Things to consider when considering new driveways

When it comes to driveways, this is often the most overlooked feature of your home. Yet driveways are one of the most important.

We have all heard of the saying first impressions count! Well, the first thing visitors see at your property is often the driveway. The grand entrance to your home.

Choosing the right type of block paving to match your home and budget is a very important factor.  In this article we look at the driveways role, and the difference it can make to your home. We also look at the main things that could effect your choices when planning a new driveway.

Considering investment and paving for driveways

Everyone looks at the cost with any investment however, the cheapest is not always the best. It is imperative that you choose a good driveways company.

It is important the foundations are prepared in the right way for your driveway.  If the driveways foundation work is not carried out in the right way, in time they can end up having issues such as sinking etc. You may have saved money in the beginning. But in the long run it can end up costing you a lot more having to put the matter right.

If you are on a tight budget then considerations maybe a concrete driveways or more of a standard block paving. With the concrete driveways now they come in different colours and patterns. See our patterned imprinted concrete driveways page for more information.

Of course if a tight budget is not on the agenda. Then we would certainly consider some of the more popular products for driveways on the market today.

There is a whole host of paving available in various styles and colours. Colours to suit your property and styles such as cobble effects that can give the wow factor to any home.

Long Driveways

After lights have been installed

With longer driveways, having beautiful designs can make your driveway certainly a focal point. By adding lighting up the driveway and finishing off with beautiful kerbing can make a big difference to your properties appeal. If you have the land, we can even create curves with a long driveway to really make it stand out.

Many of our customers add garden walls, Fencing and even new turf to sectors of the garden to give a beautiful landscape.

Considering the use of driveways

How you use your driveway is an important factor, many of us would not even think about.

Do you have more than one car at your property, will you have to change cars around frequently? If so, room permitting your may want to consider widening the width of your driveway. Are you currently getting out of your car from your driveway and stepping onto the grass? Again by widening your driveway slightly, we can create a pathway to your home to avoid muddy footprints trailing into your home.

Perhaps your street has very little lighting, you may want to consider adding lights. This should be planned at the beginning and cables installed prior to the paving. At N & P Paving and Driveways, we can discuss this with you at our initial visit. Often people lay driveways, then find at a later date they cannot add lighting as the bricks have already been laid. Planning ahead with your driveway can make all the difference to the finished result.

Recap on the major factors to consider prior to installing a new driveway

1. Ensure you are choosing a reputable company and not just buying on price, you want the driveway to last
2. Take time choosing the right paving to match your property and requirements. We can help advise on this.
3. Consider the length and width of your driveway, possible widening it where possible for walkways etc
4. Lighting needs to be planned in the early stages. Consider and discuss with your paver at the initial visit regarding lighting.
5. Remember driveways can be a key selling point to any home. It is the first thing often visitors see when arriving at your property.

Find out more about Driveways from N & P Paving

You can find out more about our driveways by visiting our dedicated page

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