Driveway
Learn the basics of driveway maintenance and repair and how they can improve the curb appeal and functionality for your home.

Homeowner's Guide to Driveways (2024 Guide)

As a homeowner, installing or renovating your driveway is a major project that requires careful planning and decision-making. With over 15 years of experience in the construction industry, I've seen all types of driveways and have the expertise to guide you through the process from start to finish. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different driveway types, materials, costs, and steps for new driveway installation. We’ll also go over how to repair and maintain existing driveways so they last for decades.

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Types of Driveway Materials

There are five main materials used for residential driveways, each with its own set of pros and cons. Carefully consider your budget, location, usage, and aesthetic preferences when deciding on a material.

Asphalt is an affordable option, costing $3-7 per square foot installed. It's moderately durable, with minor repair work needed every five years or so. Routine seal coating is required to maintain asphalt. While not as attractive as other materials, it provides a smooth driving surface.

Pros
  • Smooth surface
  • Affordable
  • Accommodates minor settlement
Cons
  • Moderate life span
  • Requires sealing
  • Bland Appearance

Concrete has the highest up-front cost at $8-15 per square foot but is extremely durable. Properly installed and sealed concrete driveways can last over 30 years with almost no maintenance required. The surface resists cracking and withstands heavy vehicles. You can stamp or stain concrete to make it more appealing.

Pros
  • Extremely durable
  • Low maintenance
  • Snow/ice melts faster
Cons
  • High cost
  • Cracks exacerbate over time
  • Fully replacing is difficult

Gravel is the cheapest material at $1-3 per square foot. However, gravel compacts and erodes easily, requiring frequent reshaping and restabilizing. Tire traction can be poor on gravel when wet. Frequent weed control is also needed. Consider gravel for low-use driveways or temporary solutions.

Pros
  • Very low cost
  • You can install it yourself
Cons

Brick gives a classic, elegant look for $10-20 per square foot. Bricks are durable but prone to settling and erosion. Repairing bricks is difficult. Ensure the base and installation are done properly to reduce sharp edges or gaps forming. Brick maintenance involves occasional resealing of the joints.

Pros
  • Beautiful appearance
  • Excellent durability
  • Handles snow/ice well
Cons
  • Very high cost
  • Bricks sink or spread over time
  • Repairs are difficult

For $10-20 per square foot, concrete pavers create decorative driveways in endless patterns and colors. Pavers have a good life span and reasonable repair costs if damaged. However, joints between pavers can become uneven or fill with debris over time. Annual maintenance like resealing and joint filling helps prevent long-term issues.

Pros
  • Attractive decorative options are available
  • "Like-new" appearance with routine maintenance
Cons
  • Higher ongoing maintenance needed
  • Joints can fill with weeds/debris
What We Like

Affordability is one of the categories in which Choice Home Warranty scores the best. Both of the company’s warranty plans are affordable, costing less than $60 per month. Customers can also add additional services and systems to the Basic Plan for less than $15 per unit, which is one of the most affordable add-on options we’ve found with any home warranty provider.

Additionally, Choice Home Warranty will always charge you the same $85 service call fee if you need a technician to come to your home for a repair.

You can also cancel your warranty within 30 days if you are not satisfied with the service.

What We Don't Like

Choice Home Warranty’s $85 service fee is not the cheapest option among our home warranty providers. But while other providers offer a tiered fee, Choice Home Warranty’s set rate ensures you will not have any unexpected financial surprises if a repair is needed.

What We Like

Choice Home Warranty scores well in the customer experience category because of its 24/7 customer support and accessibility of representatives. The company also earned points due to its short 30-day waiting period, 60-day workmanship guarantee and 90-day parts guarantee.

It’s easy to get a quote from Choice Home Warranty online. Once you submit your information on the company’s website, you will be taken to a quote page where you can see your coverage options. You can also expect company representatives to call after you submit a quote request. In our reviewer’s experience, representatives are very helpful and offer further discounts on your home warranty plan. The company also lets you view a sample contract online, so you have a better idea of the total cost before purchasing your warranty.

What We Don't Like

While Choice Home Warranty’s online quote is not overly detailed, you can at least see what each plan covers. However, you can not immediately compare costs like you can with other home warranty providers. You’ll instead need to go to the checkout page to see your total home warranty cost.

What We Like

While Choice Home Warranty’s weakest category is reputation, the company has a 4.7-star rating on Glassdoor, indicating that employees like working there. Current and former employees report fair pay and good working conditions. A company is only as good as the well-being of its employees, so this is a good indicator of the company’s values and work culture.

What We Don't Like

Not only does Choice Home Warranty have a D+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), but the company’s rating on Google Reviews is only 1.1 stars. 

