M.Bannon Corp

Massachusetts has no statewide paving license, but any residential contractor you hire must be Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registered, and structural retaining or grading work calls for a Construction Supervisor License. In Boston, a new or modified curb cut and any cut into the public sidewalk or street go through the Public Works Department, which issues the street-opening and driveway permits and inspects the apron. The city owns the sidewalk and the apron up to the property line, so you can't simply widen a curb cut without sign-off. Reputable pavers pull these permits for you.

Boston paving runs high relative to the rest of the state — parking constraints, tight access, debris-hauling costs, and union labor all add up. A standard asphalt driveway replacement typically lands in the $5,500–$13,000 range, with small triple-decker drives at the low end and full tear-out with base repair at the top. Sealcoating a short city driveway usually runs $250–$600. Concrete runs about $10–$18 per square foot installed, and permeable pavers higher again. Hand-work where a truck can't reach, plus apron rebuilds tied to a city sidewalk, push quotes up.

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 Boston page.