Everything You Need To Know About New Driveway Costs
Installing a new driveway is a great investment for homeowners, as it can offer increased functionality and curb appeal. A driveway provides the first impression of your home and needs to look great, which is why installing a new one may be the best solution.
Various factors contribute to new driveway costs and determine whether this is a suitable investment for you. As a leading installer and landscaping company, Ideal Building & Landscapes has worked with many clients over the years to help improve their homes and install new driveways.
With this expertise, we have a great understanding of new driveway costs and are sharing a breakdown in this post to keep our clients informed.
What Influences New Driveway Costs? Key Factor Breakdown
Several major factors influence the total new driveway costs, which will vary based on your home and circumstances. As a leading installer, we appreciate that no two homes are alike, which is why we offer a bespoke driveway installation every time.
The main factors to consider when it comes to new driveway costs include:
- Driveway Size and Shape: The size and shape of your driveway influence the total cost of installation as it determines the complexity of the project. Larger driveways will cost more to install, as well as more complex or unique shapes due to the labour and material requirements
- Material Choice: There are various driveway solutions, and the costs vary greatly between each
- Ground Preparation and Labour: The amount of work required to get your home ready for the new driveway and the installation of the new surface will increase total costs to ensure all installers are paid fairly
- Additional Features: Additional features in terms of design and landscaping may also be part of your new driveway costs, such as edging and lighting.
By understanding these factors, it will be easier to work out how much your new driveway will cost and whether this is suitable for your home and budget.
New Driveway Costs Based On Material
One of the biggest factors in new driveway costs is the material you choose. There are various kinds of driveways you can choose from based on your property, garden design, and budget, and each comes with its own unique price tag.
To give you a better understanding of how much you will pay for a new driveway, let’s explore the average cost of each driveway type:
Gravel Driveways: £20 – £60 per m²
Gravel driveways are one of the most affordable options for a new surface and are incredibly popular for this reason. Gravel driveways are best suited to traditional or historical properties because they perfectly align with this design. They are also ideal for larger properties.
Gravel driveways are cheap to install compared to other materials, but it is important to note that there are ongoing maintenance costs. Gravel is a loose surface, which means occasional raking and topping up of the stones is needed to keep your driveway in prime condition. This can contribute to the total new driveway costs of this material, as long-term needs to be considered.
Tarmac Driveways: £50 – £100 per m²
Tarmac driveways are one of the most durable solutions and are commonly used for high-traffic areas. These driveways can be more cost-effective for larger areas and offer long-term savings due to their permeable nature.
Offering excellent water drainage means these driveways are easy to maintain and avoid issues such as flooding and erosion which can reduce the lifespan. Those who are willing to pay a little more for new driveway installation to benefit long-term savings should consider tarmac driveways.
Block Paving Driveways: £80 – £150 per m²
While these new driveways can be higher than other materials, block paving driveways continue to be one of the most popular options for homeowners.
These driveways are completely customisable as there are various paving colours and styles available, allowing for bespoke designs. This ensures that block paving driveways will complement your home, whether traditional or contemporary.
Like tarmac, these driveways are also permeable and, therefore, a great long-term solution. As each block is installed individually, any repairs can be quickly and cheaply performed by replacing the damaged stones, as opposed to lifting the entire driveway to start anew.
Resin Bound Driveways: £90 – £150 per m²
The new driveway costs for resin driveways are considerably higher than many other options, but they are still a great solution. While the installation costs for resin driveways may be high, the long-term benefits can make this investment worthwhile.
Resin is a hard-wearing and durable material that is designed to withstand a range of conditions. Not only is it suitable for repeated heavy traffic, but resin driveways are also permeable and weed resistant. This makes maintenance easy, ensuring your driveway remains attractive and safe at all times, even with limited care.
Like block paving driveways, resin surfaces are highly customisable and can be designed to complement your unique home or landscape. Bespoke designs come at additional costs but can be a great way to increase the curb appeal of your home.
How To Reduce New Driveway Costs
It is not recommended to avoid paying professionals for new driveway installation in a bid to save money, as this will only cause more issues. Although labour costs are a factor in the total cost of your new driveway, this is worth the investment because it ensures your new driveway will be installed per industry standards.
Working with professionals also gives you access to the highest quality materials as well as additional services to complete your landscape transformation. However, while there are some costs you cannot avoid, there are ways to save money when installing a new driveway that do not have to compromise the service provided:
- Choose Cost-Effective Materials: A large percentage of new driveway costs is attributed to the material of the driveway, so choosing a more affordable option can reduce the final bill. Choosing gravel or tarmac allows you to get a new driveway for a lower cost, as these are the two cheapest materials available.
- Opt for Simple Designs: While it is possible to create a bespoke surface complete with designs and shapes, especially when choosing block paving or resin driveways, this does increase the new driveway costs. Choosing a simple installation design reduces these costs and ensures the timeless appeal of the new surface.
- Consider Long-Term Costs: The initial cost of the new driveway is not the only thing you need to consider, as maintenance will be required from here on out to keep the surface in prime condition. Choosing low-maintenance materials, such as resin, may mean a larger investment upfront but will save you time and money in the long run.
Conclusion
New driveway costs vary greatly based on the project and the choices made. Everything from the material of your new driveway to the design and installation process contributes to new driveway costs. No two projects are the same, which is why everyone receives a slightly different quote for driveway installation.
Each driveway material comes with its own price tag, which can vary based on supplier and location. Carefully choosing your driveway material, design, and additional details can ensure that your new driveway costs what you can afford.
In a bid to reduce new driveway costs, do not avoid working with professional installers. Professional driveway installers, like our team, deliver the precise care and maintenance needed to ensure your driveway will withstand the test of time to save you money in the long run.
Contact Ideal Building & Landscapes Today
To learn more about our new driveway costs and request a quote, reach out to the team today.
We offer a comprehensive installation service and deliver an accurate, personalised quote for all projects.
