Driveways can make a big statement when people pull up in front of your home. A high-quality, well-kept driveway can add a sense of luxury and style, while a poorly maintained, cracked driveway can cheapen the entire look of your home.
Therefore, it’s important to do some in-depth planning before you actually pour your concrete or asphalt. With that in mind, here are some driveway planning tips from a paving contractor in Santa Rosa, CA:
- Go for curb appeal: If you can swing it, a unique design and great curb appeal can be tremendous factors in adding value to your home. You might not even have to pull out your entire existing driveway to accomplish this. A concrete driveway already in place could have a decorative pattern cut into it, or be stained strategically for an enhanced appearance.
- Consider your size: You may need to check in with your local Building and Safety office to determine if there are any sizing codes you need to follow while planning your driveway. If you have the space, it’s recommended to have between 18-20 feet of length for each car or truck you own, and 22-24 feet for full pickups. In terms of width, plan for 10 feet wide per vehicle, and wider if possible to make it easier to walk around vehicles that are parked in the driveway.
- Turnaround area: If possible in your space, you can try to implement a turnaround area. This is especially handy for longer driveways, so people do not have to back all the way down. In a turnaround area, a car should have more than enough space to get clear of the garage before turning downward. Generally this will be approximately 10 feet wide by 12 to 14 feet deep, and slightly longer for vehicles with extended cabs.
- Walkways: Part of your driveway plan should be determining exactly where your walkways will begin and end. You should be able to seamlessly transition from the driveway into the walkway and make it as convenient as possible for getting to your house.
- Materials: Some people prefer to line a driveway with brick. Some people go with simple blacktop. Whatever you choose, the most important thing is that the job is done well so that it looks like a high-quality driveway. This means clear, straight edges, an even surface and a generally aesthetically pleasing view.
- Pay attention to the bottom of the driveway: The last thing you want is for your vehicles (or your guests’ vehicles) to constantly bottom out every time they reach the end of your driveway. Make sure you have taken the time to plan out proper grading and drainage for the area to prevent this from occurring.
Like any construction project, a great plan is the first step to a great product. For more information, reach out to a paving contractor in Santa Rosa, CA. Sikes Asphalt Group Inc. is happy to answer any questions you have about our services.
