Driveways are practical, but that doesn't mean they must appear utilitarian. Rather, you can think of your driveway as an element that elevates the look of your entire property.
A new driveway can be one of the most effective ways to boost your home's curb appeal. When you're ready for a driveway upgrade, turn it into a project that improves the way you, neighbors and potential buyers feel about your property.
Demonstrate Your Commitment to Quality
If your current driveway is old and worn, laying a new surface will automatically improve the look of your front yard. A broken, chipped, stained or pitted driveway doesn't send a great message to people who drive past your house. Rather, it may communicate that you aren't particularly concerned about keeping up your property.
Putting down a new asphalt driveway automatically takes care of that problem. Instead of letting a broken surface be the first thing that people notice about your home, you'll have a strong, smooth driveway to show off.
A quality driveway shows that you care about home maintenance. It gives the message that you believe that caring for your property is important. When people see your nice driveway, they'll know that you are willing to invest the time and money to make sure your house and yard are the best they can be.
Reduce Standing Water
Uneven, sunken driveways often have drainage issues leading to standing water pooling in the dips and depressions. Drainage problems can lead to additional cracks in the driveway, and that can start a vicious cycle in which the surface develops more and more problems.
Besides the fact that standing water damages driveways, it also doesn't look good. Puddles of water get dirty and can splash your car with muddy residue when you drive over them. Leaves and debris may accumulate in the puddles. This outside mess can end up on your shoes and may be tracked into the house, making that look dirty and unkempt.
Redoing your driveway can take care of these struggles. A professional paving company will be able to create a custom plan for your property that addresses your driveway drainage needs. The pros may grade your property, use permeable building or landscaping materials, or design drainage channels to take care of your water issues.
Prevent Soil Erosion
Your current driveway may be developing an erosion problem. If you're not careful with the edges of your driveway, the soil around there may start to wear away. When planning a new surface, you can address your erosion issue and create a more beautiful driveway area.
One suggestion is to build retaining walls along your driveway. Not only will short walls help keep the soil where it belongs, but they will also create a striking look with a distinguished driving path that is clearly set apart from the surrounding landscaping. For a cohesive design, you can use building materials that coordinate with your driveway, sidewalk or house.
For a more natural look, ask the paving company to create a berm along the edge of the driveway with the soil that they dig out during the building process. You can use this mound of dirt as an elevated planting bed for grasses or your other favorite easy-care plants.
Add Character to Your Property
Driveway design is a great way to set your property apart from the crowd. Plain driveways are common, but you can add distinctive elements to help yours stand out.
Driveways made of paving stones automatically give homes a refined look. These high-end materials come in multiple colors and styles, and they can be arranged in countless patterns.
The driveway apron is a great place to inject personality into your surface while sticking to a budget. Although your main driveway may be asphalt or concrete, you can use a different material for the apron; cobblestone pavers are a popular choice.
Your driveway edging is another area where it's easy to inject visual interest. No matter what material you use for your main driveway, you can add a contrasting border with cobblestones, river rock, concrete, plants or other materials. For ideas, watch the following video:
Coordinate with Your Home or Garage
If you're building your driveway out of unique materials or trimming it with a decorative apron or distinctive edging, keep in mind the overall look of your property. If you pick the right materials, you can bring unity to your entire outdoor design.
For example, if your home has a brick front, you can use coordinating bricks for your driveway edging. For a house that's trimmed in gray, you could choose to use gray pavers as your driveway material.
If your property has a modern style, give it a modern driveway to match. Poured concrete or straight-edge pavers are great for creating clean, contemporary lines. On the other hand, if your house is more traditional, opt for old-world bricks or cobblestones.
Create Flow from the Street to the Door
If you choose to incorporate a distinctive design into your new driveway, consider extending the look by redoing your front walkway. The paving stones that you use for your apron will look great along your walking path.
Even if you stick with a basic asphalt or concrete driveway, the fresh surface will make a huge difference in the look of your property. Your best bet is to lay a matching sidewalk as well so the neat and clean appearance extends throughout your hardscaping.
You may want to add lighting along the path from the driveway to the door. Solar lights are affordable and easy to install.
Which aspect of driveway curb appeal intrigues you the most? Whether you're looking forward to having a smooth, clean driveway without cracks or puddles, or you want to add eye-catching elements to your home's hardscaping, a new driveway can offer just what you're looking for.
To get started on your driveway project in the Bellport, N.Y., area, contact PALERMO PAVING. We'll help you design a driveway that you'll be glad to come home to again and again.