Durable Driveways: “Customers can rely on us to do the job right the first time. We are reliable, experienced, thorough, and affordable.” Glenn Layendecker, owner of Budget Paving in Lawrenceville, is shown with the fleet of his paving vehicles, which must be continuously maintained to provide the best service.

If your driveway is beginning to take on a grayish tinge, and telltale cracks and weeds are visible, it’s probably time to consider a re-do!

Glenn Layendecker, owner of Budget Paving, located at 34 A Black Lane in Lawrenceville, is ready to put in a new driveway, add a seal coating finish, or do needed repair work.

Driveways are a specialty, but his company also provides services for parking lots, as well as patio hardscapes and walkways, power washing, etc.

“We offer professional asphalt maintenance at affordable prices,” says Mr. Layendecker. “And we pride ourselves on prompt, reliable service. We’re a fully-insured company, and we perform our services on residential, commercial, municipal, and industrial properties. Our services include seal coating, paving, patio work, crack repairs, and line striping of driveways and parking lots.”

In business since 1999, Mr. Layendecker began with a focus on seal coating (a topping to protect against water seepage, cracks, and winter damage), then added paving as a major service in 2007.

“The life span of an asphalt driveway is 10 to 15 years,” he explains. “Seal coating once a year or every two years, depending on the condition, will help keep it from cracking and also give it a nice look.”

The majority of his driveway work is with asphalt, but he also uses concrete, pavers, and Belgian blocks on some jobs. He works on every size and shape driveway, including flat, inclines, curves, straight, double drives, and circular.

“The busiest time for paving is spring into summer,” he reports, “and this takes a lot of careful scheduling. That can be a challenge because of weather conditions. If there is a lot of rain, things can get backed up.”

The busiest time for seal coating is the end of fall, he adds, because people want to protect their driveway from the possible ravages of winter weather, including from snow plows, etc.

When customers inquire about paving their driveway, Mr. Layendecker visits the property, and provides an estimate. Once the job is underway, he is on site regularly.

“Most paving jobs take one or two days,” he explains. “I enjoy the interaction with the customers, and every job is different. I am proud of my excellent staff. Everyone who works for me is good-hearted and cares about the job. There is a skill to putting the paving down correctly. There are many components to be considered, including making sure there is proper drainage. This can be a problem. You want the run-off water to go toward the street, not toward the house.

“Our company stands out because we are straight-shooters. We do the job the right way; we are very thorough, and we don’t cut corners. We offer a one-year warranty on paving jobs. The challenge is to compete with people who ‘low-ball’ prices, and who then don’t do good work.”

Paving jobs typically start at $1500 for new asphalt, and seal coating is $100 to $275, depending on the size of the driveway.

“I’d say we’re in the middle price range,” points out Mr. Layendecker. “We give you the most value for the money. Size is an important factor in establishing the price, and, of course, the materials. Concrete, Belgian block, and pavers are more expensive.

“One point I’d make to customers is that when choosing a company to take care of their asphalt, be sure to ask questions and feel comfortable with the people. It’s not always about the lowest price. And, also, it’s good to invest in a local contractor. If they are local, their reputation depends on doing a good job.”

In addition to paving and seal coating, Mr. Layendecker works on hardscapes for patios and walkways, power washes houses, surface cleans store fronts (that is, power washing sidewalks). And in the winter, when paving jobs are not normally on the agenda, he often keeps busy with snow plowing projects.

Customers are in Princeton and the surrounding area, and excellent word of mouth continues to expand the customer base. As Mr.Layendecker says, “People know they can count on us.”

Budget Paving hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for appointments. (609) 586-5600. Website: www.paveNsave.com.