Here are some items to consider before you begin:
1. Are you allowed to install a brick driveway? Before you break ground on your project, it’s important to obtain permission from the local authorities. In most cases, building a new driveway will require a permit. You may also need to get permission from your homeowner’s association. The HOA may set very strict guidelines about the type of driveway allowed in your neighborhood.
2. Does the existing driveway need to be removed? The demolition of an existing driveway will increase the cost per square foot of your project. In some cases, it may be possible to lay brick pavers over an existing asphalt or concrete surface.
3. How much site preparation is required? Has the driveway area been cleared and leveled? Do any trees or shrubs need to be removed? How much grading and excavation is required? Can the soil support the weight of the driveway?
Without a solid foundation, your driveway may begin to sink or settle. After the driveway area is excavated to the required depth, your contractor will need to lay a compacted gravel base. The thickness of this gravel layer will depend heavily on the quality of the soil. If the soil conditions are less than ideal, you may need over a foot of gravel. This extra gravel may increase the cost of installation.
4. What is the layout of the driveway? A flat driveway is typically the most affordable to build than a sloped driveway. Additionally, rectangular shapes are easier to handle than curvy or circular designs.
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5. Are there concerns about drainage? Water should always flow away from your home. If your driveway does not naturally direct water away from the home’s foundation, you may need to install a drainage system. This expense is not typically included in the cost of professional installation.
A drainage system doesn’t have to be an eyesore. Trench or channel drains can be covered with decorative grates that can improve the overall look of your new driveway.
6. What type of bricks will be used? A traditional brick driveway can give your home a classic, high-end look. However, brick pavers can be very expensive.
If brick is a little out of your budget, you may want to consider a concrete paver driveway. Concrete pavers are incredibly durable and they are much more affordable than traditional brick. While clay bricks are almost always small and rectangular, concrete pavers come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.
7. How will the bricks be laid? Brick can be laid in many different patterns. The complexity of the pattern will have a direct impact on the cost of installation. Straight, running bond patterns are almost always the easiest to install. The extra time required to lay mosaic designs, complex patterns, or decorative borders will increase labor costs.
8. How large is the driveway? Most driveway contractors will base their quote on the desired square footage of the driveway. As the square footage of the driveway increases, so does the total cost of the project.
9. Will the driveway be heated? You can spend a lot less time shoveling snow each winter by installing a heated driveway. However, this extra convenience comes at a price! Installing a snow melting system will have a big impact on your project’s budget.
10. Will the bricks be mortared or dry-set? There are two basic ways to build a brick driveway. Bricks can be dry-laid with sand spread between each joint or bricks can mortared together. Mortared (or "wet") installations are typically a little more expensive than "dry" installations.
11. Are all materials and supplies included in the cost estimate? Bricks are not the only thing you will need to build the driveway. Make sure that the contractor has specified what other materials will be used in his or her price quote. This includes, but is not limited to, geo-textile fabrics, sand, gravel, mortar, and sealers.
Related Question: Should a brick driveway be sealed?
You should also make sure that cleanup, upon completion of the project, is included in the total cost. The job site should be just as clean as it was when the contractor arrived.
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