The driveway is one of the reasons why homebuyers push through with a sale. Having a driveway is essential for most people. Since people don’t use their cars all the time, it is not surprising they want to leave them somewhere safe.
Although property owners rarely think about their driveway compared to other parts of their house, like the living room, kitchen, lawn, or garden, a driveway is an important part of home living. Your driveway is the first area that literally and figuratively welcomes anyone to your home.
Nowadays, millennial homebuyers dominate the realty industry as this generation starts having families. Millennials typically look for homes that are environmentally friendly. Compared to older generations, they are perceptive about their health and impact on the environment. Using sustainable materials for your driveway makes your property more appealing to buyers.
Does a Driveway Add Value to Your Property?
Accordingly, a driveway increases the value of your property up to 10 percent. Most people prefer to buy a move-in ready house. Additional costly repairs are a reason not to proceed with the sale. There are several reasons why having a driveway in your property boosts its value. Here are some of them:
First Impressions
The first impression holds everything since it sets all the standards for what follows. When approaching your property, the driveway is the first thing that an individual notices. It is what makes your property stand out among the rest of the houses on the block.
An elegant-looking driveway gives the impression that the inside of the house is also elegant. On the contrary, an unkempt and broken driveway reflects an unkempt and broken house interior. If you want to sell your house, it should look attractive.
Functionality
A beautiful driveway is important, but it should also be functional. The surface of your driveway should be safe for walking, exercising, and playing. Concrete and asphalt materials make a good driveway.
An ideal driveway should be robust and resilient to everyday wear and tear. It should accommodate at least two cars. Since a driveway can sometimes take up a fair share of your property, it must be practical and aesthetically pleasing.
Compliance with the Law
Some towns and cities have restrictions regarding on-street parking. Having a driveway gives you an off-street parking space and makes you compliant with the law. Furthermore, you can rent out the extra space on your driveway for parking. Not only will you earn a few dollars; you also protect the cars of other people.
How to Improve Your Driveway
Now that you know why an elegant driveway adds value to your property, here are some ways to improve the condition of your driveway:
Pressure Wash
The cheapest way to spruce up your driveway is to have it cleaned. Old driveways will look new and fresh again with a power washer. It removes the moss and dirt stuck on your driveway. You can ask a contractor to handle the job for you or rent a machine and pressure wash the driveway yourself. Even with just this simple trick, you will see good results.
Do Necessary Repairs
Over time, the weather causes your driveway to deteriorate. Cracks and chips will start to appear, making driving in difficult, if not hazardous. Resealing those cracks will make your worn-out driveway look new again. A concrete repair contractor can layer asphalt on your driveway to add more curb appeal and prolong your driveway’s functionality.
Upgrade Your Driveway
If the condition of your driveway is beyond washing and repair, you can consider upgrading it to something new. You can choose from a variety of materials, such as paver bricks, cobblestone, gravel, and basalt. Concrete perhaps is considered the most popular option for many reasons. It is durable and flexible. Apart from that, its installation is not expensive.
Improve Your Landscaping
The landscape of your front yard could also make a huge improvement on your driveway. This project could be handled by a professional. You can add flower beds along the driveway to make it more colorful and lively.
Overall, if you plan to sell your property, you should do your best to improve its value. If you need more suggestions, you can look for other sources online.
