A new driveway can completely transform the look and feel of your home. Not only is it an essential addition to any household, but it can also be a great opportunity to save money and reduce stress in the long run. With the help of this guide you will know exactly what to do in order to plan a new driveway for your home in Llanelli from beginning to end.
The Importance of Planning
Many homeowners tend to rush into their driveway project picking a surface they think looks nice and then asking for a price. If you have poor drainage, a small space or a tight budget this can leave you with many headaches down the line. By having a detailed plan for your new driveway you can also ensure that you get value for money by having a clear breakdown of what you actually want. Just a little bit of work at the beginning of a project can make all the difference.
Determining Your Budget
As a rule of thumb, your driveway budget is going to be determined by its size and the surface material. The ground conditions also play a role, as you may have to spend extra on removing the old surface or on ground preparation. Borders drainage and steps are also important factors to budget for.
It is also always good to budget a little extra for unexpected extras. A well planned project will always beat a rushed one.
Picking a Surface
Every driveway surface has its own appeal and advantages. There are four main types of driveway surfacing which are popular in the Llanelli area
- Resin bound: a smooth and vibrant finish with lots of design options
- Tarmac a tough and robust surface with a smart finish
- Block paving a traditional style with patterned design and simple repairs
- Gravel an affordable and uncomplicated surface with a natural look
Your driveway should be picked based on the needs of your household. While a large family with multiple cars may find that space is of the utmost importance someone with a smaller car and a love of style may want to go for something more eye-catching. Resin bound driveways Llanelli are a popular choice among residents who want something that looks fantastic while tarmac driveways are a great all-rounder for any vehicle.
Ask your installer for examples of their completed work. Seeing pictures of driveways that have already been completed is a great way of determining if a certain surface is right for you.
Figuring Out the Size
The size of your new driveway is perhaps the most important aspect of any driveway project. Many new driveway owners tend to underestimate the width needed to comfortably fit a car. As a rule of thumb, a single car should be given at least three metres of width while two cars parked side by side will need around five metres. This does not include any space needed to pull in or out of your home.Some people forget to account for turning space. Nobody likes having to reverse out of a busy road so if space is available it is worth considering a turnaround.
It is also a good idea to consider bins, bikes and other outdoor storage in order to avoid clutter. It is also worth budgeting a convenient space to the front door as a pathway as well as accounting for any vehicles that may need to be stored outside.
Drainage
As we all know rain is a rather frequent occurrence in the UK. Water needs somewhere to go, and a poorly drained driveway can not only cause damage but also create potentially dangerous puddles.
Your installer will assess the ground conditions and work with you to create a surface which will allow water to run off your driveway easily. Some surfaces are porous and allow water to drain straight through while others will need additional work to direct water away from your driveway. It is important to discuss this with your installer as it could have an impact on both the cost and design of your driveway.
Checking Building Regulations
Some projects require the permission of local authorities particularly if your new driveway meets the road. This often means a dropped kerb which is required by the council. In the case of Llanelli this means Carmarthenshire County Council Building regulations often apply to surfaces on the front of your property. A good installer will be able to advise you of any requirements that may apply to your project. It is always better to check and be safe than to end up with additional costs further down the line.
Matching Your House
While style is subjective there are some tried and tested ways to ensure that your driveway works well with the rest of your home. Pay close attention to the colour of your roof bricks and doors. Most surfaces offer a wide range of colour options so it is always best to opt for neutral and muted tones which complement the overall style of your home. Warm greys, browns and natural stone are great versatile options that will work with almost any home.Borders are also a great way of giving a driveway more character. Going for a border in a contrasting shade is a great way to accentuate the look of your driveway. Lights are also a fantastic addition which can provide additional safety and visual appeal to your driveway at night.
Groundwork
The surface of your driveway is only half the story. What many people overlook is the importance of the groundwork underneath. Good groundwork is essential in ensuring that your driveway lasts as long as possible. Poor groundwork can cause a range of problems such as sunken patches and cracks and can considerably shorten the lifespan of your driveway.
Groundwork is all about removal levelling and laying a solid base on which the surface can be laid. It is a careful and time consuming process but is essential if you want a driveway that will last.
Finding a Reputable Installer
Now that you know what you want for your new driveway, it is now time to find a trustworthy installer who can turn your vision into a reality. It is important to work with a company that has proven experience in the driveway industry. Look out for companies that have full insurance a guarantee on their work and offer a free survey as well as a detailed breakdown of costs. Reputable installers should also be able to provide a portfolio of past work and should be able to offer advice without being pushy.
Swansea Driveways is a trustworthy driveway company in Swansea that also serves the Llanelli area and surrounding regions. With a team consisting of skilled landscapers, ground workers tarmac contractors and pavers, Swansea Driveways has a great range of experience that can help you achieve the driveway of your dreams. The company offers a full guarantee on all work completed as well as full insurance. The team also has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to design and can provide you with helpful advice to choose the right options for your driveway.
How It Works
Working with a good driveway company should be a simple and straightforward process. Once you have chosen a company that you would like to work with, they will be able to arrange a free survey. You will then receive a no obligation quote based on your survey and you can then decide on whether you would like to proceed. Your new driveway can usually be completed within a couple of weeks of beginning the project.
You should always have the ability to ask questions as you go and a good installer will take the time to answer any questions you may have.
Caring for Your Driveway
With a little bit of care your driveway can look fantastic for years to come. It is always a good idea to keep your driveway swept clear of debris. Weeds should also be removed as soon as possible to prevent the spread of other weeds. Washing your driveway regularly with water is also a great way of keeping it looking good as new.
FAQs
How long does it take to install a new driveway?
It depends on the size and type of surface but many driveway projects take a matter of days to complete. Your installer will be able to give you an accurate time frame once they have surveyed your site.
What driveway surfaces last the longest?
With proper groundwork and care most driveway surfaces can last a matter of years. Tarmac driveways block paving and resin bound driveways are all seen as long lasting surfaces.
Do I need planning permission for a new driveway?
This depends on the surface you pick, as well as the size of your driveway. If you need a dropped kerb to allow vehicles on and off your property you will need to apply to the local council in this case Carmarthenshire County Council.
Can I get a free quote?
Yes Swansea Driveways offers a free survey and no obligation quote for residents and businesses in the Swansea and surrounding areas.
Can I choose the colour and design of my driveway?
This depends on the surface you pick but most surfaces offer a range of colours. You can also request additional features such as borders to enhance the look of your driveway.
Conclusion
Planning a new driveway doesn’t have to be difficult. Simply set a budget and choose a surface which fits the needs of your household. Determine the size of your driveway and take drainage and building regulations into account. Then simply find a reputable team who can bring your vision to life and turn your dream driveway into reality. With a little effort at the beginning of a project you can enjoy the benefits of a fantastic new driveway Llanelli for years to come while also boosting the value of your home.
Contact
Name: Swansea Driveways
Phone: 07836 267 418
Email: info@swanseadriveways.com
Address: Swansea & Surrounding Areas
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