How Much Does it Cost to Widen a Driveway?

Last Updated on February 21, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

If you’re looking to add more space for your car, RV, or other vehicles on the road then it might be time to consider making a larger driveway.

How much does it cost to widen a driveway?

The cost of widening your driveway depends on a variety of factors. For example, the type and quantity of material you’ll need will impact the costs to widen your driveways significantly. The cheapest option for materials is asphalt but it may not be as durable, so concrete might be better depending on your needs.

You might also like our articles about the cost of driveway security gates, concrete driveways, and French drains.

A lot of people think that widening a driveway is quick and easy, but the truth may be quite different. On average, it costs between $5 to $20 per square foot for concrete driveway installations while a brick or stamped concrete driveway costs as much as $150 per square foot. The cost per square foot depends on how wide you want your new area (both sides? one?), what material you choose (concrete vs bricks), and whether you have to consider labor costs or you go for a DIY project.

Existing driveways can be widened for $15 to $100 per square foot depending on the type of material, as noted by the writers on PaverSearch.

Brick and paved driveways vary in price from as low as $118 to $204, if you are located in Long Beach California.

One City-data member said that it would cost $4.80 per square foot for a blacktop extension, with an additional $100 to install a French drain; while another was quoted at over twice the price ($14) just for widening their concrete driveway by one extra car’s width.

Details on widening the driveway

If you want to hire someone to do the job, then they will come to your home and assess the project before giving you an estimate. This quote is usually free. They’ll take into account what materials need to be used, as well as how much time they think it would require them in order to complete this task.

The price should include all of these factors so that there are no surprises along the way when it comes time for payment. It’s important not only that we know where our money is going–but also why–so try asking about itemized bills prior to signing any contract with your chosen company or individual.

The first step to installing a new driveway extension is excavating the ground and leveling it. Then, they will set up the base for your concrete or asphalt driveway material before finally setting in place all of your desired materials atop this foundation. To ensure that you’ll have an enjoyable time using this new addition well into the future, they will make sure everything’s done to last the test of time.

Any extra costs to consider?

As you begin construction, it is important to consider the building permit requirements in your area. Some areas require a plan for parking and utilities before they will allow work on certain portions of your property. The price ranges from city to city but may be worth checking out if you want things done quickly and properly without being delayed by paperwork.

When you put in a new driveway, it can make the area around your home feel out of place. There are many ways to spruce up this part of your property with minimal hassle and a little bit of creativity. If you want something simple like a lawn or bushes, that would be very affordable, but if money is no object then maybe think about replanting trees.

The driveway extension may be causing drainage issues, which can lead to flooding problems in the future. This is especially true if it is built on a slope. Installing a drain could solve this problem before it becomes a real issue that causes property damage or other hazards for your home and family.

The new homeowner can also consider a heated driveway but this will likely cost more.

Important tips to remember when you build a driveway

Adding a new slab of concrete can solve your problem but you need to consider the colors. Newer cement will look much newer and fresher than older concrete, which could make it difficult to have a matching driveway. If this is something you don’t want, then you can add some asphalt instead, so when finished, you can prevent color mismatch by adding sealant coat all over.

Is there any way to spend less?

If you want a professional to take care of your home improvement project but are not sure where to start or how much it will cost – you can get multiple quotes either from contractors around you, or online. Even if you have plans on doing this yourself, it wouldn’t hurt to get some quotes, especially since most of them will be free.

Pavers can be a cheaper option for widening an old driveway, especially if you have a local landscaping company. You can check out some Pinterest images for some inspiration on what your finished product might look like.