How to plan your new driveway
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A new driveway is a big investment but it does not have to be a daunting task. A little time spent planning will save you lots of time in the long run. The front of your property creates that important first impression. Do not under estimate the value of kerb appeal. You need to consider practical. things such as parking and where to store the wheelie bins but also consider how you want it to look and keep in mind your budget.
One important consideration is what type of material to choose. Materials such as Tarmac, block paving, resin and concrete are all very different and will create dramatically different looks. It is worth checking what neighbours have done and how different driveways look. The internet is a valuable source of different driveways testimonials. A good contractor can show you a portfolio of different projects that they have completed with customer testimonials.
As well as choosing the material there are other design choices available. With block paving you can choose from different laying patterns such as herringbone or basketweave. You can also add in other patterns such as a circle or hexagon to create interesting features. The addition of a border in a different colour can make your driveway unique and stand out.
Are you going to add a decorative brick wall or new fencing around the edge of your boundary? If you have a large driveway area you may think to soften the look with greenery. You could add plant pots or lay a lawn area of easy maintenance artificial grass. A popular choice is to add raised kerbs or raised edges using reclaimed sleepers to create raised plant beds. These features will add character and beauty to your driveway.
Once you have decided how you would like your driveway to look you need to get practical. What do you need? Are you wanting something easy to look after due to reduced mobility? Ask your contractor what maintenance and care each surface type requires.
To comply with the 2008 SUDS Regulations you’ll need to plan how you’ll deal with surface water runoff. In most cases this will mean the installation of a linear drain and soakaway system. In some instances you may be able to channel water to a plant bed that will allow water to permeate back through to the local water table. A good contractor will be able to advise you on your options including permeable materials that will generally not need planning permission.
Why not call our experienced team on 01564 490121. We offer a free design and quote service to take the stress out of planning. Get in touch here today.