What to consider before planning a fancier pavement surface

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Published Date 8/22/2024

It’s true. Production (tract) home neighborhoods can all look pretty much the same. Same stucco or siding exteriors, same single tree with a few bushes. Same color palettes throughout. But what if you just want to be different — like redo your driveway and walkway in an alternative surface — like pavers?

Realtor’s Zoë Roscoe covers the topic and says first off, check with your neighborhood’s homeowners or architectural committee to see if a changeout is permitted. Especially if you have a 3-car garage, pavers can be a big investment.

Next, before the jackhammer comes out and the pavers go down, consider several key factors. “Sure, pavers are aesthetically beautiful and can elevate your home value, but they’re not always the best choice depending on your location and the amount of maintenance you’re willing to put in,” she says.

She chatted with contractor Frank Bridgeman to learn everything you need to know and what to consider before giving pavers the green light. “Paving with brick pavers is more expensive upfront compared to other materials like concrete, asphalt or gravel,” he says. “Consider your budget not only for the materials but also for installation costs, which can vary based on the complexity of the design and site preparation needed.”

Numbers-wise Bridgeman estimates that the cost of pavers can be 50% more than using asphalt or concrete. “Typically, concrete will roughly run you about $7 per square foot, while pavers can be anywhere from $15 to $30 per square foot,” he says. While it can pay off and add value to your home, it won’t give you the same return that a kitchen renovation or appliance upgrade will provide, for example.

Pavers exist in concrete, clay, and natural stone, each with different durability and maintenance requirements. Concrete pavers are durable and easier to maintain, while natural stone and brick pavers can offer a more elegant look but require more upkeep. “The biggest issue when it comes to maintenance is the weeding between the pavers. Handpicking weeds is the cleanest way to remove them,” says Roscoe.

If you choose brick pavers, ensure the material you choose is suitable for your climate. “Depending on your location, your pavers should be able to withstand temperature fluctuations, freeze-thaw cycles, and moisture without cracking or shifting. As someone from New England,” says Bridgeman, adding that this is the biggest issue he sees with his clients. “Brick pavers really shouldn’t be plowed or salted as it can cause erosion and damage to the driveway,” he says.

Bridgeman also recommends checking your local zoning requirements. If you’re in an area with wetlands, you may be required to use pervious pavers, which allow water to seep through to the soil beneath.

Choosing pavers over asphalt automatically elevates a home’s curb appeal, which in turn adds value to your home. While it depends on the design and neighborhood, Bridgeman says it can add about 5% to 10% more value to your home. But make sure to choose a paver style and pattern that complements your home’s architecture and landscaping. A midcentury modern home may not look that great with multi-colored used brick pavers. Consider factors such as color, shape, and texture to ensure the driveway blends harmoniously with the surroundings.

Just because you think it looks easy to DIY a new driveway doesn’t make it so. Because proper installation of pavers is crucial for the longevity and stability of your driveway, consider hiring a professional contractor or landscaper with experience in laying pavers to ensure proper excavation, base preparation, edge restraints, and joint filling.

Realtor, TBWS

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