The Hidden Costs of Hiring Cheap Paving Contractors in Vancouver

You know that saying, “You get what you pay for”? Yes, unfortunately, it applies to paving too.

Have you ever driven across a bumpy, uneven, freshly-paved parking lot and thought, “Wow… this was probably a deal”? If you’ve ever been tempted by a too-good-to-be-true quote for paving services, you’re not alone. It happens more than you’d think in the Greater Vancouver Area.

But here’s the thing: what looks like a money-saver upfront often ends up costing you way more, both financially and emotionally (say hi to stress-induced driveway regrets).

Let’s talk about it.

So, What’s Actually “Cheap” About Cheap Paving?

We’re not just talking about price tags here. “Cheap paving” usually means shortcuts like cutting corners on prep work, skipping proper drainage, using low-grade asphalt, or hiring unskilled labour. It might look fine for a few weeks… maybe even a couple of months. But before long?

• Cracks appear where there shouldn’t be any.
• Water starts pooling in all the wrong places.
• Edges begin crumbling like a stale cookie.
• And potholes? Don’t even get us started.

Honestly, by the time you realize something’s wrong, the original crew is long gone. No warranty, no follow-up, no help. Just you and a surface that’s falling apart way too soon.

“But I Just Needed Something Quick and Affordable…”

We get it. When you’re staring at a budget or just trying to get a property ready for a tenant or sale, it’s easy to look at numbers and go with the cheapest quote.

Who hasn’t done that at some point?

But ask yourself this: Would you rather pay once for a job that lasts 15+ years or twice for something that starts breaking down after one rainy season?

Because that’s usually the deal. Vancouver’s weather isn’t gentle, especially not on surfaces built with the wrong materials or poor preparation. And the worst part? Fixing it after the fact costs more than just doing it right the first time.

What’s the Real Cost of “Cheap”?

Let’s break it down a little more clearly. Here’s what you might end up paying for later:

• Repaving Entire Sections: A patchy, poorly compacted base can’t support your pavement. You’ll end up redoing it.
• Drainage Issues: If water doesn’t drain right, it erodes from underneath and you won’t even know until cracks or sinkholes appear. You’ll need a brand-new drainage system.
• Frustrated Tenants or Customers: If you manage a commercial property, a deteriorating lot is a big turn-off. First impressions matter.
• Liability: Yep. Uneven surfaces and potholes can become safety hazards and legal ones if someone trips, slips, or falls.

That “cheap” job starts feeling pretty expensive, doesn’t it?

Here’s What Reputable Paving Contractors Actually Bring to the Table

Let’s shift gears for a second. When you hire a professional paving company, like Burnaby Blacktop, you’re not just getting a smoother surface. You’re getting experience, proper equipment, and a crew that actually understands how to work with Vancouver’s terrain and climate.

You’re getting:

• Proper excavation and site prep (not just a “quick scrape”)
• High-quality asphalt and aggregate blends
• Attention to water flow and drainage
• Clean line painting, strong edges, and compacted layers
• A team that sticks around after the job’s done—because we back our work

We know paving isn’t the most exciting thing to spend your money on. It’s not as flashy as a kitchen reno or a fancy new fence. But it is the foundation, literally, for everything that rolls, walks, or parks on your property.

How Would You Know Who to Trust?

Here’s a simple test: ask them how they prepare their base layer. If they look confused or say “don’t worry about that,” run. If their quote is suspiciously lower than others ask why. And if there’s no warranty? That’s your answer right there.

Look for a company that:

• Owns their own equipment
• Has a crew of trained employees (not just temps for the week)
• Works year-round and knows the seasonal challenges
• Offers references or photos of real work locally. Ask if they have done paving in Vancouver before.

What Do You Think?

If you’re planning a paving project and wondering who to hire, ask yourself this: Do you want it done fast and cheap… or done once and done right?

Burnaby Blacktop has been working with residential, commercial, and municipal clients across Greater Vancouver for over 14 years and counting. We’ve seen what happens when corners are cut, and we’ve helped a lot of clients recover from it. But honestly? We’d rather save you from the hassle in the first place.

Let’s talk about your paving project. We’ll walk you through the process, give you a clear quote, and leave you with a surface that’s built to last, not one you’ll regret in six months. Send us a free quote request or give us a call!