D & R General Contracting Inc

Massachusetts has no statewide paving license, but any residential paver you hire must be Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registered, and structural grading or retaining work calls for a Construction Supervisor License. In Melrose, a new or modified curb cut and any cut into the public road or sidewalk go through the Department of Public Works, which issues street-opening and driveway permits and inspects the apron. The city owns the road and sidewalk up to your property line, so widening a curb cut needs sign-off. Local pavers normally pull these permits as part of the job.

Melrose paving runs at typical inner-Boston-suburb rates — above outlying towns, since tight lots, narrow streets, and shared two-family drives often force hand-work and smaller equipment. A standard asphalt driveway replacement usually lands in the $5,000–$12,000 range, with constrained access and full tear-out plus base repair at the top. Sealcoating a short Melrose drive runs about $300–$650. Concrete runs roughly $10–$17 per square foot installed, and permeable pavers higher again. Access constraints and apron rebuilds tied to a city sidewalk are the main upward cost drivers.

Massachusetts requires a written contract and a Home Improvement Contractor registration for most residential paving & driveways work; ask for the registration number and check it before paying a deposit.

More on permits, costs, rebates and common questions, plus every other paving & driveways contractor serving the town, on the Paving & Driveways in Melrose page.