We loved our house from the first time we went through, but it really didn't have enough living space. We have worked on improving the layout of the home and increasing the living area of the home to create a modern and more pleasant layout to the home. We are really proud of how the job has turned out and we wanted to share some of the details of how the extension and layout changes where designed and constructed. This blog has some of the photos of our extension as well as tips that we have learnt along the journey,.
Construction & Contractors Blog
Adding a driveway to your property is a great way to enhance its kerb-appeal and thus increase its value. It's also a very practical home improvement that provides you and anyone visiting your home with easy access to your house. If you're thinking about having a driveway installed, here are a few things you should consider before you begin this process.
Concrete or Asphalt?
Most driveways are made using either concrete or asphalt. Concrete is generally considered to be the more durable of the two; it can often last over ten years before it starts to show noticeable signs of wear and tear. The restoration process is also usually quite simple; when carried out by a professional tradesperson, concrete repairs rarely take more than a day or two to complete.
Asphalt tends to be less expensive to install but will require resurfacing approximately once every four years or so. It's important to factor in this additional expense when deciding which material to use.
You should also take into account the climate in which the property is located; if for example, you live in an area with frequent spells of hot weather, it's best not to opt for an asphalt driveway, as this material has a tendency to soften when exposed to consistently high temperatures. Conversely, if you live somewhere with very cold winters, asphalt would be the better choice than concrete, as the latter can often crack when repeatedly exposed to frost.
Hire a professional or attempt DIY?
If your budget is limited, you may be thinking about building the driveway yourself. Whilst this could save you quite a bit of money initially, it may end up costing you more in the long run, particularly if you don't have any construction experience. Although it might seem like a simple job at the outset, it's all too easy to make serious errors.
For instance, if the foundation isn't cleared properly before surfacing work begins, you may end up with a spongy driveway which is much more prone to damage and will need to be replaced very quickly. Additionally, if you do not level the foundation properly, to establish adequate drainage, the finished driveway will inevitably end up sustaining water damage. With so many things that can go wrong, it's generally best to hire professionals to complete this work. You should view the services of a professional tradesperson as an investment; if the job is done to a high standard, it will save you from having to deal with the expense of frequent repairs in the future.
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10 October 2016
