Are you thinking of having a home makeover project? Redesigning your driveway is one of the most practical decisions you can make to improve your property’s external aesthetics. If you do not have one, building a driveway at your place will give you an alternative to just parking your car on the street. Installing driveways is typically easier and more cost-effective than building a new garage and carports. Concrete driveways also last for decades and require little maintenance. Furthermore, having a concrete parking space adds value to your property if you think of selling it. And if you’re from Texas, Concrete Floors Dallas is the right contractor known for their expertise and excellent services. If you are now sold out to the idea of having a concrete parking space, here are some considerations to make that project come true:
Check for obstructions
Before anything else, the first thing to do is check if you can dig on your property. You can easily know this by contacting a non-profit initiative in Australia called Dial Before You Dig. This organization will inform you if there are utility lines that will automatically hinder you from immediately having an excavation permit. If there are obstructions, you might have to request for the repositioning of shallow lines.
Make a plan
If you are told that your location is clear of any obstructions, take out your drawing board and plan. An important thing to know is where your land’s boundary starts and ends. Being informed of this will save you from potential lawsuits in the future.
You might need the help of a construction company or an architecture firm for the actual blueprint later on. However, to give you an idea, national regulations in Australia require that concrete driveways be at least 2.5 meters wide. If you can accommodate more space, it is ideal that you allot 5.5 x 6 meters for your car. If you own a van, then make sure that the driveway is around 6.5 x 7.5 meters.
Get your permit
All major construction works require a permit. Connect with your local government and inform them of your plan. Even if it is your property, you need their approval since your driveway will be crossing the road edge. Failure to do so would result in thousands of dollars of fine.
Additionally, it would be best if you also get in touch with your homeowner’s association. Sometimes, they have stricter rules on the design of your driveway since how it is built will also reflect on the neighborhood’s landscape.
Ready your materials
If you do not want to go back again and again to the store or have excess concrete, you might want to compute the amount of materials you need manually. Concrete is often sold in cubic yards. As a general rule, you need to multiply the width, length, and depth of your driveway. Afterward, divide it by 27 to estimate the amount of concrete you will get in cubic yards. If you have extra bucks to spare, increase this value by 10% so that you can have extra if you happen to spill some of it during the preparation phase.
Planning is necessary before building your home’s driveway. You must first know the local rules and regulations so that you will not be penalized. Additionally, getting your dimensions right before digging will save you from the hassle of overspending and overstepping on someone else’s property.
