Driveway Advice & Installation Support

A new driveway should look good, drain properly and last. EvoHome Improvements helps homeowners across Hampshire and the South think through material choice (block paving, resin-bound, tarmac, gravel, concrete), edging, sub-base, drainage (including SuDS-compliant permeable options), levels, vehicle access, kerb crossovers, and how the driveway sits alongside paths, planting and the front of the house.

Existing ground conditions, slope and tree roots matter. EvoHome Improvements advises and coordinates — independent vetted driveway specialists carry out the physical installation. We do not quote fixed prices, exact timescales, guaranteed drainage performance or guaranteed planning/permitted-development outcomes without a proper site assessment.

A driveway is both a functional necessity and a significant contributor to your property's kerb appeal and value. In Hampshire, where property values are above the national average, a well-specified driveway can add £5,000–£15,000 to a home's market value — while a poorly installed one can actively detract from it. ## Planning and Regulations Since 2008, the installation of impermeable surfaces in front gardens exceeding 5m² requires planning permission in England.

This regulation was introduced to address urban flooding — a growing concern across the South of England. Permeable surfaces such as resin bound gravel, permeable block paving, or properly drained systems are exempt from this requirement and offer superior water management. ## Hampshire Ground Conditions Ground conditions vary significantly across Hampshire.

Properties on clay soils (common around Winchester and Basingstoke) face particular challenges with ground movement and drainage. Sandy soils nearer the coast may drain too freely, requiring different sub-base specifications. A professional site assessment should always precede any driveway installation to ensure the correct specification for local conditions.

## Sub-Base Quality Determines Longevity The most common cause of driveway failure is inadequate sub-base preparation. A proper installation requires full excavation to a minimum of 200mm, laying and compacting 150mm+ of MOT Type 1 aggregate, and ensuring correct falls for drainage. This unglamorous preparation work is what separates a 25-year driveway from a 5-year failure — yet it is the first thing budget installers cut.

## Long-Term Maintenance and Value All driveway surfaces require some maintenance, but the level varies dramatically. Resin bound surfaces need occasional power washing. Block paving may require re-sanding joints every few years. Natural stone improves with age. When choosing a surface, consider the total cost of ownership over 20–30 years rather than just the installation price — a surface that needs replacing twice in that period is never the cheaper option.