If you are wondering whether or not concrete driveways are suitable for your home, it is essential to consider the factors that contribute to their cost and upkeep before investing in this paving material. Apart from the elements, it would help if you also considered hiring expert constructors for concrete driveways in Melbourne. To ensure that your concrete drive project goes as smoothly as possible, consider eight factors before building your concrete driveway.
8 Factors to Consider When Building Concrete Driveway in Melbourne
1. Concrete is Durable
As long as you take good care of them, you will be able to enjoy a lifetime of use from a quality concrete driveway. You can do several things to prolong its life span, but one thing that is entirely within your control is how much wear and tear it takes in its first year or two of existence.
2. Concrete can be Coloured
Adding color to a concrete slab can be expensive and labor-intensive, but it adds a unique, artistic quality. Some people like specific colors because they think they will fit the vibe better with their home’s architecture or landscaping. Some are known to change their entire design based on what they want their cement slab to look like. If you’re putting in a new driveway, it could be worth considering whether or not you want it colored.
3. Concrete Driveway can be Expensive
According to experts, you can spend anywhere from $1,500 for a basic cement slab to $4,000 or more for a brick paver drive. Whatever type of material you choose, it can be an expensive project and you’ll need to consider that when deciding whether or not you should build one.
4. Concrete is Hot in Summer and Cold in Winter
Builders who build asphalt car park construction in Melbourne recommend concrete because of its durability and ease of application. However, one drawback is that it gets hot in summer and cold in winter. The great thing about driveways made from other types of material is that they can be designed to absorb or reflect solar energy, so you’ll likely never have to wait long for them to warm up in winter or cool down in summer.
5. It can Crack Over Time
Concrete driveways in Melbourne can crack over time, particularly if an underlying layer of gravel does not reinforce them. It will be problematic to fix if a crack occurs because it has deeper roots. The problem with cracks is that they can affect drainage, and if left untreated, rust might set in behind the crack. That’s something you don’t want to happen, indeed!
6. Not all Contractors have the Same Skill
Hiring a contractor who also builds asphalt car park construction in Melbourne for your driveway or patio will be no less than an investment. So, just like any investment, you want to make sure you’re working with someone who will do quality work for a reasonable price. Ask contractors about their previous projects and inquire about their experience with driveways or patios like yours.
7. Not all Contractors Charge the Same
Not all concrete contractors in Melbourne charge the same. You should know what you are getting into and how much you need to pay for it. Check that they have all of their necessary permits and proper insurance. A good concrete contractor in Melbourne will always have certified members and licenses for their work. Don’t consider paying them just because they are in business. A poor construction job can cause problems with your driveway for years, but an appropriate one is durable and lasts a long time. Check their credentials carefully and get referrals from trusted sources like family or friends who have had similar work done on their property.
8. Usage of Concrete Driveway
The main reason for constructing a new drive is usually because your old one can’t handle any more cars, or perhaps you want a bigger home so require additional parking. Either way, know what you need it for. Also, think about how much space you have available and whether other obstructions may limit space. It will be easier to decide if a partial or full-width driveway would best suit your requirements with these in mind.
Overall
Concrete driveways are an excellent choice for people looking to add value to their homes or create additional space outdoors that’s easy to maintain and modify. Before you go forward with your plans, you should consider the aforementioned tips. Roadseal Civil is one of the leading concrete contractors in Melbourne that excels at building concrete driveways. If you are looking for the same to get done by experts, we are just a call away to help you out.
