How much does a new driveway cost?

Are you thinking about paving your driveway? A paved driveway can add both aesthetic appeal and value to your home, but it's important to consider the cost before making a decision. In this post, we'll explore the factors that can impact driveway paving costs and provide some tips on how to get the most value for your money.

Factors That Affect The Cost of Driveway Paving

There are several factors that can impact the cost of paving a driveway, including:

1. Size: The size of your driveway is perhaps the most obvious factor that will affect the cost of paving. Larger driveways will obviously cost more to pave than smaller ones. Typically cost per square foot is the largest factor.

2. Material: The type of material you choose for your driveway will also impact the cost. Asphalt is generally the most cost-effective option, while pavers (interlock) and concrete driveways tend to be more expensive.

3. Condition of the existing surface: If you're paving over an existing driveway, the condition of the surface will need to be taken into account. If the existing driveway is in good condition, the cost of paving may be lower than if you're starting from scratch. It all depends on whether you have an existing base that’s in good condition or if a new foundation is needed.

1. Slope and drainage: The slope and drainage of your driveway will also impact the cost. If your driveway is on a steep slope or requires significant grading and drainage work, this will add to the overall cost.

2. Accessibility and complexity: The accessibility of your driveway will also be a factor. If your driveway is easy to access, the cost of paving may be lower. If it's more difficult to reach, the cost may be higher. Additionally if you have intricate details such as multiple curves or asphalt that loops around features the complexity of the job is increased and could result in a higher price tag.

Tips for Getting the Most Value for Your Money

If you're considering paving your driveway, there are a few things you can do to get the most value for your money:

1. Shop around: Don't be afraid to get quotes from multiple contractors. This will help you to get a sense of the market and ensure that you're getting a fair price. If you’re looking at contractors that are unwilling to provide an estimate without a commitment from you, you should very likely look elsewhere. We would consider this a red flag, you shouldn’t have to put any deposit down before you have at least a price range for the job.

2. Consider the long-term: While it may be tempting to choose the cheapest option available, it's important to consider the long-term value of your investment. Cheap materials may not hold up as well over time and may require more maintenance, ultimately costing you more in the long run. This is also not to say that you should pick the most expensive option; quality and cost are not necessarily equivalent. Take price into consideration in conjunction with these other factors.

3. Choose a reputable contractor: It's important to choose a reputable and experienced contractor for your paving project. Look for contractors with good reviews and a track record of quality work. Ask for their experience and samples of their work. There's nothing wrong with questioning the team. It’s also worth asking around, you likely have friends or family who’ve needed a driveway at some point, they can likely point you in the right direction. After all, more than 30% of our business comes from referrals, it’s an easy way for you to be comfortable signing on with a company without doing a ton of research yourself!

4. Maintain your driveway: Proper maintenance can help to extend the life of your driveway and save you money in the long run. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for maintaining your driveway, and address any issues as they arise.

We also have a blog on tips for you to follow if you’re looking to do some up keep. Primarily you should focus on keeping it clean, crack free and keeping an eye out for pooling. If you notice any issues with your driveway it’s best to err on the side of caution and reach out to professionals early to see if a more cost effective solution, like a repave with the same base is possible.

By considering these factors and following these tips, you can make an informed decision about paving your driveway and get the most value for your money. If you have any questions you can always reach out to our team and they will be happy to help you make your decision. As always, our quotes are free and don’t require you to commit.