Compare the whole driveway.
A surface sample cannot tell you how much excavation is needed or whether an existing base can stay. Compare proposals for the same area, vehicle use and preparation before comparing the final finish.
| Finish | What to consider | Questions for the survey |
|---|---|---|
| Resin bound | Continuous aggregate finish with a choice of colours and borders. | Is the base suitable? How will the complete construction manage water? |
| Block paving | Individual units, laying patterns and defined edges; joints need appropriate care. | Which block and construction system is specified? How are edges restrained? |
| Tarmac | Continuous parking surface that can be finished with contrasting block edging. | Is this resurfacing or reconstruction? How will thresholds and drainage be handled? |
What changes the cost?
The total depends on the area, access for excavation and deliveries, what must be removed, the condition of the base, drainage and the finish. Steps, retaining features, covers and detailed borders can change the scope even when two driveways have the same area.
Ask for those items to be described in the written quotation. A surface-only price and a complete replacement price are not comparable. We quote after assessing the property; a photograph or a square-metre figure alone cannot establish the preparation required.
Check water management and permissions early.
For houses in England, Planning Portal explains that front-garden paving generally does not need planning permission if it is permeable or drains naturally to a lawn or border. An impermeable area over five square metres without that provision generally needs permission. Different restrictions can apply to flats, listed buildings and properties with restricted permitted development rights.
A dropped kerb is a separate matter to discuss with the highway authority. Check the requirements for your property before committing to work.
Read Planning Portal’s front-garden paving guidanceBring these details to your site visit.
- The number and type of vehicles, and how they need to enter and turn.
- Any ponding, cracks, moving edges or awkward changes in level.
- The paths, front-door access and bin storage you need to keep usable.
- Your preferred finishes and any paving you want to retain.
- Access restrictions, planned deliveries and alternative parking during the work.
Keep the handover advice.
Confirm when you can walk and park on the new surface, how to clean it and who to contact with questions. Curing and aftercare depend on the installed system and conditions, so use the instructions for your driveway rather than a general promise about every material.
Arrange a free site visit