When it comes to enhancing the look of your home, there are many things to keep in mind when planning your driveway, beyond simply making room for your car.
Pavers, gravel, asphalt, or any other material you choose to construct your new driveway should blend in with your home’s exterior and the surrounding neighbourhood to achieve a pleasing aesthetic result. You can also choose to update the look of the existing driveway and give the property’s curb appeal a boost.
Consider your driveway as a natural extension of your front yard’s functionality. A proposed driveway can be minimalist, surrounded by lush front yard landscaping, or modern or traditional. Ultimately, it’s up to you as property owner to decide what works best for you and your home.
The tips in this article will assist you in driveway construction that serves the dual purpose of being functional and visually appealing on your new property.
Here is What You Should Look for When Assessing Your Driveways:
How big is the existing driveway?
If you have a large family or frequently have guests, you should have a large enough driveway to accommodate several cars. If you don’t get a lot of guests, a modest-sized driveway with stamped concrete, coloured concrete, or plain concrete might be sufficient. If not, consider adding a second driveway by exploring the maximum width of your property boundary.
What is the condition of the pavement?
Before you can walk on the pavement, it will need to be repaired or replaced if it is in poor condition. If the concrete is cracked, it could lessen the appeal and value of the house and the rest of the property. If you are using concrete, you may choose coloured concrete or exposed aggregate concrete. You may also add pavers or a dufferent textured surface such as stamped concrete. This will lift the home’s exterior and give your car or other vehicles a safe and secure place to be kept in.
Is the proposed driveway level?
A driveway that is level is essential for both its aesthetic appeal and its practical use. If your driveway is not level, water will pool in certain areas, damaging the pavement and making it difficult to drive on. If your driveway is level, water will not pool in certain areas.
What is the drainage like?
Is the drainage effective or ineffective? If it is favourable, rainwater will quickly drain off of the driveway. If it is poor, water will pool on the driveway, which will cause the pavement to deteriorate.
What is the slope of the new driveway?
It is essential to have a gradual slope on the driveway to ensure that water flows off of it quickly. The pavement on a steep slope may become more challenging to drive on over time if the hill is steep enough.
What is the width of the driveway?
You should be able to get in and out of your vehicle without worrying about bumping into another car if the driveway is wide enough to accommodate at least two vehicles.
What is the length of the driveway?
It is recommended that the driveway length be at least 20 feet to make it simple for you to turn around in it.
What kind of material is used to construct the driveway?
The material used for the driveway must be long-lasting and strong enough to prevent cracking or breaking under the weight of vehicles. Concrete is a favourite material for driveways. You can ask your contractor for suggestions and get price quotes for the construction of driveways in your property. You can have a single driveway or a second driveway added as long as it is in the maximum widths of your property boundary.
How much does it cost to maintain the driveway?
You should factor in the maintenance cost when choosing a material for your driveway. Some materials, such as asphalt, require more maintenance than others, such as concrete. Driveways should be easy to maintain and add to the overall appeal of your property.
How easy is it to clean the driveway?
You will need to clean the driveway regularly to keep it looking its best. Some materials, such as concrete, are easier to clean than others, such as asphalt.
What is the warranty?
It is essential to find out if the material used for the driveway comes with a warranty. This will protect you if the driveway needs to be repaired or replaced due to a defect in the material.
Is the light reflecting off the driveway?
If the light is reflecting off the driveway, it may be not easy to see when driving at night. This could potentially lead to an accident.
Can I increase the value of my home with the driveway?
The value of your home may go up if you invest in a well-designed and well-built driveway.
How much traffic will the driveway see?
It is essential to select a material capable of withstanding wear and tear if the driveway will be subjected to a high volume of foot traffic.
What is the climate like in the area?
The area’s climate should be considered when choosing a material for the driveway. Some materials, such as concrete, can crack in cold weather. Others, such as asphalt, can soften in hot weather.
What is the look of the neighbourhood?
The style of the homes in the neighbourhood should be considered when choosing a material for the driveway. A contemporary fabric, such as concrete, would be most appropriate if the houses are modern. If the homes are more traditional, a more classic material, such as brick, would be most appropriate.
Is the driveway well-designed?
Aesthetics are important, but functionality should be your top priority when assessing your driveway. It is essential to have a practical and visually appealing driveway.
Can I change the appearance of the driveway?
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your driveway, there are several ways to change it. You can add decorations such as plants or stones. You can also paint the asphalt or concrete. If you have a gravel driveway, you can add a border around it.
What is exposed aggregate concrete?
Exposed aggregate concrete is a type of decorative concrete that involves exposing the aggregate, or small stones, in the concrete mix. This can be done in a number of ways, but most commonly involves power washing the surface of the concrete once it has cured to remove the top layer of cement paste and reveal the aggregate beneath. Exposed aggregate concrete is ideally used for outdoor surfaces such as driveways, patios, and walkways since the aggregate can help create a slip-resistant surface.
Exposed aggregate concrete is a popular choice for outdoor surfaces since it is both durable and stylish. The unique look of exposed aggregate concrete can be achieved by using different sizes, shapes, and colors of aggregate.
Bottom Line
When you move into a new home, it is essential to assess the driveway’s condition. You should inspect the pavement, check the drainage, and ensure the driveway is level. You should also consider the width and length of the driveway, as well as the material it is made of. It is essential to have a practical and visually appealing driveway. You can change the driveway’s appearance by adding decorations or painting the asphalt or concrete. If you have a gravel driveway, you can add a border around it.
And if you are relocating and need help with your move, contact the experts’ removalist in your area! We can help you find a moving company in your area and get you started on the road to your new home.
