DIY Tips for Concrete Driveway Construction

Installing your own concrete driveway is a big job, but it's not one that you can't do without a professional. There are several DIY tips for concrete driveway construction that can help make this a relatively streamlined do it yourself project. 

A DIY concrete driveway is a cost effective way to build your own driveway. The process is time consuming, but for the most part it's straightforward and simple enough for anyone to do without processional assistance.

Checking Your Math

The biggest problem that most people run in to when trying to construct a driveway is not understanding what kind of measurements need to be taken. You need to measure the entire area you plan on paving, and include measurements for the thickness of the driveway. Since you'll order the concrete based on the yardage, it's important to understand how to convert feet to yards. Start by adding at least six inches to every foot you measure to account for the depth. Measure and add the extra, then convert that number in to yards. You want to order more than what's actually needed to allow for waste. If you measure that you'll need 10 yards, order at least 11.

Getting Permits

A lot of people overlook the fact that a permit is almost always required for new driveway construction. The permit process for this type of home improvement is straightforward. You'll need to fill out the proper paperwork and pay the appropriate fees.

Necessary Excavation

A driveway needs to be at least six inches deep to avoid damage from larger vehicles. Many people will excavate further than this to compensate for uneven terrain. You want to try to excavate as evenly as possible for the best driveway.