There is more to your drive than simply Blocks and Mortar
August 26, 2010
In these times of economic budget tightening, it is often those "I can do jobs" that become a reality. Yes, with the correct materials and a level of competence, any person can lay a new concrete driveway or indeed asphalt it.
However, you may not be aware that since 1st October 2008, homeowners must use permeable paving if replacing existing, or installing new drives or pathways in their front gardens. If you don't use a permeable system or water cannot soak into the ground via another route, all hard surfaces with an area over 5 sq metres will require planning permission.
Please remember that ignorance is not a defence and it is the homeowner's responsibility to ensure that this is the case under the new planning rules. Whilst you may not recognise this, a failing to receive planning permission may come back to haunt you if in years to come you wish to sell your property (see the Frequently Asked Questions section).
If you feel you are not confident in undertaking such a project, as the old adage goes "cheap may not always be the best". Therefore, if you are tempted by an offer in the local paper or other means, "which is too good to be true", why not take a moment to check the credentials of that company?
With all work you intend having done to your property, we recommend that you ask your prospective contractor to give you examples of similar work they have carried out local to you. Do take the opportunity to visit the job and do take the opportunity to chat it over with the home owners who commissioned the work.
Let us know your experiences both good and bad when it comes to driveways.
To find a company who may assist you further, simply click on the free links located on the right hand side of the page.
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