Driveway Ideas

DebbieChandler

Hi All,

I have recently purchased a house and and trying convert my front garden into a driveway which has been pain due to the incline on the drive as the pavement is higher than the house...

How much should I level the drive way so it doesn't burn my clutch but not too much of a tall wall that will block the view/ sunlight.

Can any one help the complete driveway is 33x25sqm.

images are below:

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Jonesya

Don't know about the level, but the big thing in my mind would be drainage and making sure whoever does it gets it right.

DebbieChandler

Cheers will bear that in mind, i am looking for a steep slop solution would it be better half way and a retaining wall or full way?

about 20ft down then the remaining grass could be used as draining too.

Ant555

You mention not too much of a wall to block the view/light.

As it seems that the pavement is higher than the level of your window, anything you do will change the view. If its not a big wall then its a small wall with a car on top of it.

As already suggested, be careful with the drainage, the downpipe from round the front window looks like it already will be dumping some water on to the small paved area at the front when its raining, which suggests no easy accessible drain.
I can;t see a down pipe on any of your neighbours houses so where does the rainwater guttering go?

Has anyone else in the row done something similar?

Are you planning on applying for a dropped kerb at the top?
You might find that your neighbours would not be happy with parking cars on the front, especially if you are new, and might just put in a sneaky call to the council.

DebbieChandler

Correct about the view thanks so either way it will change so that doesnt matter now.

I believe the rain water guttering goes through the side where the my alley is and into the drain there.

Yes have already applied for the dropped kerb, All the neighbors are already parking on the pavement so i don't think they will be saying I'm doing anything wrong as they park there themselves,

Further down about 8 houses to the left someone has a drive but less slope.

theonlywayisup

Have you had anyone out to say it's even feasible? Our postman had a similar situation and the drive was made but as it was so steep he actually couldn't drive on to it. The shape and length of your car will have bearing on it.

I'm thinking this, but much worse.

theonlywayisup

Op's photos:

DebbieChandler

Yes have has 3 quotes for feasibility but wanted to ask everyone for the best solution.

teddysmum

You may get quotes for the work (some will quote for anything just to make money), but if the drive is unusable without car damage, then it is of no use.


Your pathway does look very steep and the neighbours don't have parking areas/drives, so could it be that the gardens are not suitable ?


Some years ago, a man I knew had a number of quotations for a drive which slopped steeply the other way (ie away from the house). He had a number of offers, then someone, being honest, told him that his drive was not suitable for flagstones (This being before block drives became popular).

theonlywayisup

Yes, as above, have you had someone who can really tell you it's feasible, not a builder or a tarmacer who may be happy to slab anything down.

JustAnotherSaver

You really shouldn't be burning your clutch out there.