As a proud homeowner, when putting your home up for sale, or trying to do the most you can to get the market value up, you should take into consideration having asphalt paving done to your driveway. It increases the curb appeal, therefore adding worth. Asphalt paving is affordable, long-lasting, and can be done quickly to draw additional interest from potential buyers.
Asphalt Paving Increases Curb Appeal
Take a drive through your neighborhood. Are most of the driveways paved and yours isn't? Are all the other driveways gravel, but you're looking for a way to make your home stand out? Then asphalt paving is one affordable way to solve either of those concerns.
A cracked, worn down, or chipped driveway is going to scare potential buyers away from your property. Additionally, if you have a gravel or dirt driveway currently, people will view that as a weak spot. It opens a door where they can bargain to get a lower price on your property if you have it for sale. Asphalt does well in colder climates since the materials are able to flex with the freezing and thawing making your asphalt less likely to crack. It is also more porous in nature, so water can drain through it more easily.
If most of the homes in your area have gravel or dirt driveways and you take the time to have an asphalt paving done, your property is instantly going stand out from the rest. People will give your home a greater value if it looks nicer than the others around it. If most of the driveways around you are already paved, you could schedule a resurfacing or a seal coating if you plan to put your home on the market. When potential buyers see that your home isn't quite up to the same standards as the rest on the block, they will try and get a lower price.
Why an Asphalt Driveway is Your Best Option
You might be wondering what the difference is between concrete vs. asphalt. Concrete was traditionally used to pave driveways, but more and more people are turning to the more affordable asphalt option.
One reason that people like asphalt driveways instead of concrete going beyond the price is because it's a more flexible material. With the environment constantly changing, you want your driveway to be able to move with it to avoid cracks, chips, and the need for asphalt repairs. As long as the asphalt paving is done the way it's supposed to be, it can last for up to 30 years before a new asphalt driveway installation is necessary.
Asphalt driveways are a different color than concrete too. That means when fuel, oil, dirt, and other debris lands on it, you won't necessarily be able to see the stain as easily. You won't have to do as much cleaning and maintenance to keep it looking like new.
For us here in the Peace Country, where there is snow and ice in the winter months a big benefit is the fact that it melts faster off asphalt driveways than it does from concrete. Think of all the time you will save in the morning by having an asphalt driveway that's started clearing the unwanted precipitation on its own before you even get out of bed! You can also use salt during the winter on asphalt as it isn’t affected by it like concrete is.
Repairing Existing Asphalt Driveways Before the Sale
When you are ready to put your home on the market, if you have an existing asphalt driveway, it's highly recommended that you do the asphalt repairs first. One thing that is nice about using asphalt to pave your surfaces is that you can do a crack fill, chip seal, or sealcoating to repair minor issues. With concrete, cobblestone, or brick driveways, you can't just put a patch on the problem and call it good. You have to do significant renovations to make sure that everything matches up and looks like it should.
Asphalt professionals have the methods, tools, and equipment to come in and carefully fill in small cracks and chips to preserve your existing surfaces. When visitors come to explore your property that's for sale, or even if you have guests over for a dinner party, they will notice. You will hear comments about how you've taken the time and put the attention into ensuring your home's exterior is maintained correctly.
It doesn't matter if you're planning on selling your home soon, or if your goal is to stay there for the rest of your life. As someone that's put the time, energy, and resources into the property that you have, you want it to be the best it can be. Scheduling an asphalt paving, crack fill, or even an asphalt sealcoating of your existing asphalt driveway will make all the difference in the overall look of your property.