Three factors to consider before installing a new driveway
By Simply Driveways|December 14, 2016
Getting a new driveway put in is truly an investment, and one that you need to consider carefully. While it might be tempting to get the cheapest and easiest option, remember that your driveway will not only greatly improve accessibility and convenience when it comes to living in your home, a good quality, beautifully looking driveway will also increase the value of your property.
This being said, budget is of course always a key consideration when it comes to any kind of major home improvement work, so you will need to put careful thought and planning into that, but that’s just part of it. If you’re looking to get a new driveway installed, here are the three key things that you will need to consider:
1. Choice of driveway material
While this is certainly linked to your finances and any budgetary constraints that you might have, your choice of driveway material also depends on the design, look and daily usage of your driveway.
Concrete is a very popular material for driveways because it is very durable and easy to maintain, and a professional concrete driveway expert will certainly be able to provide you with some options.
These days, concrete driveways are available in a number of shapes, textures and finishes to suit all tastes, with exposed aggregate driveways providing even more choices in terms of the finish.
2. Type and volume of driveway usage
Consider the number and types of vehicles that will be using your driveway, as this will determine a range of other factors, including the length and width of the driveway that you install.
The length of your driveway will depend largely on where your garage is situated, or how far away from the road your property is. Try to ensure that other cars can be comfortably parked on your driveway without them encroaching onto the pavement or road. If your home is situated on a corner plot of land, then think about having the driveway entrance installed on the quieter side, as this will provide you with more space, flexibility and safety.
As for the width, on average, a family car needs a driveway that is about 10 feet wide, but if you have bigger vehicles or are planning to store items such as a camper trailer or even a small boat, then you will obviously need to take that into consideration as well.
3. Shape and design of the driveway
With the wide range of driveway options these days, you have more flexibility with your shape and design than ever before. Look to maximise this versatility by making your driveway as appealing and safe for you as possible.
For instance, if you live on a busy road, include some sort of turning circle or a T-shape junction if you have the room so that cars can be turned around easily for when they leave the property. You (and your guests) will be grateful for this when they don’t have to back out onto a busy road.
Other things to incorporate into any good driveway design are:
This being said, budget is of course always a key consideration when it comes to any kind of major home improvement work, so you will need to put careful thought and planning into that, but that’s just part of it. If you’re looking to get a new driveway installed, here are the three key things that you will need to consider:
1. Choice of driveway material
While this is certainly linked to your finances and any budgetary constraints that you might have, your choice of driveway material also depends on the design, look and daily usage of your driveway.
Concrete is a very popular material for driveways because it is very durable and easy to maintain, and a professional concrete driveway expert will certainly be able to provide you with some options.
These days, concrete driveways are available in a number of shapes, textures and finishes to suit all tastes, with exposed aggregate driveways providing even more choices in terms of the finish.
2. Type and volume of driveway usage
Consider the number and types of vehicles that will be using your driveway, as this will determine a range of other factors, including the length and width of the driveway that you install.
The length of your driveway will depend largely on where your garage is situated, or how far away from the road your property is. Try to ensure that other cars can be comfortably parked on your driveway without them encroaching onto the pavement or road. If your home is situated on a corner plot of land, then think about having the driveway entrance installed on the quieter side, as this will provide you with more space, flexibility and safety.
As for the width, on average, a family car needs a driveway that is about 10 feet wide, but if you have bigger vehicles or are planning to store items such as a camper trailer or even a small boat, then you will obviously need to take that into consideration as well.
3. Shape and design of the driveway
With the wide range of driveway options these days, you have more flexibility with your shape and design than ever before. Look to maximise this versatility by making your driveway as appealing and safe for you as possible.
For instance, if you live on a busy road, include some sort of turning circle or a T-shape junction if you have the room so that cars can be turned around easily for when they leave the property. You (and your guests) will be grateful for this when they don’t have to back out onto a busy road.
Other things to incorporate into any good driveway design are:
- Make sure there’s room for cars to safely load and unload children, other passenger and perhaps the family pet
- Make sure vehicles have good all-around vision when using the driveway
- Make sure your chosen driveway design complements your property and blends in with the surrounding area and neighbourhood
- Make sure you check with your local council for any planning restrictions beforehand
