Your driveway is the gateway to your home. It is something you and other people see every day. It creates the first impression of your property.
The quality and cost of driveway excavation is another factor that can affect your overall home improvement project.
This article discusses some important points to remember when you have your driveway excavated or a new driveway installed this 2023. Keep reading!
What is Driveway Excavation?
Excavation is the process of removing and moving earth, soil, or other materials using necessary tools and equipment. It is most often used in construction to level land and build solid foundations.
The excavation work is the first step in building a new and high-quality driveway.
[Read: Why Is Excavation Important In Construction?]
Driveway drainage
A good drainage is essential to make your driveway last longer. Water can pool on driveways or other areas near them and cause soil erosion.
The proper base
When building a driveway, it is important to have a precise slope that allows water to flow freely to and from the property. There should also be no water run-backs to prevent potential drainage problems in the future.
To excavate a high-quality driveway, it is recommended to have a 4 to 8-inch base, depending on the material (asphalt, gravel, concrete). This will replace any material that has been removed and prevent any deterioration.
Clay soils are difficult to drain so it is best to use a thickness of 8 inches. Sandy soils provide better drainage so a thickness of 4 inches is fine. Make sure your general contractor or excavation specialist knows your soil type and is committed to installing a solid base for your driveway construction work.
The Driveway Excavation Process
The first step is to remove the old driveway. Your contractor will inspect the driveway’s base closely to check for any damages and materials that need replacement.
Any large, unnecessary rocks or other material that could cause damage to your driveway will be removed as soon as possible. This will allow you to build a stronger foundation layer for the new driveway, extend its life expectancy, and reduce bumpiness.
The next step is to lay the foundation. This involves using solid material to prevent it from deteriorating and protect the surfaces from water.
Concrete or asphalt are good options for a strong foundation. The base must be evenly spread and compressed, geared with the right thickness depending on the material.
[Related: The Cost Of Excavation For Foundation This 2023]
Cost to Excavate Driveway Per Square Foot
As of 2023, the average cost to excavate driveway starts at $1 to $5 per Square Foot to remove small trees, soil, and plants on the job site.
The average cost of materials to excavate driveways in the United States ranges from $0.80 to $0.91 per square foot.
The actual project costs will vary depending on the location, driveway size, land conditions, any necessary specialty equipment, materials needed, and desired finish options.
Driveway materials cost per square foot
- Asphalt driveway costs anywhere from $1,800 to $4,000, including labor and materials costs.
- Concrete driveway costs an average of $2,400-$4,800 or $4 to $8 per square foot. Customizing and upgrading the concrete’s color, texture, and pattern can go for as low as $8 per square foot.
- Gravel driveway costs the least expensive among other materials. For a 2-car driveway, the average gravel cost is $600 to $1800 per square foot. With proper maintenance and a stable foundation, a gravel driveway can last up to 100 years.
[Related: Clearing Land To Build A House: What You Need To Know]
Can I Excavate A Driveway By Myself?
Unless you are a licensed contractor and have the right tools and equipment for the driveway excavation project, then yes, you can.
Otherwise, it is worth hiring a professional driveway excavator for the job. He can do the driveway excavating in a short time while assuring you of quality construction. The contractor can also assist you with the necessary permits needed to excavate land or a driveway in Prescott, Arizona.
Get a professional driveway contractor to assess all aspects of excavation, land clearing, and construction required to build your dream driveway.
When was the last time you renovated your driveway? If you have any questions or stories to share about driveways, leave us a comment below or call us today.