Driveways with Personality

Published by julia | Filed under Buyer / Seller Tips, Miscellaneous, Real Estate

Has it ever occurred to you that making a change in your home’s driveway can add personality to the home that will inevitably also drive up its value? It’s true! Here are a couple of options to consider other than the old standby of asphalt that most houses use.

1) Stone Driveways are quite elegant, yet easily maintained. What’s more, this is the one driveway option that you can color-coordinate with your house. A wide variety of stone colors are available, although white, dark grey and black are most common. If you decide this is something you want to try, visit a stone shop or landscape yard to see what colors and sizes of stone are available. One caveat: You should be prepared to restone every couple of years in order to maintain the surface.

2) Brick Driveways give a hint of nostalgia to your home. Fortunately, they are among the simplest of all paving and patio materials to work with. They come in standard sizes and regular forms, and like stone, come in a variety of colors. An added benefit is that they provide a non-slip surface for cars that works out well in winter time. Also, restoration of the driveway usually only involves replacing one brick at a time.

3) Concrete Driveways need not be boring. You can add personality to it by coloring it or giving it an unusual shape and texture. You might even consider embedding it with a bit of stone to give it a unique, composite look.

If you really want to be adventurous, try combining any or all of the above. Work with a professional, though, to come up with a design that looks creative but not just a hodgepodge. Your new driveway will give you years of pleasure–and make the house more valuable when it’s time to sell.