The True Cost of Cheap Paving Jobs

Everyone loves saving money especially on big-ticket projects like driveway or parking lot paving. But when it comes to asphalt, the cheapest bid usually isn’t the best deal.

At Valley Blacktopping, we’ve been paving in the Twin Cities since 1976. In that time, we’ve seen what happens when shortcuts are taken and more often than not, we’re called in to fix it.

As the saying goes: “The sting of poor quality lasts longer than the joy of saving money.”

Here’s why a cheap paving job can cost you more in the long run and what we do differently.

1. Weak Base = Weak Driveway

Most paving failures start below the surface. A lot of contractors will “add rock as needed,” skip proper excavation, or try to patch over soft areas instead of addressing them.

At Valley Blacktopping, we do a full sub-cut on every residential dig-out and replacement and install a minimum of 4 inches of recycled class 5 rock. That gives your driveway the solid foundation it needs to hold up to vehicles, weather, and time.

We’d rather do it right the first time than leave you with a project that needs fixing in a few years.

2. Thin Asphalt Isn’t a Bargain

Some low bids cut corners by laying thinner asphalt than what’s needed for long-term performance. You might not notice it right away but as the seasons change and the freeze-thaw cycle kicks in, you’ll see cracking, rutting, and breakdown.

We install asphalt at the proper thickness for your specific use whether it’s a residential driveway or a commercial lot. Because we’re not just looking at today we’re building for the next 20+ years.

3. Drainage Matters (Even If It’s Not on the Bid)

Cheap paving jobs often ignore the importance of drainage. Without the right slope and runoff control, water pools, seeps in, and causes major damage to both the asphalt and the base below.

Our team evaluates drainage on every project. Sometimes it’s as simple as a pitch adjustment, sometimes it means more grading. Either way, it’s something we take seriously.

4. No Shortcuts, No Surprises

We’re rarely the cheapest and we’re okay with that.

Our bids reflect thorough prep work, quality materials, and experienced crews who care about doing things right.

We also stand behind our work. We’ve been around for nearly 50 years, and our reputation is built on results — not disappearing after the job is done.

5. Experience You Can Actually Trust

Some companies in our area reference a long history, sometimes dating back 75+ years based on the name of an older business. While the name may have changed hands, the experience behind it doesn’t always match the legacy it suggests.

At Valley Blacktopping, our history is our own. We’ve been family-owned and operated since 1976, and our team’s experience has been built the right way — through decades of hands-on work, satisfied customers, and a reputation we’re proud to stand behind.

Invest in Quality That Lasts

There’s no shortage of paving companies out there. But if you’re looking for a job that’s built to last from the base on up Valley Blacktopping is the name you can trust.

Because a cheap paving job might save you a little now...But fixing it later costs a lot more.

Ready for a quote you can count on? Contact us today to schedule your free estimate.