When it comes to home improvements that add value, gravel often doesn’t get the consideration it deserves. Not only is asphalt millings for sale cost-effective compared to many other materials, such as siding or tile, but its unique characteristics and subtlety can lend a special charm to your home’s appearance and make it stand out from similar properties in the neighborhood.
In this post, we’ll provide insight into five different home improvements that use gravel – with examples of how they can increase both curb appeal and resale value. Read on to learn more about these exciting projects!
Table of Contents
Driveways
Gravel driveways are an excellent choice for homeowners who want to add value and strength to their property. This type of material is built to last and will endure whatever environmental conditions that come its way. Not only are they highly durable, but they also have a unique rustic look that makes your home stand out and adds plenty of visual interest.
While regular maintenance may be required more frequently than other materials such as concrete or asphalt, it’s worth the effort due to the longevity of this option with correct upkeep; a gravel driveway can last for up to 25 years in total!
Also, installing one requires less excavation compared to other paving materials, making it a much more cost-effective option in the long run. On top of this, the materials used when laying down a gravel driveway are usually available from local suppliers at competitive prices.
Gardens
Gravel has long been a popular choice when landscaping and designing outdoor spaces, and it is especially useful in both traditional gardens and xeriscapes.
Taking the form of pathways that link one area to another or simply adding accent points around ponds and fountains, gravel has the potential to provide a desirable contrast no matter what your garden style is.
On top of its aesthetic appeal, it can be used as an alternative to traditional mulch while still retaining similar nutrients and water retention benefits.
When combined with plants and trees, gravel creates texture, contrast, and depth that adds an extra dimension to both modern minimalist concepts and more traditionally lush designs for any outside space.
Retaining Walls
Gravel retaining walls can be a great addition to any landscape design, and they offer many advantages compared to other wall-building materials.
Their ease of construction makes them an ideal choice for those who are seeking a cost-effective solution; these walls require fewer steps during construction and no heavy lifting equipment or skilled labor, making the job quicker and much more affordable.
Furthermore, gravel retaining walls have excellent drainage capabilities, which will protect against water damage to foundations over time.
Aesthetically speaking, gravel walls can fit into just about any home environment; their natural look is aesthetically pleasing as well as durable. Whether your landscaping vision consists of modern elements or an older style, gravel retaining walls will give you the perfect finishing touch with their low-cost elegance and practicality.
Foundations
Gravel foundations can be very cost-effective compared to traditional concrete and provide an incredibly durable foundation. One big advantage of gravel foundations is their ability to flex and adjust when faced with shifting ground or soil changes – so your home remains structurally sound for many years to come.
As an added bonus, it is much faster to install and can often be completed in a day despite the potential for extensive use by heavy equipment and supplies. Plus, if you ever decide to sell in the future, you may be able to count on its resale value since this type of foundation provides greater assurance of structural stability over time.
Ultimately, with all its proven benefits, selecting a gravel foundation could prove to be a wise decision as it may strengthen your property’s stability and help protect against water seepage or flooding that can damage floors and walls in your home.
Drainage Systems
Gravel as a drainage material offers a number of advantages over other options. With high permeability, it allows moisture to be quickly and easily assimilated into the sediment, meaning that excess water is safely drawn away from residential areas in the event of heavy rainstorms.
This protects foundations and basements from potential flooding damage, helping to extend the lifespan of decks and other structures built above them by allowing air circulation beneath them.
Even after repetitive downpours, gravel remains loose and doesn’t compact easily like soil, so drainage pipes filled with gravel at entry points around your home can provide an effective solution for preventing standing water.
For centuries, its effectiveness has been proven time and again as an efficient way to deal with the dangers posed by excess water on buildings, making it the preferred method for a wide range of drainage systems worldwide.
Conclusion
Homeowners can increase their home’s value in many different ways. Some home improvements are more obvious than others, but all of them have the potential to add significant value to your property. Gravel is one material that can be used in a number of different ways to improve your home.
From driveways and pathways to landscaping features, gravel can be an attractive and functional addition to any home. If you’re thinking about making some changes to your property, consider adding gravel as part of your project. Look for asphalt millings for sale near me to find your closest local supplier. With a little planning and execution, you could see a big return on your investment.
