If you need a new driveway, the first question that is certain to come to mind is “how much will it cost?”
Driveway paving cost for installation depends on the square footage of the site and the type of material used. The driveway cost will be determined by the square footage of the site, however, the total cost for all the preparation may be higher if the project requires a significant change to the landscape, such as excavation, grading, or drainage systems. Simply calculate the square footage by multiplying the length times the width of the area.
A good contractor will grade and level the ground in a precise manner. The chosen sealer for your driveway should be applied correctly and at the right depth to avoid cracks. A good contractor should also be familiar with a variety of preventative maintenance techniques, including grading and drainage. Water is the number one enemy of pavements, so proper drainage is critical for driveway maintenance. Water will not only soften the subgrade but can undermine the pavement as well.
Older homes may require base removal. Odd or Irregular shaped driveways and sloped terrains will also add to the cost. When it comes to choosing a paving contractor, look for someone with good reviews and a long-standing reputation in the community.
The driveway paving cost may also be affected by other factors, such as proximity to wetlands. If you are planning major changes to the landscape, such as grading, digging, or adding trees, lawn, lighting, or walkways, you should consider those additional costs.
Before deciding on a driveway paving project, be sure that your paving contractor is familiar with all the factors involved in the construction process and the location. For example, if your home was built before 1970, it may require a new base, which will increase the cost of the project. The paving materials will need to be installed and poured on top of the existing subgrade. If the area is too steep, the installation will not be as durable.
When choosing a driveway paving contractor, be sure the contractor is familiar with the location and zoning. Your local building code may dictate which materials and designs are permissible. There are areas of the country that may be more expensive than others. Whether you live in a rural area or in an urban center, consider these factors before selecting a paving contractor. This will make your job go more smoothly.
Choosing a proper underlying base will also help you budget the total cost because your new paved driveway must be sturdy enough to handle daily traffic. Most residential driveways are two to six inches thick. Choosing an experienced contractor and using high-quality paving material will help avoid the need for costly repairs or replacements in the future.
Estimated driveway paving cost
A driveway paving project can cost anywhere from $1,600 to $21,600 and can range between those numbers. In summary, the factors to consider when calculating the total cost of a driveway project are the size, shape, slope, and location. The more details you have about the dimensions of your property, the more accurate your estimate will be.
While concrete and asphalt are the most popular paving materials, the price of tar and chip varies widely. The latter has more decorative appeal than plain asphalt. For this paving method, your driveway must be excavated and graded. A gravel base is laid down first, then hot liquid asphalt cement is spread over it. The crushed stone is then pushed down into the asphalt. As the pavement dries, it becomes hot and becomes viscous, which can cause tire dents.
The driveway paving cost can vary greatly. With care and planning, you can lower your driveway paving cost, so, do not be afraid to ask for estimates.
In addition to the price, there are other factors that determine the quality of your driveway. The materials chosen should complement the surrounding terrain. Other considerations are long-lasting durability, weather conditions, is the driveway residential or commercial? and what kind of maintenance is recommended? For instance, if you live in a humid climate, you should use a sealant. If you live in an area with harsh winters, you should consider how often the driveway will be salted, plowed, and shoveled. These factors may influence the choice of materials and how the project should be prepared.
