The paved surfaces around a house — and, more importantly, which way they send water. A driveway is also a $3,000–6,000 line item that buyers forget when it's at end of life.
$4–7/sq ft to repave asphalt in the GTA; $2,500–6,000+ typical drivewayMonitorExterior
The quick answer
The paved surfaces around a house — and, more importantly, which way they send water. A driveway is also a $3,000–6,000 line item that buyers forget when it's at end of life.
Flatwork that slopes toward the house or garage funnels every rainfall and thaw at the foundation — it's the paved version of negative grading, and it causes the same wet-basement outcomes. Separately, badly heaved slabs are trip hazards, and "alligator" cracking through asphalt means the base has failed (repave, not patch).
How to spot it
Look down the driveway toward the house, ideally after rain: where does the water go? Check for settled slab sections pooling at the wall, lips over an inch between slabs, wide interconnected cracking, and new asphalt poured up over the base of the siding or brick (a moisture bridge).
What it costs
GTA asphalt repaving runs $4–7 per square foot — a typical residential driveway $2,500–6,000+. Relevelling or resurfacing individual sections costs less.
What to do
Monitor cosmetic cracking; take slope seriously — regrading or drainage correction where flatwork drains at the house prevents the expensive basement problems. Ask where the water goes in a February thaw if the driveway drains at the garage door.
Education and triage, not a home inspection. Hairline cracks are cosmetic. Slope and base failure are the findings that matter — Casaroo reads both from your exterior photos, and a paving or drainage contractor confirms.
Common questions
What is Driveways & walkways?
The paved surfaces around a house — and, more importantly, which way they send water. A driveway is also a $3,000–6,000 line item that buyers forget when it's at end of life.
Why does it matter for home buyers?
Flatwork that slopes toward the house or garage funnels every rainfall and thaw at the foundation — it's the paved version of negative grading, and it causes the same wet-basement outcomes. Separately, badly heaved slabs are trip hazards, and "alligator" cracking through asphalt means the base has failed (repave, not patch).
How can I spot it?
Look down the driveway toward the house, ideally after rain: where does the water go? Check for settled slab sections pooling at the wall, lips over an inch between slabs, wide interconnected cracking, and new asphalt poured up over the base of the siding or brick (a moisture bridge).
How much does it cost to fix?
GTA asphalt repaving runs $4–7 per square foot — a typical residential driveway $2,500–6,000+. Relevelling or resurfacing individual sections costs less.
Last reviewed 2026-07-10.
This guide is general education, not a home inspection and not advice for your specific property — always
consult the appropriate licensed professional, and get a licensed home inspection before you remove conditions
or buy. Cost ranges are 2026 estimates that vary by region, size, and access; confirm specifics with a
qualified professional.