How much money should you spend on a new driveway?
If you're wondering whether or not investing in a new driveway is worth it, think about how much time your car spends sitting on it. A driveway that's full of holes or cracks or covered in rocks could end up damaging your car's tires. An uneven driveway can also be a safety hazard for seniors or people who struggle with mobility.
So yes, spending money on your driveway is worth it. We've put together this guide to breakdown driveway cost components and help you put together a budget for the job.
Let's get started!
How Much Does a New Driveway Cost?
It's hard to put an exact price tag on a new driveway because there are a lot of factors that can impact the cost. However, on average, homeowners spend between $2 to $15 per square foot or between $2,300 to $6,400 on the entire job.
Why such a wide range?
A large part of that is material. Some driveway materials are much more expensive than others. For example, here's a quick look at common prices for the most common materials:
- Asphalt: $1 - $5 per square foot
- Concrete: $3 - $10 per square foot
- Gravel: $0.50 - $2 per square foot
- Pavers: $10 - $50 per square foot
As you're setting up your budget, make sure you decide what type of driveway material you want first. This will allow you to get a more accurate estimate for your project.
Give Your Budget Some Wiggle Room
There are many other things that can make the price of a new driveway go up as well, including the following:
- Complex design (such as a lot of curves or custom features)
- Uneven ground (slopes or bumps)
- Draining system (to protect your driveway from damage)
- Where you live (the price can differ depending on different areas)
- Who you hire (everyone chargers a different rate)
Depending on the condition of your property, the landscaper may need to use special equipment or do more prep work before they can lay the driveway material. This can make the job take longer, which means you'll have to pay more for labour.
How Long Does the Installation Take?
Again, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It depends on the type of material you chose, who you hired, what the local weather is like, etc.
In most cases, though, you can install a new driveway in a day or two.
However, this doesn't include the extra time it will take to remove your old driveway. If you're tearing out a previous driveway, that can add several more days to the process.
Always plan for delays. If it starts raining, you may need to push the installation back until the weather is clear. The landscaper may have to do more grading than they expected. It's easy to uncover hidden problems you might not have seen known where there.
Adding extra time to your schedule your setbacks will give you a more realistic timeframe, and it will keep you from being disappointed.
Getting Ready for Your New Driveway
The best way to figure out your new driveway cost is to get an estimate from a professional. This will give you an accurate quote that reflects the specifics of your yard.
Not sure who to talk to?
Our team at Scott's Landscaping would love to have a conversation with you about your dream driveway. We'll help you pick the best material and design for your needs, so don't hesitate to get in touch with us today!
