This is sort of a follow up to the thread asking advice about New Asphalt driveway cost on Sep 30 ... I have a similar question about widening the driveway.

I currently have a driveway about 10'X20'. It's in reasonable shape and I wouldn't normally do anything with it for many more years, but it is obviously not new.

I really need to widen the driveway (new section about 10'x30'), but what should I look for in price quotes? Should it be priced like a new 10'x30' driveway with a little extra to resurface the existing section? Should I expect it to be priced like a new driveway for the entire size?

 

The pricing should include excavation for the new section 10X10 to at least six inches deep (preferably 12 or whatever depth the old driveway's granular is (this will be evident once the contractor digs next to it), granular material and compaction in not more than six inch layers for fill in the new section, removal and disposal of the existing asphalt, and the application of at least 2 inches of asphalt mix right across the entire driveway. It is crucial that the new section be thoroughly and well compacted to try to match the density of the old driveway (which has been compacted over the years with traffic and the elements since the original construction compaction), otherwise you will have uneven settlement between the new and old sections. This would be problematic to repair if you go with asphalt or concrete, but easier if you go with interlocking brick.

You should be able to get a quotation breakdown along these lines, as that is how the contractor will likely price it.