What are the best driveway tools for a contractor?

What are the essential driveway tools?

Removing an existing driveway and laying a new one is hard work. To work as a driveway contractor, you’ll need to be physically fit and strong.

Much of the work involved will be done manually. For the manual elements of driveway work, you will need the following tools:

• Wheelbarrow
• Spade
• Wire pegs and stakes
• Builder’s string line
• Spirit level
• Straight edge tool
• Rubber mallet

This list is not exhaustive, and you will probably find that other tools will be required as you gain more experience as a driving contractor.

Alongside these manual tools, you will probably want to invest in some heavy-duty machinery to help you complete certain driveway tasks.

Some useful machinery when digging up and laying a new driveway include:

• Compactor
• Cement mixer
• Circular saw
• Electric digger/auger

Again, this list is not exhaustive. These specialist pieces of machinery, however, will soon become an essential part of any driveway contractor’s arsenal.

Checkatrade members can save on business essentials such as tools and equipment thanks to our partnerships. With trade suppliers like Selco and Tradepoint, you could get your tools for less with your membership.

Getting to know driveway design tools

Designing the perfect driveway for your customers is all about planning. Firstly, you’ll need to take accurate measurements to ensure that your plans are correct.

Talk to your customers to find out what they want from their new driveway. It is important to highlight the benefits of each material including their appearance, durability, and cost.

Show them material options such as:

• Concrete
• Tarmac
• Block paving
• Resin
• Gravel

To help your customers to visualise their new driveway, you may want to use a driveway design app. There is a range of software available that allows you to input information and get a realistic picture of the finished driveway.

Some examples are:

• Marshalls
• Home Design 3D
• Picture It
• DreamzAR
• Home Designer Software

Using modern technology also helps to build trust in your customers. The more you know your specialist subject, the more your customers will feel confident when working with you.

Sealing equipment and materials

Any new driveway that you lay will need to be sealed to ensure that it is fully weatherproof.

For this part of the driveway build, you’ll need some specialist equipment and materials. Especially as different driveway materials will require different sealing techniques and sealants.

Some useful things to consider include:

• Stiff bristled brush
• Garden hose with spray fitting
• Acrylic sealant
• Tar sealant
• Mortar
• Asphalt sealer

As with driveway tools, this list does not include every driveway sealing option. However, having access to a range of materials and sealants in your van will allow you to adapt for every scenario.

As you gain more experience, you may want to experiment with different techniques and materials when sealing and finishing a driveway.

Are there building regulations for driveways?

If you’ve recently started a new driveway contracting business, you’ll still probably be learning about the rules and regulations you need to follow.

When you’re working on a driveway installation project, you’ll need to ensure that you adhere to building regulations requirements.

The main building regulations guidelines must be followed for any impermeable driveway that is more than five square metres in size.

For driveways larger than this, a drainage system must be in place that directs water away from the driveway and property.

Planning rules for driveways

Most driveways do not require planning permission. If the planned driveway will be over five metres squared in size and made of a non-permeable material, then planning permission from the local authority will need to be sought. This can be done by either you or your customer.

When it comes to extending an existing driveway, then you won’t need planning permission.

Should the homeowner want to drop a kerb to allow access to the new driveway area, then you will need to apply to your local authority to do this.

Are there eco driveway solutions?

In today’s society there is a great emphasis on sustainability. Therefore, as a driving contractor, you’ll want to be able to offer your customers an eco-friendly driveway option.

One of the most eco-friendly driveway options is a traditional gravel driveway. Gravel driveways are more porous than other non-permeable materials like block paving, concrete, and tarmac.

As the UK experiences more rainfall each year, gravel driveways will allow rainwater to drain more easily and recharge groundwater to improve environmental protection.

Another eco driveway option is to lay paving slabs interspersed with grass sections. This will provide a sturdy paved pathway for parking your car while the green space in between will help with natural drainage.

Becoming a Checkatrade approved driveway contractor

Now that you know more about the essential tools for a driveway contractor, you’ll want to start promoting your driveway business.

One way to help you become a successful driveway contractor is by joining an online trade database such as Checkatrade. Becoming a member is a great way to grow your driveway contracting business and build customer trust.

Some benefits to consider for your driveway contracting business:

• Enjoy a share of existing leads and customer interest
• Save money on your driveway tools
• Get 20% off your public liability insurance
• Online profile with space for reviews, photos and information about your business
• Access to our dedicated trades app with quoting/invoicing tool

With just under 2 million homeowners searches per month, being a checked and vetted tradesperson with us is a great way to promote your services and get more work coming your way.

Why not join Checkatrade today and start your journey towards success!