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Answers (7)
Best Answer
- Beth Fread, "Beth Fread"
- Contributions:11
Good Question, Craig. I find that driveways and fireplaces have a lot in common. If you want one, it has value, if not, it's a nice bonus but it's not the reason for buying the home. Pavement means less dust and mud in the garage and, therefore, the home.
But, in snow-country, it's expensive to repair when plows dig it up, and it's more expensive to maintain because you have to seal it every 2-3 years. Also, if it is not laid in correctly, it can become a sheet of ice in winter, leading directly to your garage - this is more of a problem with concrete than asphalt.
Besides, Sharon makes some more good points about gravel drives ....
So, the Buyer will have to tell you if your paved driveway is of value!
But, in snow-country, it's expensive to repair when plows dig it up, and it's more expensive to maintain because you have to seal it every 2-3 years. Also, if it is not laid in correctly, it can become a sheet of ice in winter, leading directly to your garage - this is more of a problem with concrete than asphalt.
Besides, Sharon makes some more good points about gravel drives ....
So, the Buyer will have to tell you if your paved driveway is of value!
- Lucy Armentrout, "Lucy Armentrout"
- Contributions:71
There are plenty of great responses here, but just to add a bit to the mix: Are you talking about flat grey concrete or black asphalt paving? Or stone tile or colored and "stamped" concrete paving (lasts like concrete but looks like stone)? The answer, as others have noted, is relative to your location. In my market, a brick or stone or other ornate paving material says, "high end". These ornate driveways are normally paired with grand entries and other high-end finishes in the house. Combined with other higher-end touches, the ornate paved driveway pushes these homes into a higher more luxurious home price bracket. So yes, the paved driveway adds value. But do check your local conditions: What are owners of comparable homes doing? They are the folks you'll be "competing" against when you sell your home with the lovely paved driveway. Follow the norm, and perhaps exceed it by just a little bit, to be sure your home remains attractive on the market, but is not "over-improved" (which might mean you can't recoup the cost of your extra improvements like the paved driveway).
- SoCal_Engr
- Contributions:5661
An excellent example of how local RE is. The thought of paved or not has never even been a thought in my house hunting excursions. And, asphalt is almost just as foreign to me. It's either concrete, or pavers, unless you're out in the sticks or dealing with really old neighborhoods.
And, absolutely none of the concerns associated with snow country.
And, absolutely none of the concerns associated with snow country.
- Pasadenan
- Contributions:21432
I have seen some really nice "hidden" (planted) driveways, that are much more valuable than concrete or asphalt or dirt or gravel or stone, or pavers...
It supports the weight of most commercial trucks, but the grass grows right through it, so if you didn't know it was there, you would just think it was part of the landscaping.
It supports the weight of most commercial trucks, but the grass grows right through it, so if you didn't know it was there, you would just think it was part of the landscaping.
- John Meyers -Baird&Warner, "chicagoland007"
- Contributions:12
Hello Craig,
A cement paved driveway does increase the home value but can be pricey if you are doing so with cement or stone/brick. (You may just break-even.)
A less expensive alternative is to install black top asphalt. A fresh asphalt driveway will enhance the home value just as much for about a 1/3 of the cost of doing it with cement.
Hope that helps!
Sincerely,
John
A cement paved driveway does increase the home value but can be pricey if you are doing so with cement or stone/brick. (You may just break-even.)
A less expensive alternative is to install black top asphalt. A fresh asphalt driveway will enhance the home value just as much for about a 1/3 of the cost of doing it with cement.
Hope that helps!
Sincerely,
John
John Meyers, President -- Meyers Realty & ChicagolandRentals – [promotional content removed by moderator]
- Sharon Lewis, "Sharon Lewis"
- Contributions:3914
Personally, I like a non paved driveway, but I am in the minority. I mean a non paved driveway that is kept in excellent condition. I like hearing the crunch of gravel underneath tires as a car pulls up, its like a pre door bell. A non paved driveway is less hot in the summer too, heat is dispersed into the ground. YOu could also go the extra mile and create a wonderful looking non paved driveway, do something unique. Most people like paved though.
Now, if you are in the country, totally different story.....
Now, if you are in the country, totally different story.....
- Pasadenan
- Contributions:21432
A non-paved driveway (or no driveway) usually decreases the value of a property...
Does a paved driveway increase property value?
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