Every home needs a functional, attractive driveway. In this post, we will look at the basic steps involved with constructing a modern driveway. This post is intended not as a how-to but as a way to help you be a better-informed consumer. Like many construction jobs, driveway work is best left to the pros at Murphy Construction.

• A great driveway starts with planning the layout. Factors to consider include the point at which vehicles will enter the street, the way of the land, and potential obstructions like trees, signage, bushes, or large rocks.
• Most areas require a permit before commencing work on a driveway. At Murphy Construction, we’re familiar with the permitting agencies and procedures needed in the San Bernardino, Apple Valley, and Victorville areas.
• Checking for underground water, fiber, or power lines is important for everyone’s safety, so this is a mandatory step in the process.
• A good driveway contractor will begin by evaluating the weight bearing characteristics of the soil on your property. For example, soft, loose soil may require the addition of clay or other material to give the driveway proper support.
• The next step is to mark the area for the driveway. The contractor will drive small metal or wooden stakes in the ground as a guide for excavation and construction. Most driveways require a minimum depth of four inches to support modern vehicles. In some cases, as with locations that will house large commercial trucks, greater depth is sometimes needed.
• Your construction contractor will then excavate soil in preparation for pouring the concrete or asphalt used in building your new driveway. Both materials have unique advantages and considerations. Ask your contractor for more information.
• The construction company may also compact the soil in the excavated area to enable it to better support the finished driveway.
• Next, your contractor will install the forms that will support the concrete or asphalt while it’s drying. Depending on the shape of your driveway and the characteristics of the soil, these forms may be made of standard dimensional lumber, plywood, or masonry products.
• Then comes the day of the big pour, when the contractor will lay out the actual material that will make up your new driveway. Depending on whether the company uses asphalt or concrete, it may be necessary to apply a curing compound and/or several layers of plastic sheeting to protect the material while it drives.
• Once the drying and curing process is complete, you may now enjoy your new driveway.