Should You Restore or Build a New Driveway?

Whether you’re upgrading your home or buying an established house, restoring your driveway is probably on the to-do list.

Driveways come in many forms and materials, including pavers, bricks, concrete, asphalt, gravel or sometimes just good old fashioned compacted dirt.

If the existing driveway is aged and hasn’t been maintained, it’s likely you’re faced with stains, cracks, potholes, water damage or other signs of ageing that make the entrance to your home less than inviting.

So if you’re investing in renovating your home or upgrading the exterior, you’ll probably also want to renovate your driveway.

Should I restore or build a new driveway?

While it is possible to lay Geostone over an existing surface, a well-prepared foundation will always provide the longest lasting results for your decorative concrete.

So removing the existing driveway and building a new driveway might be the most cost effective option in the long run.

If the foundations of the existing driveway are deemed appropriate by your service provider, it’s possible Geostone coloured concrete or exposed aggregate could be poured over the top to create a new driveway.

Either option will give you the ability to tailor the colour scheme of your driveway and landscaping to complement the rest of your home and natural surrounds of your local area.

Important factors to consider when restoring a driveway

As with any landscaping or home improvement project, there is a range of important factors to consider before embarking on your new driveway.

Going into your renovation with a defined budget, well thought-out plan and a clear vision of the finished project will make the process much easier and more enjoyable for everyone involved.

It is particularly important to communicate this plan clearly with your suppliers and service providers. If you’re installing a driveway as part of a bigger landscaping and renovation project, it is essential to coordinate the timing of the driveway construction with those too.

Budget: Budgeting may not be fun, but it is important. By determining a budget at the beginning of a project, and sticking to it, you can avoid spending too much on renovations.

Timing: You probably don’t want to pour a brand new concrete driveway right before earthmoving equipment arrives to clear the backyard. If you need landscaping and pathways in other areas of the property, you could potentially save time and money by combining all of the projects together. Weather is also a factor when pouring concrete, so it’s important to consider the best time to renovate your driveway.

Longevity: When investing in home renovations, you want them to last. This is why you and your service providers should take steps to improve the lifespan of your new driveway, including measures to prevent concrete cracking.

Value: Whether you’re improving your home for your enjoyment, or preparing to list the house for sale, you’re probably interested in ways to add value to your home. Restoring your driveway using decorative concrete, is one way to increase resale value.

Colour: Did you know neutral colours are more likely to return higher value when you sell your home? Choosing the best coloured concrete for your home ensures you enjoy your space while you live there and reap the greatest benefits when it comes time to sell.

Sealing: Not all service providers include outdoor sealer as standard. Thoroughly finishing your decorative concrete including using an outdoor sealer, can help to extend the lifespan of your driveway.

Atmosphere: Ultimately your driveway is the introduction to your home, making it a really significant restoration project.

Be sure to check out our Driveway Installation Tips and visit our blog archive for more decorative concrete inspiration and ideas.

Contact us today for a personalised quote or more information about Geostone.