How to price a driveway job
A driveway is built in layers, and each one has a cost. The calculator works out the dig depth, the spoil to remove, the sub-base stone and the surface from the area.
What goes into a driveway?
A typical driveway has a compacted stone sub-base, a bedding or laying layer, and the surface on top, held in place by edging. Block paving needs the deepest dig, and gravel and concrete are usually shallower. The calculator uses common depths, which you should adjust to match the ground and the vehicles using it.
Digging and waste
Soil swells when dug, so the volume to take away is larger than the hole. Muck away or skip costs are easy to underestimate and can be a large part of the job.
Rules to check
In England, paving more than 5 square metres of front garden with a non-porous surface generally needs planning permission unless the water drains to a lawn or border, or the surface is permeable. Crossing the pavement usually needs a dropped kerb approved by the council. Check with your local council before you quote.
Set your hourly rate with the freelance rate calculator.