Spring is the ideal season for installing a new driveway in Buckinghamshire. As the weather improves and the ground conditions become more favourable, many homeowners are taking the opportunity to transform their property’s frontage. If you’re planning a new driveway, proper preparation can make all the difference to the final result and the efficiency of the installation process.
At Mammoth Services, we’ve installed countless driveways across Amersham, Chesham, and the surrounding areas, and we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you prepare your property for this significant improvement project.
Why Proper Preparation Matters
Taking the time to prepare your property before our installation team arrives offers several important benefits:
- Reduces the likelihood of unexpected issues or delays
- Ensures protection for existing features you wish to preserve
- Creates clear access for our team and materials
- Helps maintain good relationships with your neighbours
- May reduce the overall project duration
Let’s explore exactly what you should be doing in the weeks and days leading up to your driveway installation.
4-6 Weeks Before Installation
Check for Any Required Permissions
If your new driveway will connect to a public road, you’ll likely need a dropped kerb. This requires permission from Buckinghamshire Council. We can assist with this process, but it’s worth checking requirements early as approvals can take several weeks.
Additionally, if you’re replacing a front garden with a driveway, planning permission may be required if you’re not using permeable materials or providing drainage solutions.
Notify Neighbours
It’s a simple courtesy to let neighbours know about upcoming works, especially if there might be temporary disruption to shared access or increased noise. A friendly conversation can prevent potential conflicts during the installation.
Plan for Alternative Parking
During the installation period, you won’t be able to park on your driveway. Make arrangements for alternative parking, whether that’s on-street parking (where permitted) or arranging to use a neighbour’s driveway temporarily.
2 Weeks Before Installation
Clear the Installation Area
Remove any vehicles, garden furniture, potted plants, or decorative features from the driveway area. This includes:
- Garden ornaments
- Plant pots
- Bikes or children’s toys
- Temporary structures
Identify Underground Services
It’s crucial to identify any underground utilities that run beneath your driveway area. These might include:
- Water pipes
- Gas lines
- Electricity cables
- Drainage systems
- Telephone or broadband cables
We’ll conduct checks as part of our service, but any information you can provide from property plans will be helpful.
Discuss Access Requirements
Consider how our team will access your property. We’ll need to bring in machinery and materials, so clear access is essential. If there are any restrictions or challenges, let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.
1 Week Before Installation
Cut Back Overhanging Vegetation
Trim any bushes, trees or plants that might obstruct the work area. This gives our team clear access and prevents damage to your plants during the installation process.
Protect Nearby Features
If there are features near the driveway that you’re concerned about protecting (such as a cherished plant or garden feature), highlight these to us during the pre-installation visit.
Check for Drainage Issues
After rainfall, observe how water currently drains from your property. Note any areas where water pools or existing drainage problems. Share these observations with our team as they may influence the drainage design of your new driveway.
Days Before Installation
Secure Pets and Children
Plan to keep pets indoors or arrange alternative care during the installation. Similarly, ensure children are supervised and kept away from the work area.
Clear Access Routes
Ensure pathways to your property are clear of obstacles to allow for the smooth delivery of materials and movement of equipment.
Remove Existing Driveway Materials (If Applicable)
If agreed as part of your project, you might need to remove any loose materials from your existing driveway. However, in most cases, our team will handle the complete removal and disposal of your old driveway materials.
The Day Before Installation
Final Property Check
Do a final check for any forgotten items on the driveway area and ensure all vehicles are relocated.
Confirm Access Arrangements
Make sure any gates are unlocked, or access codes are ready to share with our team if needed.
Weather Preparations
In case of unexpected spring showers, consider how rainwater might flow across your property during the works and whether any temporary measures might be needed.
What to Expect During Installation
While every project is different, a typical driveway installation in Buckinghamshire follows these stages:
- Removal of existing surfaces
- Excavation to required depth
- Installation of edge restraints
- Creation of a stable sub-base
- Laying of the chosen driveway surface
- Finishing touches and clean-up
Throughout the process, our team will maintain clear communication about progress and any decisions that need to be made.
After the Installation
Once your new driveway is installed, we recommend:
- Avoiding driving on the surface for the recommended period (typically 3-7 days depending on the material)
- Following any specific care instructions for your chosen driveway material
- Planning a regular maintenance schedule to keep your investment looking its best
Ready to Transform Your Property This Spring?
Proper preparation ensures your driveway installation goes as smoothly as possible, minimising stress and maximising the quality of the final result. At Mammoth Services, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional driveways to homeowners across Buckinghamshire, with options including block paving, resin, tarmac and concrete.
If you’re considering a new driveway for your property, our expert team can guide you through every step of the process, from initial design through to completion. We also offer comprehensive dropped kerb services if needed. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote to transform your property’s frontage with a beautiful and practical new driveway.
