Should I coordinate driveway paving with my neighbour in Ottawa to get a group discount?

Coordinating driveway paving with your neighbour can potentially save both of you 10 to 20 percent on labour costs, but success depends on timing alignment, similar project scope, and choosing the right contractor. The savings come from reduced mobilization costs and crew efficiency when working multiple driveways in sequence.

How Group Discounts Work
Paving contractors incur significant mobilization costs bringing equipment to each job site — the paving machine, vibratory roller, dump trucks, and crew travel time. When working adjacent driveways back-to-back, contractors can spread these fixed costs across multiple projects and often pass some savings to homeowners. The discount typically applies to labour rather than materials, since asphalt, granular base, and other materials are priced per tonne regardless of project size.

Best Scenarios for Coordination
Neighbouring driveways work best when both need similar work scope and timing. Two driveways requiring full replacement with new base preparation can achieve meaningful savings since the crew and equipment stay on-site longer. However, if one neighbour needs simple resurfacing while the other requires full tear-out and replacement, the efficiency gains diminish. Similarly, if your neighbour wants basic asphalt while you prefer interlock pavers, you're essentially hiring the contractor for two different types of projects.

Ottawa-Specific Timing Considerations
Ottawa's short paving season (late May through September) means contractors are often booked weeks or months in advance during peak season. Coordinating with your neighbour requires both households to commit to the same contractor and timeline early in the planning process. September is the most popular paving month in Ottawa, so booking neighbouring projects for July or August might yield better pricing and scheduling flexibility.

Potential Complications
The main risk is that one neighbour's project complications delay or affect the other's work. If your neighbour's driveway reveals unexpected base failure or drainage issues requiring additional excavation, it could delay your project or increase costs if the contractor needs to return with equipment. Additionally, if one neighbour becomes dissatisfied with the work quality or wants changes mid-project, it can create tension that affects both projects.

Getting Quotes and Contracts
When approaching contractors for group pricing, get separate quotes for each property and a combined quote showing the group discount. Each homeowner should have their own contract specifying their scope of work, materials, timeline, and payment schedule. Avoid joint contracts where both neighbours are financially responsible for the entire project — if one neighbour defaults on payment, the other could be held liable.

Practical Steps
Start by discussing the idea with your neighbour early in your planning process. If they're interested, walk both driveways together to assess whether the projects are compatible in scope and timing. When requesting quotes, specify that you're coordinating with your neighbour and ask contractors to provide both individual and group pricing. Choose contractors experienced with multi-property projects who can clearly explain how they'll manage scheduling, access, and potential complications.

When to Hire a Pro
Both properties should hire the same professional paving contractor rather than attempting any DIY coordination of materials or equipment. The contractor manages all logistics, equipment scheduling, and material delivery. However, each homeowner should independently verify the contractor's WSIB coverage, insurance, and references.

Alternative Approach
If timing doesn't align perfectly with your neighbour, consider coordinating with other nearby homeowners planning driveway work. Some Ottawa contractors offer neighbourhood pricing when working multiple driveways in the same area within a few weeks, even if not on the same day.

Need help finding a driveway contractor experienced with multi-property projects? Ottawa Driveways can match you with local paving professionals who regularly handle coordinated neighbourhood work.