If you are wondering how driveway excavation can bring value to your house, think about this: A report by Texas AM University found that in Texas alone, over 65,000 traffic accidents are linked to driveways each year. Surprising, right? About one in every six accidents in the state happens at a driveway, causing around 12,000 injuries and 100 deaths annually. It really highlights why having a driveway is so crucial, doesn’t it?
You’d expect the above astounding finding should make most homeowners realize the importance of driveway excavation. Alas, most homeowners still don’t get it. A home without a perfect driveway is like a book without a cover, an unfinished story. It is not appealing. Or even a better example: a home without a proper driveway is like a road without guardrails— it is missing a crucial safety measure.
It’s nearly impossible to understand the value if you don’t know for sure if there is a need for a driveway excavation. And to what extent can you exact your driveway? How much digging is needed? Is it even necessary? Oh, don’t fret. Our article has all the answers for you. But before we can explore how a driveway excavation can transform your home into a valuable asset, let’s clear this question right up:
What is Driveway Excavation?
When you hear ‘driveway excavation,’ it might conjure images of massive construction sites with excavators tearing up the ground. But hold on, it’s not as chaotic as it sounds. While there is some digging involved, it’s not a messy process that will wreak havoc on your home. Here’s what’s crucial for a well-done driveway excavation:
First off, the ground needs to be level. An uneven surface can jeopardize the durability of your driveway.
Drainage is a biggie. Constructors need to plan for proper drainage solutions and retaining walls to ensure a job is well done.
Consider the slope. This plays a vital role in material selection for the job, so it’s a crucial factor for constructors to ponder.
And oh, let’s not forget your budget! Honestly, this should be right at the top of this list. Without a clear budget, you can’t know if you can afford that envious driveway. For instance, if you’re eyeing a garage door repair and an asphalt driveway, the costs will likely differ from someone just needing a concrete repair service. Make sure that garage door repair fits your budget and needs. Your budget guides the options available and ensures you get the quality driveway that suits both your needs and your wallet.
Use the below tips to tips boost the value of your house with a driveway excavation:
Hire a Local Excavation Company
To ensure your home gets a top-quality driveway, opt for a local excavation company with a solid track record in delivering high-quality work. The more successful driveway projects they’ve completed locally, the better. Do some sleuthing on Google to research the company. Check out Google My Business and Facebook reviews to gauge the quality of their services. Keep an eye out for any red flags such as complaints about service quality or project delays. These insights will guide you in making a well-informed decision. Your driveway deserves the best, so take your time to find the right team for the job.
Here are some advantages of choosing a local excavation company:
Affordable Service: Local companies often offer more competitive pricing.
Terrain Familiarity: They understand your area better than companies from distant locations.
Quality Assurance: With most of their business local, local contractors strive to uphold their reputation, avoiding delivering low-quality service.
Convenient Accessibility: Should any issues arise post-project, it’s easier to reach out to them.
Easy to Cross-check Testimonials: If you want to cross-check testimonials, it’s even faster and easier with local contractors. You can ask for references and easily visit previous project sites, or even speak directly to homeowners about their experiences with a contractor you want to hire. This firsthand insight can help you make an informed decision.
Hire Contractors to do the Heavy Lifting
Having a Bobcat and tools in your garage is handy, but does it automatically make you an excavation expert? The answer is a big NO. Instead of tackling everything yourself, why don’t you hire contractors to do all the heavy lifting? Not only will this save you time and money, but it will also guarantee you that your property gets a valuable upgrade.
And heavy lifting includes everything related to driveway excavation. Whether you’re eyeing a concrete polisher, need concrete repairs, or even a garage door replacement, contractors bring tried-and-tested expertise to the table.
Working with a contractor means partnering with someone equipped with all the necessary tools for the job. From bump cutters and chipping hammers to floats, mixers, and finish dozers—plus contractors are experts at using any of those tools. Now you understand why hiring contractors is a surefire way to ensure your project is done professionally while saving you the trouble of doing it all yourself.
It’s crucial that you understand the key differences between foundation contractors and driveway contractors. Let’s take a look at them:
Foundation Contractors: These specialists ensure your house (or building) has a rock-solid foundation. They know how to lay and pile your foundation. And they are experts when it comes to repairing your foundation. When you hire foundation contractors, you’ll know that you work with champs that will create a stable base for your driveway. While at it, they will only use appropriate materials for foundation laying.
Driveway Contractors: They are your go-to guys if you need a driveway excavation service. Because they specialize in excavating driveways, most of them tend to be good at it. These experts have extensive experience in handling various driveway projects, for both home and commercial buildings. When working with driveway contractors, it’s vital to engage with seasoned professionals who have a wealth of expertise in this specific field.
