Lowering the kerb at the edge of the road allows you to drive across the public pavement and safely access your private driveway. If you’re searching for approved drop kerb contractors near you, we can help.
Find drop kerb contractors near you
Dropping a kerb outside your property can be a complex operation. With pipes and utilities underground, nearby structures to consider, and permission to seek, your local council will need to be involved throughout the process.
However, finding a specialist dropped kerb company for the task is straightforward with Checkatrade. Only trades who pass our quality checks and meet our high standards are on Checkatrade.
Short on time? No problem. Request a quote and let our members contact you.
Your questions answered about dropped kerbs
Creating off-street parking for your home is convenient, safe, and adds value to your property. If you live in a busy city with limited parking, taking advantage of your outdoor space makes sense. However, to access your driveway, you are required by law to drop the kerb.
How much does a dropped kerb cost (UK)?
One of the most common questions around dropping a kerb is how much it will cost.
As the local authority owns the pavement, the cost of dropping a kerb could vary depending on where you live and your council’s fee structure. Bear in mind, the council will often have a preferred list of contractors it uses for this job.
That said, as a guide, materials and labour are normally around £900 for two dropped kerbs, rising to £1,000 for three kerbs, and £1,200 for four. The average driveway conversion requires between three to seven kerbs to be removed. However, before you get started, there are some additional costs to be aware of:
1. Planning permission
As the council owns the pavement, you will need to apply for planning permission. For a dropped kerb, this ranges between £50 - £400 depending on where you are in the UK.
2. A street work license
There may also be a street work license to pay the council, with the typical fee around £430.
3. Local council inspection
Before dropping a kerb, your local council will inspect the area to assess whether further work is needed to make it safe and compliant. This cost varies by council, but as a guide, budget around £200.
4. Removal of landscape
Following the council’s inspection, they may suggest removing certain features. For example, a garden wall or a tree. You will, therefore, need to hire and budget for the relevant trades and waste removal/skip hire.
Your plans could also involve other services or utilities (e.g., phone or cable providers) moving or altering their connections, so extra charges would be due.
For more detailed information, check out our dropped kerb cost guide.
Find and book your trade with us and we'll guarantee their work up to £1,000*.
Can I install my own dropped kerb?
Considering installing a dropped kerb yourself? You’ll need to contact your local authority first to find out whether you need planning permission.
The local council will want to inspect the area before any work is carried out, and in most cases, they have a list of pre-approved contractors that they require you to work with.
Depending on their individual policies, they may allow you to choose your own contractor once planning permission has been granted, but it’s unlikely they’ll permit you to do the job yourself.
Is it illegal to drop a kerb without permission?
The council owns the pavement outside your property. Therefore, in most cases, you must seek planning permission before dropping a kerb.
The average cost for planning permission for a dropped kerb will range between £50 - £400 depending on where you are in the UK.
If you drop a kerb without permission, your local authority may charge you the cost of reinstating the kerb and repairing any damage to the pavement.
Is it worth dropping a kerb?
Properties with dropped kerbs tend to sell at higher prices vs those without this feature. Therefore, in terms of adding value to your home, a dropped kerb is worth it. A dropped kerb also makes your property more accessible, which is especially important for those with mobility issues or families with young children.
How do I find approved drop kerb contractors near me?
In many cases, your local council will have a list of agreed drop kerb contractors, but if you’re able to select a firm yourself, here are our top tips for making the right hire.
1. Use a professional directory
Finding top-quality trades doesn’t need to be a chore. Tap into a professional directory such as Checkatrade:
- You’ll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass our quality checks on Checkatrade. On average our trades score 9 out of 10 on everything from workmanship and reliability to tidiness
- We’re so confident in the quality of the trades on Checkatrade that if you book through us, we guarantee their work up to £1,000. Guaranteed for 12 months – Eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply.
2. Read online reviews
What better way to check the standard of a tradesperson’s work and their reputation than reading online reviews from past customers?
You’ll be reassured to know that we check all reviews on Checkatrade, to ensure they’re from real people and that trades meet our high standards.
3. Ask for recommendations
Have any homeowners in your local community had this work done at their property? Would they recommend the drop kerb contractor they used? Ask around, just don’t forget to check any recommendations on Checkatrade!
Once you’re ready, we can help you find highly rated, approved drop kerb contractors in your area. Search your postcode to get started.