving, resurfacing, and repair services throughout San Jose and across Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Monterey Counties.
Whether you’re installing a new driveway, fixing drainage issues, or upgrading a private road, we’re ready to help.
Call 831-400-8466 or contact us online today to get your free estimate.
FAQ
How to tell a good asphalt paving job?
A good asphalt job will have a smooth, even surface with clean edges, proper drainage slope, and no visible seams or roller marks.
The asphalt should be properly compacted with no soft spots or depressions, and water should flow away from the surface, not pool on it.
What does a bad asphalt paving job look like?
Poorly done asphalt may show signs right away or within a few months.
Look for thin or uneven layers, standing water, soft edges that crumble, visible cracks, or dips in the surface.
These are often signs of improper compaction, low-quality materials, or poor base preparation.
How much does asphalt paving cost in San Jose?
Costs vary based on the size of the project, site conditions, materials used, and access to the area.
In general, residential asphalt paving in San Jose can range from $5 to $10 per square foot.
For an accurate quote, contact Betz Works for a free, detailed estimate based on your specific project.