If your property has a driveway, you’ll no doubt already appreciate the benefits of having this feature at your home. According to Virgin Money, for example, an amenity like this can add between 5% and 10% to the value of your house.
You can look forward to safer parking, plus a designated space to keep your vehicle, potentially leading to lower insurance premiums. Meanwhile, tasks such as unloading shopping become simpler. Equally, it’s easier to keep an eye on your motor if you have a driveway.
What’s more, modern driveways, particularly versions constructed from block paving or concrete, are built to be long-lasting and relatively low-maintenance, so that you need to do very little to keep it looking its best – far less, for example, than with a garden or lawn.
Kerb appeal – or how attractive a place looks from the street – is hugely important, especially if you’re selling up, and the right driveway can be a key part of that, leading to powerful first impressions; it will set the tone for a whole viewing once someone arrives. In fact, even a photo of your driveway can attract more viewings of your home.
If you don’t have a driveway but are considering fitting one, as with anything else, there are a number of things to think of, including how big you want it and what you will be using it for, its shape and how many vehicles it will need to accommodate. Some new driveways, or major alterations to existing ones, may need planning permission. (Although most standard installations don’t.) You’ll also need to consider materials and be sure they not only suit the local environment but look good. Permeable materials such as gravel and some forms of concrete will offer better drainage, and may even reduce the need to apply for planning permission. (Another idea could be to use a combination of different materials for contrast.)
Finally, as ever, your budget will be another key consideration.
Giving your driveway a facelift
When it comes to boosting your driveway’s appeal, a quick pressure wash will shift dirt and grime, while weeding gives an instant uplift. You should also address any superficial damage to your driveway.
More significant landscaping might include planting flowers and shrubs to ease the transition between your driveway and the lawn. You could also think about adding decorative accents like sculptures or pots to add interest, or installing some lighting for enhanced security? Or perhaps you want to upgrade this feature with a new resin-bound or block paving surface providing a smart-looking, durable finish?
Another idea is to add driveway edging to create a polished appearance and define the space more clearly. Above all, you’ll want a visually balanced, appealing layout for your driveway, and to make it an attractive, welcoming feature of your home.
Dream driveways from AS Landscapes
At AS Landscapes, we’re a Surrey-based provider of landscape, design and build services, also working across Windsor, Ascot and beyond. With more than 20 years’ experience of the industry, we fully appreciate the part a well-designed driveway can play in terms of maximising both kerb appeal and use of space. We have solutions to suit all budgets, and know the rules surrounding construction and drainage of drives in detail.
We work with clients to decide the best material for their project, whether that’s something traditional or one that’s new to the market. Adding lighting or automated gates, is always an option. We have a design service, incorporating for example, grass and plants, we’ll be with you every step of the way, from initial consultation through to completion and beyond. And we’ll discuss with you in detail which surface would be best for your situation.
Let us transform your driveway so that it makes a spectacular entrance to your property. And each project is unique – get a quote for a bespoke design today.