A professionally installed driveway can work wonders not only for the accessibility of your home, but for its curb appeal, too. If you’re considering investing in a new driveway, here are some important factors to give thought to before you hire a contractor:
Are there any local laws or codes to adhere to?
A driveway is a significant investment, and as such, you should take care to check whether there might be any local restrictions preventing you from having the driveway you want, installed. Codes and regulations can vary from state to state and city to city, so do your research meticulously, or ask a local contractor to check for you.
What material should your driveway be made from?
This is one of the most important considerations to make, and below are 4 of the most popular materials chosen by homeowners:
- Asphalt
If you live in an area that sees harsh winters with a lot of snow and ice, an asphalt driveway is one of the best options as it’s easy to plow and provides a good surface in terms of traction. Affordable and visually appealing, asphalt does require a little maintenance, such as sealcoating every few years, it’s generally hardy and durable.
That said, if you’re planning a driveway that slopes or curves, you’ll need to have a drainage system installed to ensure that stormwater doesn’t flood your home or any neighboring structures.
- Concrete
With a hard and sturdy surface, concrete makes a wonderful material for a driveway, but it does cost more to install and may require seasonal maintenance, depending on where you live and how well you care for it. Prone to cracking and potholes if used heavily or exposed to continual freezing and thawing cycles during the winter months, concrete driveways are an excellent choice provided you’re willing to care for it appropriately, and have it professionally installed.
- Pavers
Exceptionally durable and with the ability to look truly stunning when designed and installed well, pavers make a fantastic material for a driveway, although they are decidedly more expensive. If you live in an area of the country that frequently experiences wintry weather, pavers may not be the best choice as they’re hard to plow, and can be slippery when wet or icy.
- Gravel
Gravel is one of the cheapest materials to construct a driveway from, but while it’s affordable and easy to install, it does require significant maintenance and doesn’t hold up well under a variety of inclement weather conditions.
How big should your driveway be and how should it be designed?
The design of a driveway can have a significant impact both on how you use it, and the curb appeal of your home. Talk to your contractor about the conditions your driveway is likely to endure (will there be a lot of vehicles using it, do you live in an area that experiences a lot of storms, for example), and what kind of impact you want your driveway to make visually.
Adequate drainage
Having a drainage system not just for your driveway, but for all landscaped areas surrounding your home, is essential if you want to be able to access your home safely and easily all year round, and prevent weather related damage from occurring. If you work with an experienced contractor, they should be able to ensure that all water and residue has a proper runoff area when installing your driveway, and if any drainage improvements are required for the surrounding area, you can talk to them about making the necessary changes, too.
A good driveway should last for many years to come, and giving enough consideration to the factors mentioned above, should see that you get a long lasting driveway that boosts the curb appeal of your home, too.