The BBB also points to lawsuits involving Choice Home Warranty that are currently under investigation, including a case filed by the Arizona Attorney General in 2019. Some customers claim that Choice Home Warranty is a fraudulent company that makes false promises to customers.

What We Like

Choice Home Warranty offers several ways to file a claim if a covered item breaks or malfunctions in your home, including online or by phone. The company also offers 24/7 customer support, 365 days a year.

Many Choice Home Warranty customers report a fast and effective claims process, with repairs successfully completed by knowledgeable technicians. However, other customers state the opposite experience, reporting long wait and repair times.

What We Don't Like

In its sample service contract, Choice Home Warranty states that a service provider should get back to you within four hours of filing a claim. However, depending on the provider, it can take up to 48 hours.

As mentioned above, some customers also complain about how Choice Home Warranty handles claims, including long response times, unexpected charges and unresolved repairs.

What We Like

Choice Home Warranty — based in Edison, New Jersey — is available in 48 states and excludes only Washington and California. Since Choice Home Warranty is available throughout most of the U.S., it performs well and receives full marks in this category.

What We Don't Like

Due to service exclusions, homeowners in Washington and California can not purchase Choice Home Warranty coverage. 


How To Choose The Right Driveway Material For Your Home

Choosing the best driveway material involves weighing factors like your budget, climate, neighborhood aesthetics, usage amount, and surface longevity. Generally, concrete, brick, and paver are premium options in terms of appearance and durability, while asphalt is an affordable, smooth-riding surface, and gravel works well for light usage. Read More: Asphalt vs. Gravel Driveway

Use the comparison chart below to help determine the best driveway type for your needs.

MaterialCost Per Square FootDurabilityMaintenance
Asphalt$3-7FairModerate
Concrete$8-15ExcellentLow
Gravel$1-3PoorHigh
Brick$10-20ExcellentModerate
Pavers$10-20GoodModerate

New Driveway Installation Process

Installing a new driveway takes careful planning and preparation to create an enduring, smooth surface. Follow these steps when undertaking a driveway replacement project:

Driveway Installation Guides

Site Evaluation and Planning

Analyze the location, measuring exact dimensions and identifying any grade changes or obstacles. Decide on a material and design before finalizing the project scope and ordering supplies.

Excavation and Grading

For non-gravel driveways, excavate at least 6 inches down, removing all topsoil and vegetation. Shape and compact the exposed subgrade to uniform slopes and levels as required.

Base Installation

Install a 4-6 inch aggregate base of compacted gravel, crushed concrete, or sand. This provides structural support and drainage for driveways. Take care to keep the base even and properly crown/slope the surface to prevent water pooling.

Top Layer Installation

With the base completed, the driveway material like concrete, asphalt, or pavers can be installed per manufacturer guidelines. For concrete or asphalt, ensure you have adequate helpers to finish spreading and smoothing the material while still working.

Sealing and Finishing Touches

Protect driveways with acrylic sealants, which prevent surface cracks and friction wear. Additionally, install drainage systems, flatten edges for smooth tire transitions, and clear debris that accumulated during construction.

Driveway Sealing Guides


Maintaining and Repairing Existing Driveways

Driveways require periodic maintenance and minor repairs to achieve maximum durability. Catching problems early makes repairs less complicated.

Crack Repairs

Use crack fillers compatible with your driveway type to repair small cracks. Thoroughly clean cracks beforehand using compressed air. Follow the product instructions to fill the cracks and allow proper curing time.

Sealcoating

Every 2-3 years, clean driveways and apply a fresh protective seal coat. Timing varies by climate and usage levels. Ensure proper adhesion by following manufacturer guidelines.

Resurfacing

Heavily worn or damaged driveways may require resurfacing, applying a new layer of bricks, asphalt, concrete etc. This extends lifespan 10-15 years. Completely removing and redoing the driveway may be needed beyond that point.

Snow and Ice Removal Best Practices

Use deicers minimally as salts and chemicals deteriorate concrete over time. A snowplow carefully handled can clear driveways effectively after heavy storms. Adjust blades to avoid scraping and damaging the driveway surface.


So, What Is The Best Driveway For Your Home?

When choosing your ideal driveway, assess your budget, location, personal preferences, and maintenance capabilities. Long-lasting concrete is ideal for those wanting a durable, low-maintenance surface in climates with freeze-thaw cycles. Asphalt provides a smooth, comfortable ride at a lower up-front cost. Pavers or brick enhance aesthetics while requiring moderate yearly upkeep. Gravel suits occasional usage. Proper installation and sealing are key to maximizing life span regardless of material. Consider consulting a professional to ensure your new or renovated driveway best fits your home life.

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The Basics of Driveways

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