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Options are limitless when
installing a new driveway or repairing an existing one.
They’re an excellent way to frame the look of the
property, and a great way to shape buyer expectations as
they stroll up to see what’s inside your home. By
choosing the finish and type that works best, you’ll
make the home feel more polished. The following are a
few different options to consider.
Crushed Gravel
Crushed gravel driveways
normally consist of small stones intermixed with coarse
sand and other aggregates. Because there is no actual
hard surface, they are generally easy to maintain, and
with little cracking or shifting, require little to no
repair. If your property is in a rural area, gravel
driveways are an excellent finish for your warm country
cabin. For snowier climates, consider that snow removal
may be challenging and the winter months particularly
dirty, as the surface will likely stay wet for longer
periods. One consideration to improve the appearance of
an existing crushed gravel driveway is to have your
local landscaper refresh with enough stone to replace
the top three inches before you list your home. This may
require several yards of material but will be very
appealing to the eye of a potential homebuyer. After the
stone has been evenly distributed over your driveway –
park on the street to avoid stirring it up.
Concrete
Concrete—while difficult
to do yourself—is a versatile, polished and highly
desirable surface. Different colors can give the surface
almost any appearance to match your home’s exterior (it
can even be mixed with different stones to give it the
look of an aggregate). It can be stamped and sealed in
different ways to give it the look of brick or even
cobblestone. Concrete is likely the longest lasting
driveway type for almost any climate. If touching up,
consider a concrete stain that will help hide some of
the blemishes accumulated over the years.
Brick
Brick is an excellent
non-slip surface for both cars and kids. If you’re home
is older, it’s an excellent choice to give the property
additional character by recreating a more traditional
driveway setting that will be attractive to interested
buyers. One of its main advantages is that brick is
easily replaceable; because the foundation is normally
stone, sand, then brick, cracked sections can easily be
interchanged. Additionally, you may choose interlocking
brick with holes for more eco-friendly water drainage
directly to your property versus the run-off to the
street and subsequent sewer system.
If you have a good size
budget, also consider cobblestones. Because they will
shift and be uneven, it adds even more old worldliness
to the front of your home.
Asphalt
The most common type of
driveway is asphalt. It is the most economical (per
square foot) and convenient in terms of installation
time. When selling your home, make sure you either
re-seal your asphalt driveway (for less than $150 you
can buy a 5 gallon drum, roller and broom stick and be
finished in 2 hours) or completely re-install to give a
nice fresh appearance. If in doubt consult a
professional.
Stone, pavers, a mixed
driveway (using multiple materials) and compressed earth
are all other driveway types to consider. Whatever you
choose, it’s important to consider the property type and
the desired aesthetic. If the two work well together,
you’ll have made a significant investment in the value
of your home.
Contact
Me
I can help you with every
aspect of buying or selling your home because I’m
experienced, because I am a Better Homes and Gardens
Rand Realty Real Estate Professional . . .and because I
care.
As
your
Better
Homes
and
Gardens
Rand
Realty
Sales
Professional,
I
will
provide
you
with
the
information
you
need
to
make
an
educated
decision.
The relationship between a home buyer or seller and their agent is based on trust, shared goals and understanding. I strive to continually improve and to do this I listen and take the needs and wants into consideration.
For assistance with any of your real estate needs, please contact me, whether it's to get started on helping you realize your goals and dreams, or just to ask a question - no pressure, no hassle, no obligation - just a friendly conversation. I would welcome the opportunity to make a difference for you. |