Get Your Driveway Looking Squeaky Clean
Having a new driveway is great, but if it doesn’t look spotless, it might not look quite appealing. Typically, cleaning a driveway doesn’t require you to hire a contractor. However, after each driveway excavation project, you’d expect a contractor to remove all the debris. Your job as a homeowner is to keep it squeaky clean. That is easier said than done because a majority of homeowners struggle with keeping their driveways impeccably clean. Using boiling water, scrubbing with a stiff brush, or even a good hose rinse might not cut it for a thorough clean. That’s why you would need to hire a concrete polisher. There are also commercial pressure cleaning companies that you can call that will leave your driveway looking spotlessly clean.
Here are some of the reasons why you should make your driveway look squeaky clean:
When you clean your curb it will make your home appealing.
- It makes it easy for a contractor to repair your driveway.
- It keeps your driveway looking new.
- It will help you prevent damage to your driveway.
Cleaning your driveway is the first thing a contractor does before they reseal your driveway.
Keeping your driveway clean adds value when you want to sell your home.
Repair any Damages to Your Driveway
Sometimes your driveway may have some damages that only a driveway contractor can fix. Before fixing your driveway, the contractor will drop by to assess your driveway. Once a contractor is certain what needs to be fixed, you will get a quote from them. Let’s say, for instance, your driveway needs concrete repair. The contractor will quote for only that. Once you approve the quote, a contractor will proceed to repair the damage to your driveway. Fixing a drive usually doesn’t take long, in most cases a contractor can fix it within a few hours or at least three days.
Meanwhile, the time it takes for your concrete to dry is slightly different from asphalt. You would need at least two days to allow the concrete to cure before stepping on it. Sometimes you may have to keep your dogs off your concrete for another two days.
A driveway excavation contractor will do the following to bring the concrete of your driveway to life:
The contractor will start by cleaning the surface of your driveway. It’s important to ensure that there is no debris on your driveway before repairing the concrete. The same applies to oil stains on your driveway. The contractor needs to make sure there are no stains before doing any concrete repair. Once the surface is clean, the contractor will set out to repair the driveway.
Asphalt Driveways that Will Bring Curb Side Appeal
There is nothing as appealing as asphalt driveways. The very first thing that makes asphalt stand out is its stunning appearance. Thanks to the crushed stones and sand it is made of, asphalt can look great for a long time if taken care of. It can withstand rain and harsh winter conditions. Another factor that makes asphalt a must-have option for your driveway is its quiet and smooth sound. Now you understand why most homeowners still prefer it. When you opt for an asphalt driveway, expect to pay slightly less than concrete, but that will, to a great extent, depend on asphalt companies in your area.
There are two types of asphalt that you should know:
- Hot Mix Asphalt – This kind of asphalt is typically for home driveways. Asphalt companies make sure that they pour it at temperatures of 300–350 degrees. The most common use for this asphalt type is driveways and highways. We call it hot mix because it is a durable asphalt.
- Cold Mix Asphalt is another type of asphalt that contractors use only when it is cold. Unlike hot asphalt that you can use for both homes and highways, this type of asphalt is for repair. And even when you use it, you don’t expect it to be durable. Most contractors use it for small projects such as pothole repairs and driveway repairs.
Make Sure Your Garage Door Compliments Your New Driveway!
Let’s talk about your garage. Does it complement your driveway? If not, it might be time to consider replacing or repairing your garage door. There are contractors out there who specialize in garage renovations and can lend a hand.
First things first: picking the right garage door style. It should not only match your home but also gel well with your driveway’s vibe. If you’re unsure which door suits best, a contractor can guide you. They’ll assess your home’s architectural style, ensuring the garage door fits seamlessly with either a sleek or modern look.
If your garage door clashes with your driveway or home’s color scheme, some adjustments might be needed. Consider painting the garage door to create a cohesive appearance that elevates your home’s overall appeal. Coordinating colors between your driveway and garage can make your home stand out and even enhance its resale value when the time comes.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Last but not least, excavating your driveway is not something that you can do yourself. Unless you are a driveway excavation specialist. It requires patience, dedication, passion, and most importantly a skill that only a contract has.
Driveway Excavation can significantly boost your property’s value, but finding the right contractor is key to success. Keep this in mind: Not all contractors possess that skill. That’s why it’s crucial to do a background check before you hire a contractor to work on your driveway. Take your time to review some of the projects completed by each contractor. Once you are satisfied with their work, make a decision.
A reliable driveway contractor should not only possess the right tools but also the expertise to use them effectively. They’ll thoroughly assess your driveway’s condition and advise on necessary repairs, whether it’s concrete repair or polishing.
For starting a driveway from scratch, consider foundation contractors with a stellar reputation and expertise in the field.
In a commercial setup, the principles remain the same: aim for quality services at fair prices. Explore options like commercial pressure cleaning or asphalt companies, but prioritize hiring a reputable local excavation company because they are easy to find and do reference checks. Before hiring, make sure you work with a company that is in good standing and has years of experience in the field. This diligence ensures you’re partnering with a reliable team for your project. Are you looking for a driveway excavation company in your area? Reach out to us today!