Planning a New Driveway

29 April 2019

As far as home upgrades are concerned, a new driveway is unquestionably one of the best solutions available. It improves your feelings towards the property each time you return home, makes it the envy of your neighbours, and offers a function that can actively aid your daily routines.

If you’re going to make this type of home improvement in the near future, though, preparation and planning are vital. Consider the five following elements in detail and you won’t go far wrong.

The Costs

Given that the project is an investment into the greatest financial asset you possess, it’s impossible to ignore the financial implications. The groundwork is likely to cost around £20 per m2. However, the costs of the work can fluctuate massively due to the choice of materials as resin pavings can cost 10x as much as gravel. Knowing your budget, whether through personal funding or a bank loan, is vital and can help dictate your future decisions. Of course, finding the right professional is crucial too.

Planning Permissions

Before putting any concrete plans into place, you’ll want to do a little research into planning permissions before sending off your ideas once they have been finalised. Permeable surfaces are usually free from needing permissions, although works on fences and other perimeter items probably will. If you are unsure as to whether your proposed projects will require permissions, it’s best to err on the side of caution. You don’t want to land yourself in hot water down the line.

Materials & Colours

Finding a material that you love for the driveway itself is one thing, but you must also consider the appearance of the home as a whole. After all, a beautiful ultra modern driveway isn’t going to look great on a Victorian style property. Popular materials include stamped concrete, brick, tarmac, gravel, and block paving. Darker tones are great for traditional homes. If the property’s exterior is packed with detail, a simple design is probably best. When the property is plain, a patterned driveway can add a sense of eye-catching luxury.

Size & Layout

The size of the driveway is crucial from a practical perspective as well as a financial one. The decision will influence the appearance and the possibilities. When dealing with the layout, though, you’ll also need to consider the way it will interact with the garage and whether a separate pathway to the house or back garden is required. In some cases, the addition of spaces for plants and gardening can be very useful. Take the time to build a clear vision, and you won’t regret it.

Installation

Creating the image of a perfect driveway counts for very little if it doesn’t become a reality. Therefore, it’s vital to consider who will install it. Some people will take the DIY approach, but this can cause a lot of problems, especially if mistakes are made. With this in mind, finding an expert that can complete the installation in away that protects the function and aesthetic is pivotal. Otherwise, you’ll find that the desired enjoyment never materialises.

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