Quote verification tool

Asphalt Quote Scope & Math Checker

Put two proposals on the same basis. Reverse-check the tonnage, identify missing scope, and leave with specific questions for each contractor.

What this checker does: verifies arithmetic, reverse-calculates implied thickness or density, and identifies scope differences.It does not judge price fairness, contractor honesty, engineering adequacy, code compliance or actual field conditions.
Math + scope only
$
sq ft
short tons
in
lb/ft³
lifts
in
Scope stated in this quote
Math + scope only
$
sq ft
short tons
in
lb/ft³
lifts
in
Scope stated in this quote

Comparison

Quotes should only be compared after price basis, area and scope align.

Not comparable
  • Both total prices are needed.
  • Both quoted areas are needed.

Quote A

Math consistencyCannot verify
Scope completenessMajor items missing
Engineering complianceNot evaluated
Implied compacted thickness
Cannot verify
Implied compacted density
Cannot verify
Stated vs implied thickness
Cannot verify
Price per quoted sq ft
Cannot verify

Questions to ask

  • Is the stated thickness the final compacted thickness after rolling?
  • What exact paved area is included, including aprons or widened edges?
  • How many tons of asphalt are included, and will delivered weight be documented by scale tickets?
  • Is removal and disposal included?
  • What aggregate base material and final compacted depth are included?
  • Are delivery and mobilization included in the total price?
  • What grading or drainage correction is included?
  • Is there a written warranty, and what does it cover?

Quote B

Math consistencyCannot verify
Scope completenessMajor items missing
Engineering complianceNot evaluated
Implied compacted thickness
Cannot verify
Implied compacted density
Cannot verify
Stated vs implied thickness
Cannot verify
Price per quoted sq ft
Cannot verify

Questions to ask

  • Is the stated thickness the final compacted thickness after rolling?
  • What exact paved area is included, including aprons or widened edges?
  • How many tons of asphalt are included, and will delivered weight be documented by scale tickets?
  • Is removal and disposal included?
  • What aggregate base material and final compacted depth are included?
  • Are delivery and mobilization included in the total price?
  • What grading or drainage correction is included?
  • Is there a written warranty, and what does it cover?
Scope itemQuote AQuote B
Removal and disposalnot-statednot-stated
Excavationnot-statednot-stated
Aggregate basenot-statednot-stated
Delivery / mobilizationnot-statednot-stated
Tack coatnot-statednot-stated
Drainage / gradingnot-statednot-stated
Edge treatmentnot-statednot-stated
Permits / striping / taxnot-statednot-stated
Warrantynot-statednot-stated

Engineering compliance: Not evaluated. This page cannot inspect soil, drainage, compaction, mix design, permits or local specifications. Confirm the final scope with the contractor and use a qualified local professional where required.

How to compare asphalt paving quotes correctly

A lower total is not necessarily a lower price for the same work. First align the paved area, final compacted thickness, number of lifts, mix, aggregate base, removal, grading, delivery and warranty. Only then compare totals or unit prices.

Line to alignWhat to ask each contractor
Paved area"What square footage did you measure?" — quotes measured differently are not comparable.
Compacted thickness"What is the final compacted thickness, in inches?" — do not convert a loose placement depth with a universal ratio; ask the contractor for the stated finished thickness.
Tonnage"How many tons of mix are you ordering for this area?" — the checker below converts it to an implied thickness.
Base work"Is a new aggregate base included, and how thick?" — the base is the structural half of the job.
Removal"Does this include tearing out and hauling away the existing surface?"
Delivery"Is trucking included, and are there minimum-load or short-load fees?"
Overruns"If the job needs more material than quoted, how is the extra priced?" — usually a percentage of the total; an unlimited overrun clause can erase a low bid.
Incidentals"What is not included?" — permits, mobilization, and short-load surcharges are commonly excluded from the headline number.
Warranty & schedule"What warranty do you give, and when can you schedule?" — compare only after the math lines up.

What the reverse calculation means

If a quote states area and asphalt tons, this tool uses the selected planning density to calculate the thickness that those tons imply. A difference is a reason to ask a question—not proof that the quote is wrong. The quote may use a different area, density, allowance or course structure.

Example: two quotes cover the same 600 sq ft driveway. Quote A orders 10 tons; quote B orders 12 tons. At the standard 145 lb/ft³ planning density, A implies about 2.8 inches compacted while B implies about 3.3 inches. B states roughly 20% more material, but that alone does not make it the better project: confirm allowance, mix, lifts, base work, delivery and final compacted thickness.

Wording can hide the same difference. One contractor may state compacted thickness while another gives a loose placement depth. There is no universal conversion ratio for every mix and placement condition, so ask both contractors to state the final compacted thickness before comparing.

What still requires local verification

Actual construction quality depends on field measurements, soil, drainage, mix design, temperature, compaction and applicable local requirements. This checker does not inspect the job, determine legal compliance, or provide an engineering opinion.

Frequently asked questions

What should an asphalt quote include?

At minimum: measured square footage, final compacted thickness, tonnage of mix, base work, removal of the existing surface, delivery, and warranty. A quote that gives only a total price with no area or thickness cannot be compared — ask for the breakdown before you evaluate it.

Why is one quote much lower than the others?

Usually because the scope is thinner — literally. Run the tonnage through the checker: a low quote often implies fewer inches of compacted asphalt, skips base work, or excludes removal. Occasionally it reflects a slower schedule or a smaller crew. The math tells you which question to ask first.

How many quotes should I get for a driveway?

Two or three is enough if each one states area, thickness and tonnage. More quotes help less than comparable quotes — three itemized proposals beat six lump-sum prices every time.

Should I always take the lowest comparable quote?

Once scope, thickness and tonnage line up, price is a legitimate deciding factor — but check insurance, references and schedule too. A contractor who cannot state the compacted thickness they will lay is a risk at any price.