First Phase Siteworks installs asphalt driveways for Hampton Roads homeowners with our own crew. We plan new driveway projects and evaluate existing driveways for replacement, starting with the layout, access and groundwork beneath the finished surface. If you call it a blacktop driveway, you are asking about the same general type of paved surface.
Tell us where the driveway will go, what you park on it and what needs to change. A site visit helps establish a workable scope for your property.
Or call (757) 239-0707.
New driveways and replacement planning
A new driveway begins with deciding how you will use the space. Consider everyday parking, turning room, access to a garage and the vehicles that will use the entrance. Tell us about trailers, work trucks or other heavier loads so they can be considered when the project is planned.
For an existing driveway, identify the problems you want addressed: broken edges, low areas, recurring water, movement or a layout that no longer works. Replacement planning may involve removing existing pavement, correcting underlying conditions and rebuilding the driveway within an agreed footprint. An assessment establishes what should be retained and what needs further work. Review our asphalt removal and concrete removal services when discussing the existing surface.
If you want a wider drive or an additional parking area, discuss the proposed dimensions before settling on the layout. Property boundaries, drainage and local approvals can affect the available space.
Groundwork and drainage belong in the plan
The finished surface needs a stable foundation. Existing soil, fill, soft areas and the condition of any gravel base affect the preparation needed before paving. The project should account for the intended vehicle loads and specify the proposed base and pavement construction. A thickness copied from another driveway may not suit your site.
Water also needs a workable route. Driveway elevations must be considered alongside garage thresholds, surrounding ground, ditches and the street entrance. Adding pavement should not be treated as a standalone cure for a drainage problem. If water already collects on the property, describe when and where it appears.
Review our grading services and drainage installation services when planning the related groundwork.
Replacement, resurfacing or repair?
These are different decisions. Replacement involves removing pavement and rebuilding the agreed area. Resurfacing adds a new asphalt layer over a suitable existing surface. Repair addresses a defined problem area. A fresh surface cannot be assumed to correct movement or weak material underneath it.
When requesting a replacement assessment, send photographs of the whole driveway and any damaged or wet areas. The condition of the existing drive determines which options are worth discussing. The final quote should identify the work being offered, including any preparation needed; it should not leave you guessing whether removal or underlying repairs are included.
Read our guide to asphalt driveway repair, resurfacing or replacement for a closer look at those decisions.
Prepare for your driveway estimate
Share your address, approximate dimensions, current surface and intended parking use. Include entrance photographs, access restrictions and any plans for a garage, widened driveway or drainage changes. Mention utilities or structures you know are close to the proposed work.
Use the estimate to confirm the footprint, removal and disposal, ground preparation, proposed materials, transitions and cleanup. Discuss permit responsibilities and how additional work would be addressed if underlying conditions differ from what is visible. For a closer look at the items that influence price, read our Hampton Roads asphalt driveway cost guide.
Service area and entrance requirements
First Phase generally works within roughly 35 miles of Norfolk, including Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Hampton and Newport News. Send the project address so we can confirm availability and access for the proposed asphalt work.
Entrance and driveway changes can require separate approvals. Chesapeake publishes driveway entrance permit and inspection requirements. Norfolk requires zoning review when expanding a driveway footprint; see its driveway and apron guidance. Virginia Beach provides right-of-way permit resources for work affecting that area. Confirm the requirements for your address and scope before construction.
Asphalt driveway questions
Can you evaluate replacing an existing driveway?
Yes. Tell us about its condition and the changes you want. A site assessment helps define removal, preparation and the proposed replacement area.
Can you pave over an existing gravel drive?
It needs assessment first. Existing gravel, underlying ground, drainage and elevations determine what preparation is needed before an asphalt surface can be considered. For gravel, stone or millings work, see our gravel driveway services.
How much will my driveway cost?
Area, removal, base work, drainage, materials and access all affect the scope. Request a site-specific estimate and use the cost guide to compare what is included.
Does weather affect paving?
Yes. Surface conditions, rain and asphalt temperature affect placement and compaction. The Asphalt Institute’s engineering FAQ explains these considerations.
Request your free driveway estimate with your address, photographs and the work you are considering.