ADD VALUE TO YOUR HOME WITH PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION

A professionally installed driveway and/or walkway is a low maintenance home improvement that offers curb appeal, gives kids a safe place to play, decreases soil erosion, and adds value to your home. Conversely, a poor installation looks bad, is costly and can even be a safety concern. We strongly recommend using a professional contractor for concrete or asphalt jobs.

REPAIR OR REPLACE?
One of the first questions to consider is whether to repair your existing walk or drive, or to install a new one. While repair jobs are generally less costly, there are a few drawbacks to consider as well. For example, it is very difficult to match the color of the older concrete due to aging and materials variation. This could be especially important if your project will be visible. Be sure to consult your contractor for a full list of pros and cons.

DESIGN YOUR PROJECT WITH THE END IN MIND
For drives specifically, where will you turn your car around to enter the street? Is your home located on a busy street where a circular drive would be safer? Are you building on a hill? Have you considered drainage to decrease erosion? (In general, drives should slope ¼” per running foot to help with drainage.) Are you sure that the planned grade is not too steep, potentially causing your car to “bottom out”? What obstructions, such as large rocks or trees, are in the way? Since moving these objects requires equipment, time and money, it often makes sense to design around them.

BEGIN WITH A SOLID FOUNDATION
Soft or loose soils need amending to support your drive or sidewalk to prevent issues down the road. Make sure your contractor adds sand or gravel, and/or mechanically compacts the existing material if needed to create a suitable base.

CONCRETE IS THE MOST COMMON OPTION FOR WALKWAYS AND DRIVEWAYS
Concrete choices have increased over the years to include many options like decorative concrete, colored cement or painted concrete. Some homeowners also turn to asphalt as a cost-effective alternative. While homeowners have several options, traditional, grey concrete remains one of the most common and durable residential applications, particularly for walkways and driveways.

USE HIGHER PSI FOR DRIVEWAYS
Concrete grade is defined by the strength of the concrete and is measured in pounds per square inch (psi). Generally, the higher the psi, the stronger and more durable the concrete will be. For driveway applications, we recommend at least 3,000 psi, with 4,000 psi being an even better choice.

EXAMINE CONTRACTS CLOSELY
We recommend getting multiple quotes, particularly on larger projects. Be sure to compare estimates line-by-line to make sure that you have and “apples-to-apples” comparison. Look for variations in rebar, wire, pumps, dumpsters, PSI levels, gravel, etc.

PLAN FOR LANDSCAPING AROUND YOUR PROJECT
Concrete and asphalt installations require heavy equipment and foot-traffic in your yard. Be sure to plan for the added costs of sod and/or landscape installation after your project is complete.

MANAGE WATER RUN-OFF TO INCREASE THE LIFE OF YOUR PROJECT
Improperly installed gutters and down spouts can result in water run-off along the sides of your driveway or walkway resulting, in soil erosion and ultimate failure of your concrete/asphalt. Be sure to address these problems immediately.

Click For General Tips On Hiring Contractors For Your Home