Driveways

[Noel M2]

We're in the process of putting in a driveway and was wondering if folks could share their experiences with various materials. We're considering concrete or asphalt. We were told that asphalt is not ideal because of the mobilization costs (compared to the actual sq footage associated with a driveway). Concrete is another option. Have you any feedback on the use of concrete (pros/cons) and also the cost? I'm especially interested in things to look out for or insist on.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Noel

[Hotzcatz]

Aloha Noel,

How long will the driveway be? What area will it be in? What uses do you want from the driveway? Just driving on it or will you be working on cars on it or skateboarding on it? What sort of look did you want to have when it was done? Will you be installing it yourself or have other folks do it? What sort of maintenance level do you want? These could all be something to factor into your choice of driveway material.

Many driveways in puna are long so many of them are cinder or gravel. Those materials are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. They do require maintenance and will need attention from time to time. If they are frequently used and have a base of gravel to start with, they will stay in pretty good shape. If they aren't driven over or weedwhacked, then you can get trees eventually growing in them. A short driveway is commonly done in concrete. Both concrete and asphalt require a substrate of packed gravel. Concrete is usually installed with forms as well as wire mesh.

You can start your driveway out as a gravel drive and install a concrete or asphalt (hot patch or cold patch) on it later.

If your driveway attaches to a County road, then you are supposed to get a permit for the part that attaches to the County road. If you are on a private road, then a driveway permit probably shouldn't be required depending on length, cost and amount of grading and grubbing required to built it.

A hui hou,
Cathy

[Noel M2]

Hi Cathy,

Thanks for the guidance. The driveway will mainly be used for access to the garages (no heavy equipment). We'd like a surface that does not require too much maintenance and found that concrete might do the job.

The surface is about 2000 sf (pullout surface and drive) and will intersect a private road (HPP).

You mentioned wire mesh. Is this in lieu of re-bar?

Finally, we are going to hire a contractor to get the drives in. So far, I've got a bid for 5.30/sf.

Thanks for the suggestions and guidance.
Noel

Noel

[John S. Rabi]

Even though I am still looking for someone to do my apron in Leilani Estates, all the bids I got were below the bid you have and should you go with asphalt it should be probably half price.

Aloha,
John S. Rabi, ABR,CM,CRB,FHS,PB,RB
http://www.JohnRabi.com
Typically Tropical Properties
75-5870 Walua Road, Suite 101
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
(808)327-3185

[StillHope]

quote:

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Originally posted by Noel M2

Hi Cathy,

Thanks for the guidance. The driveway will mainly be used for access to the garages (no heavy equipment). We'd like a surface that does not require too much maintenance and found that concrete might do the job.

The surface is about 2000 sf (pullout surface and drive) and will intersect a private road (HPP).

You mentioned wire mesh. Is this in lieu of re-bar?

Finally, we are going to hire a contractor to get the drives in. So far, I've got a bid for 5.30/sf.

Thanks for the suggestions and guidance.
Noel

Noel

---

Anyone knows the current price?
I would appreciate it.

[lquade]

i had mine asphalt after almost 30 years and am really happy with the result. i used bill watson paving and he did such a fantastic job for me i have recommended him to several people. we went that way instead of cement because of the number of earth tremors i think cement would just crack alot... yeah yeah i know the lecture is on the way between cement and concret.. sorry about that...

[StillHope]

Thank you,Lquade.I'll check it out.

[John S. Rabi]

Lucky Brown, a member of this forum, did mine. He did an excellent job and his bid was far lower than any other bids. He has done other jobs for me in the past, so I was comfortable with giving him the job.

Aloha,
John S. Rabi ABR,CM,CRB,FHS,PB,RB
808.989.1314
http://www.JohnRabi.com
Typically Tropical Properties
"The Next Level of Service!"

[StillHope]

Thank you ,John.If you can,please,e-mail me L.Brown's contact.I would appreciate it.

[John S. Rabi]

luckeybrown@netzero.com or 281.1126. Feel free to use my name for reference.

Aloha,
John S. Rabi ABR,CM,CRB,FHS,PB,RB
808.989.1314
http://www.JohnRabi.com
Typically Tropical Properties
"The Next Level of Service!"