Asphalt driveways are popular because they’re affordable, maintenance-friendly and versatile. They come in a variety of colors that let you match the asphalt to your home’s exterior and existing landscaping. Many people assume asphalt driveways are undesirable, but that’s simply not true. Asphalt driveways can be great for your property if you know what you’re getting into. Here is the truth about asphalt driveways and how they affect your property value. Asphalt driveway pros: They are economical, easy to install and maintain, and come in a variety of colors so you can customize them to fit your home and its surroundings. They work well in all four seasons; snowplows can easily get through them without tearing up the ground underneath. Asphalt also has excellent drainage properties that help prevent puddles after rainstorms and melting snow.
Appearance is a big factor in your home’s property value
Aesthetics are a huge part of your home’s value. If a potential buyer looks at your house and doesn’t like the look of the yard or driveway, they’re less likely to put in a high bid. They might not even make a lowball offer because they might assume the property is in bad shape and not worth the asking price. This is especially true for asphalt driveways. Some people want their driveway to match the color of their house, or at least be neutral so it blends in with the landscaping. If you have a black asphalt driveway, you’ll have a harder time finding buyers who like the look. If you’re planning to sell your house soon, you may want to consider getting a new driveway in a more neutral color. Consider the curb appeal of both the front and side of your home and make any necessary changes to maximize your property value.
How asphalt affects curb appeal
Asphalt is a flexible material, which means it can be poured in a variety of textures, densities and colors. While black asphalt is the most common, you can also find it in lighter shades like grey, tan or even red. It’s also possible to find coloured asphalt in a variety of colours, including green, blue and purple. Coloured asphalt is often used for patios and walkways. Asphalt driveways can be poured in a range of textures, from soft to hard. There’s also a variety of options for edging, such as bricks or concrete, or a border made of other materials. You can also add an aesthetic element to the driveway, such as a stamped design or letters.
Impact on resale value
Depending on the quality of the asphalt, the condition of the driveway when you sell the house could have a noticeable impact on your resale value. If your driveway is cracked or faded, or if it’s just old and needs to be replaced, it could cost you more when it comes time to sell your house. Replacing an asphalt driveway costs between $3,000 and $10,000, depending on the size of the driveway and the type of asphalt you use. If you have an asphalt driveway, you can avoid these high costs by resealing it. If your asphalt driveway is in good shape, you don’t have to do anything to improve your resale value. If you’re buying and selling a house at the same time, you need to keep in mind that you can’t change the driveway during escrow. If you need to replace the driveway before you sell your house, you can just put a cover over the old one.
Homes with asphalt driveways are still desirable
A common myth is that asphalt driveways decrease the value of your house. While this may have been true in the past, it is no longer the case. With modern construction practices and the right driveway materials, asphalt can actually increase the value of your home. This is especially true if you live in a hot climate, where the lack of moisture in asphalt driveways can make it easier to keep your home cool. A driveway also needs to be maintained, so asphalt is actually a higher-maintenance option than concrete. Asphalt driveways are a good choice for people who don’t want to spend the money or effort required to install or maintain a concrete driveway. But for the best value for your house, make sure the asphalt driveway is well maintained.
Concluding thoughts
Asphalt driveways are a popular choice for homeowners because they’re easy to maintain, affordable, and come in a range of colors that let you match them to your home and landscaping. They can also be made to look custom and unique with stamped designs and lettering. Asphalt driveways can be great for your property if you know what you’re getting into.
