When it comes to creating instant "curb appeal", a good exit must be high on your priority list to make your house stand out from the crowd - whether you're considering selling or staying put!
The smartest properties and the most magnificent gardens can never reach their full style potential if they are let down by a dull, inappropriate driveway. In addition to the obvious aesthetic benefits of investing in a great driveway, there are a number of practical factors to consider. A well-maintained driveway can avoid the seasonal appearance of ugly puddles, while providing a clear and tidy route from the road to the house - especially important when you regularly unload a car filled with shopping bags! If you have children, you will also appreciate the extra joy of teaching your child to cycle within the safe confines of your own property instead of risking life and limb on the open road!
Driveway decisions
Once you have decided to invest in a new driveway, think about the following:
Color - be sure to choose a driveway that is available in a color that either complements or contrasts with your home and its surroundings
Material - the ultimate driveway material is block paving, but be aware that garden paving products are generally not suitable for creating a professional driveway. Alternatives to blocking paving include gravel (which is great as a burglar but movable and can be raised into the house), concrete, and asphalt (though you will be limited in color choices). There are also a number of resin-bonded paving solutions that use natural gravel, crushed stone, imported marble and recycled materials. These are available in a wide range of colors and finishes
Drainage - do it right and you can kiss goodbye with water pools sitting on the driveway. Find a professional driveway installer to make sure your finished driveway runs smoothly
Legislation - Keep in mind that after the enactment of legislation that went into effect in October 2008, unless you are working on a permeable driveway paving product, you may require planning permission to traverse a front yard.
Lighting - an immaculate driveway will benefit from strategically placed lighting to illuminate a safe route to the door. Low energy LED lighting can be simple to install, weather resin bound and requires minimal maintenance.
Driveway drama
If you want your driveway to deliver a dramatic style statement, consider laying out paving machines to incorporate a striking circular or octane pattern. Alternatively for added power, you can include bands of contrasting laying machines to produce either an attractive edge or a distinctive stand-alone feature in itself.
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