Property owners consider an asphalt driveway expansion if they need more space to move or park their cars. Usually, driveways are built with one vehicle in mind. With a growing family, that driveway can easily become cramped, causing you to park the other cars temporarily on the road.
But this option presents plenty of risks for potential accidents and damage that wouldn’t happen if your car were parked on your own driveway.
Hiring an Asphalt Paving Contractor
Some people may attempt to work with asphalt on their own to expand their driveway, but this is definitely not recommended. Even the slightest error can result in a lumpy, uneven expanded driveway. Unless you are fully knowledgeable and well-equipped to perform this job, your best bet is to let professional asphalt paving contractors do it for you.
With plenty of contractors promising high-quality results, it can be difficult to choose which of them is right for your paving project. Generally, you must opt for an asphalt paving contractor that is licensed and insured, with the right industry certificates and memberships.
Moreover, make sure that they have the experience to perform projects and the most advanced equipment and resources for the scope and size of the driveway you have in mind.
Trustworthy paving contractors will inform you about everything that will happen during the project. Also, they will discuss with you the different factors that must be considered.
3 Factors to Consider
A driveway expansion may seem like an easy task, but there are many important considerations to note before the project starts. These include:
Material
A huge factor to consider when expanding your driveway is the material to be used. Adding a stretch of asphalt might be the easiest approach. But because of weathering and age, there could be a huge difference in color and quality between your expansion and the original driveway. And this can look unappealing.
Using the same material for your driveway expansion is highly recommended to achieve a uniform look. This will also prevent problems that often arise when two kinds of materials are bonded. Remember also that deterioration will most likely happen fast when two different paving materials are used.
Drainage
Considering the drainage is also crucial. If the driveway near your house is well-drained, you will be fine. But when the area has slopes toward your property or drainage issues, a driveway expansion can make the flooding problem worse, or create one.
To solve this problem, you must install a drain across the driveway or add swales on one side of the expanded driveway.
Obstructions
Determine what existing landscaping elements, driveway portions or obstacles are in the way. Getting pruning and hedge trimming services can be helpful. Also, move the planters or retaining walls when necessary.
Go Green
Using porous asphalt for your driveway expansion project is considered a green initiative; this material will help filter water as it drains, as well as enhance storm water runoff. So if your project lets you help in the green initiative, you must ask your paving contractors about green asphalt options.
The Cost of Asphalt Driveway Expansion
Your driveway extension must be installed like the original one. This means that even when you are just adding a couple of feet in one or both sides, you will incur substantial costs with setting up the base of the new driveway, excavating the area, and installing the extension.
Experienced paving contractors will make sure that your current driveway will remain stable so you won’t have issues if it needs to be replaced soon.
Moreover, your chosen contractors will most likely offer a free asphalt driveway cost estimate for the paving job. They will assess if your existing driveway needs any patch work or repairs, too.
You may think that hiring paving contractors is a waste of money. But remember that this is a job that requires proper knowledge, skill and equipment to turn out right.
So if you are thinking of expanding your driveway, don’t hesitate to find the best asphalt paving contractor in your area. This is the only way to make sure that your driveway will last longer and that your home will have a cohesive look, allowing you to have enough space to park your new set of wheels, or even invite more guests!
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