wHat should i know before and after paving?

The best time to get your driveway paved is during spring and summer months, the earlier the better. you may still get some paving done during the fall if weather permits. you'll want to make sure your driveway is paved in warm clear weather, at least for the asphalt side of it. If a contractor is planing on doing grading work, or ripping out old asphalt in the rain it will be OK in most cases.

The size of the driveway decides the length of time it will take to complete the project. For a smaller driveway, such as one in a development or gated community, in most cases it can range from 1-2 days. For long lanes and large projects, it can take up too 3-6 days. Every driveway is different, and some are more complicated than others. So please be patient with the contractor, while they deal with your driveway carefully and in the correct manner.  

So how long should i stay off my driveway after it has been paved or sealed? well for both paving and seal coating its recommend to allow at least three days for everything to settle. Keep i mind that asphalt still continues its settling process for 6 months to a year. so sharp and heavy objects can still pose a threat to you newly paved asphalt, for example:

• large equipment and heavy trucks and trailers.
• sharp objects with applied force,( some costumers have damaged their driveway with high heel shoes! but this is very rare.)
• lawn mowers scraping along edges of driveway.
• even twisting car tires to hard in hot weather. 

When your driveway is finished  you should have asphalt that compliments and adds to the overall beauty of your home. with a smooth rolled surface, and neat edges. your asphalt should be flush with your concrete and garage. But there are certain things to keep in mind:

• If the contractor runs out of asphalt during the process of paving your driveway, you may have seams,but with the right contractor, these will be heated and blended so they are smooth and barely visible. and they will wear in and go away with time.
• in tight and hard to reach places (such as under plants and bushes) it can sometimes be difficult to make an edge perfect. its best to make sure your plants, bushes, or anything near the soon to be driveway are trimmed and cleared to ensure the contractor and their crew have the space needed to do their work. 
• if your getting seal coating done, its good to know that sealer does not and will not lay over thick layers of dirt. If you have a lot of dirt build up on your driveway it may be a good idea to power wash or simply rinse the dirt away a day before it is to be done.