How Do I Know If the Price I’m Getting Is Fair?

At some point, almost everyone asking for paving or site work thinks the same thing:

“Is this a fair price… or am I getting ripped off?”

That question is normal. Construction pricing isn’t intuitive, and parking lots, asphalt, concrete, and masonry don’t come with price tags. On top of that, you might get quotes that are thousands—or tens of thousands—of dollars apart.

A big price difference doesn’t automatically mean someone is dishonest. But it does mean you should slow down and ask better questions.

Step One: Get Multiple Quotes (Seriously)

A good rule of thumb is to speak with at least three contractors.

Not because you’re trying to squeeze the lowest price, but because:

• You start to see a range

• Patterns emerge

• You learn how different contractors think about the same problem

If all three numbers are in a similar ballpark, that’s useful information.
If one is way higher or way lower, that’s also useful—but for different reasons.

If the Quotes Are Very Different, What Does That Mean?

Radically different prices usually mean the scope is not the same, even if it sounds similar on paper.

Two contractors can both say:

“We’ll patch and overlay the lot”

…but mean very different things.

Differences often come down to:

• Thickness of asphalt or concrete

• Depth of patches

• How much prep work is included

• Whether drainage or base issues are being addressed

• Quality of materials

• How rushed or careful the installation will be

This is where confusion—and bad decisions—often happen.

Don’t Just Question the Expensive Quote

Question the Cheap One

When a price comes in much lower than the others, don’t assume you’ve found a deal. Ask that contractor directly:

• “What are you doing differently from the other quotes?”

• “What materials are you using, and how thick?”

• “What prep work is included—and what’s not?”

• “What are you assuming about the condition of the base?”

Very often, cheaper pricing comes from:

• Thinner material

• Less prep

• Skipping problem areas

• Using lower-grade materials

• Rushing compaction or curing

That doesn’t always make it wrong. Sometimes a short-term fix is acceptable. But you should know what you’re buying.

Ask Yourself: What Am I Actually Paying For?

Price isn’t just about materials and labor. It also reflects:

• Experience

• Risk

• Accountability

• Willingness to stand behind the work

Ask yourself:

• Is this contractor explaining tradeoffs clearly?

• Are they realistic about how long the repair will last?

• Do they talk about drainage, base conditions, and future failure points?

Someone who promises everything will be perfect forever at a bargain price is usually oversimplifying.

Reputation Matters More Than It Seems

A fair price also includes who is doing the work.

Consider:

• Do they have a track record?

• Are they known locally, or are they a no-name operation?

• Will they answer the phone if there’s an issue later?

• Are they willing to explain their approach, or do they dodge questions?

A contractor who plans to be around next year prices work differently than someone who disappears after the check clears.

Being Overcharged vs. Being Underserved

Being overcharged feels bad.
Being underserved is often worse.

The most expensive job is the one you have to redo early because:

• materials were skimmed

• prep was skipped

• water problems weren’t addressed

• no one stands behind the work

A fair price is one where:

• the scope matches the condition

• the expectations are honest

• the contractor explains what you’re getting and what you’re not

The Big Picture

Price alone doesn’t tell you whether a quote is fair. Context does.

Get multiple quotes.
Compare what’s included, not just the number.
Ask the cheaper contractor what they’re doing differently.
Pay attention to reputation and accountability, not just promises.

If something feels confusing, that’s usually a sign more explanation—not a faster decision—is needed.

If you’re unsure whether a quote is fair or just want someone to explain the differences in plain English, feel free to reach out to us at Atlantic Mason. We’re always happy to walk through the options and help you understand what you’re actually paying for.

Atlantic Mason works with homeowners, property owners, and managers across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut on asphalt, concrete, and masonry projects. Our work includes parking lots, driveways, sidewalks, curbs, and related site improvements, with an emphasis on durability, transparency, and long-term performance.