If you are on the property ladder, then there is one thing you can do to add value to your house which is to have a nice driveway. It is the first thing people are going to look at when they arrive and first impressions count! Having a great driveway will make a big difference in the look of your house.
To make over your driveway, there are a few options you could do which will enhance the overall look of your house.
Pavers
Stone or block paving is my favourite choice of driveway as it is affordable, durable and looks great. Also, they are environmentally friendly due to their porous nature, which means block paving provides an area for water to rest during rainy seasons, do check out Marshalls block paving if you are looking at block paving. You will not notice surface water on your paving, as it will be drawn in by the material. They are also easy to repair by simply popping out a damaged or stained paver and putting in a new one. If a paver is sitting unevenly, just pull it up, make adjustments to the sand beneath it and reset it.
Of course, if you already have block paving on your driveway but it looks tired, maybe you can give it new lease of life by jet washing it. I love to use my Karcher K4 pressure washer and it does a good job of cleaning away stubborn dirt that has accumulated. Then wait for it to dry before using paving seal to restore the surface. It is best to read the labels before you start anything! By following the label, you can improve the look and longevity of your driveway.
Gravel
Gravel is the easiest on the budget, especially if you’re covering a large area. The only thing to consider is you might need to top-up the gravel every few years or brush/rake the surface to redistribute evenly. You might also consider storing a few bags of gravel in your garage for later use. Sometimes it can be difficult to find the same type and colour of gravel again unless you are happy to mix different gravels!
Tarmac
I think tarmac is another great ideal way of enhancing the look and appeal of your home, especially with its strong and bold colour. It also performs better in the colder weather we experience throughout the UK.
Concrete
Concrete or concrete slabs are very strong and durable, and they require very little maintenance. If it is well looked after, some can last up to 50 years!
Concrete can look dull but you could add colour to it. Always ask a professional to install for you to get the perfect look as it is not an easy DIY job.
Concrete also gets stained easily by oil or fluids leaking from the vehicle, which you’ll need to learn how to clean it well to maintain the longevity of your driveway. It is not my favourite option for a driveway makeover but it is definitely a better choice than not having a proper driveway!
So what do you think about these options and what vision do you have for yours?
Disclosure: This is a featured post.