I'm thinking about buying a piece of land, and I'll need a driveway to build on it. The driveway would be 10ft wide and 500ft long, cutting through some moderately forested land with only small trees (none bigger than 1ft in diameter). Does anyone have an idea of how much this might cost? Thanks in advance!
3 Answers
In my area, the typical cost is about $3 to $6 per square foot for driveway installation. Based on that, you could be looking at quotes around $20k to $35k if we average around $4.50 per square foot. Just a heads up, this might change based on local rates and conditions.
Does this price cover tree clearing as well?
Building a driveway is more than just laying down gravel. You really want a good base under it to avoid deterioration later on. If you’re starting from scratch, it’s crucial to ensure proper drainage and support. So don’t just throw gravel on top; plan on establishing a solid foundation!
This method might help in legal access situations, like when I looked at a property with gravel requirements for entry.
But isn’t it common to use sunken gravel for a base?
If you decide to tackle this yourself, expect to save a lot—maybe $10k to $15k. It’s a lot of hard work though! You’ll need to clear the trees, rent a skid steer, form the driveway with some crown for drainage, and layer the gravel properly. In total, materials and rentals could run you about $7,500 if you’re diligent. Consider hiring someone if you want it done fast, but it will definitely cost more!
Thanks for the estimate!