The driveway is often the first thing that visitors notice when they see a home. It must be kept clean, free from obstacles, and impressive even if it’s built on a budget. Indeed, driveway renovations are often one of the most costly projects to undertake. But, they can make a huge difference in the look and feel of the house.
You may need a few hundred to several thousands of dollars to come up with the driveway of your dreams. However, with a limited budget, can you find a low-cost option and still make it look like one of those luxurious celebrity driveways?
Here are some smart ideas to use for your low-cost but impressive renovation project.
Using Natural Earth
One of the cheapest and easiest options available for driveway renovation is to use natural earth. Use compacted earth, which is sometimes combined with aggregates for a stable, more natural, and rustic driveway. Typically, this option is graded to arrive at a raised central portion so that runoff water will flow on the sides. With continued use, it becomes even more compact; thus, there is a reduced risk of potholes. Natural earth driveways are cheap, but they need maintenance work regularly.
Using Gravel
This option is another low-cost and easy to accomplish. It will require some digging down to a weed barrier, but it costs significantly lower than other options. Digging down a few inches and installing a weed barrier will keep it in place and prevent weeds from growing. A few layers of stone in various sizes will add stability until the gravel layer on top. This method will give the driveway excellent drainage and a long-lasting surface. Using layers of gravel and stone may cost a bit more, but it will serve you for a longer time. More so, this type of driveway requires occasional maintenance to level out the surface.
Choosing Asphalt and Concrete
One of the most common choices for a driveway is a paved surface. It is a low-cost improvement project that is easy to accomplish. The old driveway needs to be removed, a sub-base will be installed, and a new surface will be poured. A seal coat provider can help you accomplish this project. It is more expensive than using earth, gravel, and stone, but the results are better. Some homeowners do a resurfacing project to lower expenses, but it might not be a long-term solution if you want a durable driveway.
Laying Brick Pavers
Laying stone or brick payers for the driveway can be an expensive project to undertake, but it does give a home an amazing visual impact. The costs are mostly on the materials, and the time it will take to complete the project. Explore various methods and seek advice from professionals on how to cut costs and complete the project quicker. Ideally, bricks are best to set in concrete than sand, and the result is much more durable. On the other hand, the concrete base can crack, and moving bricks will be an issue. This is why it is rarely recommended to use concrete and asphalt as a base for laying bricks.
Real estate agents explain that it is possible to improve the value of a home by as much as 25% by simply upgrading the outdoor space. Driveway renovation is one of the best ways to make a home more attractive and useful, so it will be worth more. The best way to balance your expenses is to find the perfect option from limited choices suited to your budget.