Frequently Asked Questions

Affordable G. Nichols Paving Contractor provides residential paving services and commercial paving services throughout Ocean County, Monmouth County, and surrounding New Jersey communities. Browse the frequently asked questions below to learn more about asphalt paving, driveway repairs, parking lots, estimates, warranties, and project preparation.

Affordable G Nichols Most Frequently Asked Questions:

What paving services do you offer?

We provide residential and commercial asphalt paving, driveway replacement, parking lot paving, resurfacing, pothole repair, crack repair, seal coating, grading, drainage, excavation, concrete work, masonry, Belgium block, retaining walls, athletic surfaces, and additional parking areas.

Do you work on residential and commercial properties?

Yes. We work with homeowners, businesses, property managers, apartment communities, schools, restaurants, retail properties, houses of worship, offices, warehouses, and other commercial facilities.

What areas do you serve?

We primarily serve Ocean County and Monmouth County, including Brick, Toms River, Point Pleasant, Brielle, Wall Township, Freehold, Lakewood, Jackson, Colts Neck, and surrounding communities.

Contact us to confirm availability for your specific property and project.

How much paving experience do you have?

Our company brings more than 40 years of paving experience to residential and commercial projects. Owner Godfrey Nichols remains personally involved in overseeing the work and communicating with customers.

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes. Affordable G. Nichols Paving Contractor is licensed and insured. Our New Jersey Home Improvement Contractor registration number is 13VH00396100.

Estimates, Pricing & Warranties

Do you provide free estimates?

Yes. We provide free, no-obligation estimates for asphalt paving, repairs, concrete, masonry, grading, drainage, and related property improvements.

What happens during a paving estimate?

We review the size and condition of the area, existing pavement, drainage, grading, site access, base condition, and intended use. We then recommend an appropriate scope of work and provide pricing for the proposed project.

What affects the cost of asphalt paving?

Pricing may depend on:

• Total square footage

• Existing pavement condition

• Removal and excavation needs

• Base preparation

• Asphalt thickness

• Drainage and grading

• Site access

• Concrete or masonry additions

• Project location

An on-site evaluation helps us provide a more accurate estimate.

Do you offer a warranty?

Our paving installations and repairs include a one-year warranty on materials and labor. Specific coverage may depend on the approved project scope, property conditions, use, and terms listed in the agreement.

Asphalt Driveway Questions

Do you install new asphalt driveways?

Yes. We install new asphalt driveways and replace existing residential pavement.

Depending on the property, the work may include removal, excavation, stone base preparation, grading, compaction, asphalt installation, and final surface compaction.

Can you replace my existing driveway?

Yes. We can remove and replace deteriorated driveways when the pavement or underlying base is no longer suitable for repair or resurfacing.

We inspect the existing surface before recommending full replacement.

Does my driveway need repair, resurfacing, or replacement?

Minor, isolated damage may only require repair. Resurfacing may be suitable when the surface is worn but the underlying base remains stable.

Complete replacement may be recommended when there is widespread cracking, settlement, drainage failure, or extensive base deterioration.

What causes asphalt driveways to crack?

Common causes include water intrusion, freeze-and-thaw cycles, poor drainage, weak base material, heavy vehicles, settlement, aging, oxidation, and delayed maintenance.

Finding the cause of the damage is important before choosing a repair method.

Why is driveway drainage important?

Standing water and poor drainage can weaken the material beneath asphalt and contribute to cracking, settlement, and potholes.

Proper grading helps direct water away from the driveway, garage, foundation, and other vulnerable areas.

How long does a driveway paving project take?

The schedule depends on the driveway size, existing condition, excavation requirements, drainage work, weather, and site access.

We provide a more specific timeline after evaluating the property.

How soon can I drive on new asphalt?

The waiting period depends on the weather, pavement temperature, asphalt thickness, vehicle weight, and project conditions.

Always follow the instructions provided by our crew before driving or parking on the new surface.

Can asphalt be installed during cold or rainy weather?

Rain, standing water, frozen ground, and cold temperatures can interfere with asphalt placement and compaction.

We monitor site and weather conditions and may reschedule paving when conditions could affect the finished surface.

Asphalt Repair & Maintenance

Do you repair potholes?

Yes. We repair potholes in residential driveways, parking lots, access areas, and other asphalt surfaces.

The repair method depends on the size of the damaged area and the condition of the pavement and base beneath it.

Why do potholes come back after being repaired?

Recurring potholes may indicate poor drainage, water beneath the pavement, weak base material, heavy traffic, or damage extending beyond the visible hole.

A lasting repair may require removing a larger section and correcting the underlying problem.

Do you provide asphalt crack repair?

Yes. We provide hot-fill crack repair for driveways and parking lots.

Repairing cracks can help reduce water intrusion and slow further pavement deterioration. Crack filling does not correct a failed foundation or severe structural movement.

Do you provide seal coating?

Yes. Seal coating is available for suitable asphalt surfaces.

It can help protect pavement from moisture, sunlight, oxidation, and routine wear while refreshing its appearance. Cracks, potholes, and failed areas should be repaired before seal coating.

How long does an asphalt driveway last?

Asphalt lifespan depends on base preparation, drainage, pavement thickness, vehicle use, weather exposure, maintenance, and how quickly damage is repaired.

Proper installation and routine maintenance can significantly improve long-term performance.

Commercial Paving Questions

Do you pave commercial parking lots?

Yes. We pave, resurface, replace, and repair small to medium-sized commercial parking lots.

We work with retail properties, apartment buildings, restaurants, offices, schools, warehouses, houses of worship, and other commercial facilities.

Can you repair a parking lot without replacing the entire surface?

In many cases, yes. Isolated potholes, cracks, or failed sections may be repaired individually.

If deterioration is widespread or the base has failed, resurfacing or replacement may provide better long-term value.

Can my business remain open during paving?

That depends on the property layout and project scope.

Some projects can be completed in sections to preserve limited access. Others may require temporary closures for safety, equipment movement, curing, and proper installation.

Do you provide commercial snow removal?

Yes. We offer commercial snow removal for qualifying parking lots and walkways. Availability depends on the property location, size, access, and current scheduling.

Concrete, Masonry & Additional Services

Do you only work with asphalt?

No. We also provide concrete, brick paver, Belgium block, masonry, retaining wall, railroad tie, and other hard-surface improvements.

Can you combine asphalt with concrete or masonry?

Yes. Asphalt paving can be coordinated with concrete aprons, sidewalks, patios, curbing, Belgium block, brick pavers, and retaining features.

Planning these improvements together can help create better transitions, drainage, elevations, and a more consistent finished appearance.

Do you install additional parking areas or private streets?

Yes. We install additional parking spaces, private streets, athletic surfaces, and other paved areas.

The recommended pavement design depends on expected traffic, vehicle weight, drainage, soil conditions, and intended use.

Preparing for Your Paving Project

How should I prepare before paving begins?

Before the scheduled work:

• Remove vehicles from the project area

• Arrange alternate parking

• Move planters, furniture, hoops, and decorations

• Keep children and pets away from the work zone

• Identify sprinkler lines, drains, invisible fences, or buried features

• Notify tenants, employees, or customers about access changes

We will provide any additional preparation instructions before the project begins.

Do I need a permit for driveway paving?

Permit requirements vary by municipality and project type.

Work involving driveway aprons, sidewalks, drainage, road access, expanded parking, easements, or public rights-of-way may require municipal approval. Property owners should confirm local requirements before construction.