3 Common Driveway Planning Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Planning a New Driveway? Avoid These Costly Errors

When designed well, a driveway can boost kerb appeal, add value to your home and make daily life more convenient. But overlooking key decisions during the planning stage can lead to expensive problems down the line.

In this guide, we break down three of the most common driveway planning mistakes – and how to avoid them to ensure a smooth, long-lasting result.

1. Choosing the Wrong Materials for the Job

One of the biggest driveway planning mistakes is selecting materials based on looks alone. While surface finish matters, it’s just as important to consider function, maintenance and durability.

Ask yourself:

• How many vehicles will use the drive every day?
• Do you need a surface that’s easy to maintain?
• Does your drive slope or suffer from water pooling?

For example:

• Tarmac is ideal for larger driveways and tight budgets but offers limited visual choice.
• Block paving adds style and customisation, but needs light weed control now and again.
• Permeable paving may be required in areas with drainage restrictions.

Need help choosing? Explore our guide to driveway surface materials for more advice.

2. Ignoring the Space You Actually Have

Another common mistake is underestimating how much room your new driveway needs. It’s not just about fitting the cars – it’s about using the space in a way that’s safe, accessible and practical.

Key considerations:

• Driveway width – Can car doors open without hitting a wall or fence?
• Turning zone – Will you need to reverse into or out of the drive?
• Gradient – Steep slopes may need extra steps or barriers.

Even in small or awkward spaces, we can design smart solutions that make the most of every inch. For tips, check out our full guide on driveway width.

3. Overlooking Drainage and Ground Preparation

This is one of the most overlooked driveway planning mistakes – and it’s the one that can cause the biggest problems long term.

Without proper drainage and groundworks, a driveway may settle unevenly, crack or flood. That’s why we carry out full groundwork preparation as standard before any surface is laid.

We assess:

• Soil conditions and ground stability
• Whether a permeable surface is needed
• Local drainage rules and council requirements

By using high-quality, accredited materials from trusted suppliers like Marshalls and Tobermore, we ensure every project is built to last.

Need a Hand Getting It Right?

We’ve installed hundreds of driveways across Glasgow and surrounding areas – from compact city drives to wide-open rural properties. Every project includes:

• No upfront payments
• 5-year workmanship warranty
• 20+ years of driveway installation experience

Let’s create a driveway that suits your lifestyle, budget and space – without the stress.