Front garden/driveway renovation

adonis10

So, our offer has been accepted and we firstly are looking at sorting out the front driveway so that we can fit two cars on it. Images below are a) as it is b) a house a few doors down which has had a nice renovation. Does anyone have any idea the sort of cost for this? Is it landscaping?

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Rain_Shadow

Knock on their door and ask them who did it. They'll probably tell you, and then you can compliment it and enquire 'roughly how much it cost'.

Hoof_Hearted

Rain is right. I have often asked people about their renovations/windows/doors and I haven't found anybody who isn't willing to help.

adonis10

Yeah, you're both right. I plan to do this anyway but I'm inpatient so wanted to get an idea of cost before I go back down there.

I'm sure they'll be happy to help, it's a compliment if nothing else!

Rain_Shadow

Well, it won't be cheap. My only concern is that what makes it look good is that both houses have been done. Not sure how it will look next to what appears to be a rather overgrown (if that hedge is anything to go by) neighbouring property for you.

adonis10

Rain_Shadow wrote: »

Well, it won't be cheap. My only concern is that what makes it look good is that both houses have been done. Not sure how it will look next to what appears to be a rather overgrown (if that hedge is anything to go by) neighbouring property for you.

Thousands? 2k/3k etc.? I'd hope to do most of the clearing of earth myself, with help from friends, to cut down on cost.

I see your point, but perhaps it'll just make ours look far nicer than theirs.
Besides, the main point is because we have two cars and don't want to park them on the road.

AdrianC

Don't forget that you will need to get approval from the council to drop the kerb, and pay one of their approved contractors to do that part at the very least.

adonis10 wrote: »

I'd hope to do most of the clearing of earth myself, with help from friends, to cut down on cost.

I think you might be underestimating the amount of earth involved, plus the necessity for a structural retaining wall.

adonis10

AdrianC wrote: »

Don't forget that you will need to get approval from the council to drop the kerb, and pay one of their approved contractors to do that part at the very least.

Yeah, already factored this in. Annoying, but has to be done.

Rain_Shadow

adonis10 wrote: »

Thousands? 2k/3k etc.? I'd hope to do most of the clearing of earth myself, with help from friends, to cut down on cost.

I see your point, but perhaps it'll just make ours look far nicer than theirs.
Besides, the main point is because we have two cars and don't want to park them on the road.

That is a hell of a lot of earth to move if you are thinking of doing it without an excavator. A groundwork specialist would have all that out easily in a day.

Rain_Shadow

adonis10 wrote: »

Thousands? 2k/3k etc.? I'd hope to do most of the clearing of earth myself, with help from friends, to cut down on cost.

I see your point, but perhaps it'll just make ours look far nicer than theirs.
Besides, the main point is because we have two cars and don't want to park them on the road.

I think you may get a surprise. £10k wouldn't surprise me and tbh it could well be a fair bit more to get the sort of look and finish that the other houses have.

adonis10

Rain_Shadow wrote: »

I think you may get a surprise. £10k wouldn't surprise me and tbh it could well be a fair bit more to get the sort of look and finish that the other houses have.

We'll be parking on the road. No chance am I paying that.