Driveways are more than just a spot to park your vehicle; they increase your “curb appeal”, enhancing the overall appearance of your home’s exterior. Well-kept driveways also add value to your property in the long run.
Apart from their aesthetic factor, driveways offer several benefits to homeowners, especially safety. The last thing you would want on your property is a run-down driveway that poses a safety hazard for you and your guests.
If you are still unsure on whether you should install a driveway, here are a few reasons to convince you why you will benefit from having one on your property.
Ease of access
Most families these days have more than one vehicle, making it difficult to park on the road outside their homes, especially if it is a busy street. It can get extremely frustrating to drive back and forth looking for a parking spot at the end of a working day or in the rain.
With a driveway, you can simply pull straight onto your drive and get into your home in no time. It also allows families to have a designated area to park all their vehicles in one place, on their property.
In addition, a driveway also makes your everyday activities such as bringing in the groceries or removing car seats easier. You do not have to walk back and forth across the road – or worse, two to three blocks away from your home with heavy items – every time you have to run errands. All these can be done in the comfort of your property if you have a driveway installed.
Safety
From a safety point of view, when you are parked on a busy, open road, there is the constant stress of having to get your children into or out of their car seats while worrying about the oncoming traffic. Having a driveway provides the reassurance that your children have all the room to get in and out of the vehicle safely.
Furthermore, parking on the road does not only put your and your family’s life in danger but also your car. Any passing vehicle can easily hit your car and cause damage. It is also more common for cars to be stolen or broken into when they are parked on the road, away from your property. Having a driveway is a great deterrent to robbery and accidents.
Apart from that, homeowners who do not install concrete or exposed aggregate driveways, or at least a makeshift surface on their driveway, risk exposing themselves and those around them to trips and falls. Constant use may make the surface slippery and dangerous to walk upon, especially for young children or those with mobility problems. Installing a driveway will ensure your entry and exit are safe and hazard-free.
Adding value
The exterior of your home is just as important as your interior, especially when you are getting your property valued. Valuers take into account exterior areas such as gardens, driveways, and patios when providing your valuation. The lack of a driveway, unkempt grass, cracked paving stones, and even mismatched paving slabs will not only affect the price of your property but will be a mitigating factor for potential buyers.
It is not uncommon for people to turn down a viewing due to the property not having a driveway. If you want to give yourselves the best chance of making money on your property and a quick sale, then a driveway is definitely something to be considered.
Aesthetically pleasing
Your property is one of the biggest investments in your lifetime, so it is not uncommon to spend a little extra to ensure both the inside and outside of your home look visually appealing. After all, your home’s exterior is the first thing that guests see when they visit and in order to make a good first impression, you should ensure that it is not only practical but also aesthetically pleasing.
Nowadays, homeowners are spoilt for choice when it comes to picking a driveway for their home. You can choose from asphalt driveways and exposed aggregate driveways to coloured concrete driveways – there are various types of driveways to match the theme and colour of your home.
Low maintenance
Unlike having a grassed area leading to your property, a driveway does not need constant mowing, watering, care, and attention. The durability and the relatively short amount of time needed to care for driveways are why many properties opt for them on their land.
Apart from the odd removal of stains caused by oil from vehicles, driveways will also last a long time and still look good even if you do not care for them daily. However, as with any part of your home, you are advised to inspect, service, and repair your driveway to preserve its longevity – after all, it is the most utilised part of a property and is subject to wear and tear.
Upgrade your property
As illustrated, there are many benefits to having a driveway installed on your property. Whether you just want that extra safety or the added resale value of your home, you can rest assured that a driveway is a great long-term investment.
So, do not hesitate to upgrade your property with a coloured concrete driveway, exposed aggregate driveway, or any other driveway of your choice. Make sure to reach out to expert technicians who will listen to your concerns and ideas, and offer a design tailored to your wishes, needs, and budget.
