Driveways and the rules about water
If you are paving more than 5 square metres at the front of the house, the surface either has to be permeable or has to drain onto a lawn or border within your property, otherwise you need planning permission. That rule is there to cut surface water flooding. We will tell you how we would handle it for your drive.
If you need a dropped kerb to get a car in, that is a separate permission from the highways authority. For Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch that is BCP Council. Elsewhere in Dorset it is Dorset Council.
Patios that last
Most patios that fail, fail underneath. Not enough depth of compacted sub-base, or no fall to carry rainwater away from the house. We dig out to the right depth, compact in layers and set the levels so water runs away from your walls, before any slab or block goes down.
Fencing and boundaries
Without planning permission, a fence can usually be up to 2 metres high at the back and sides, and 1 metre next to a road. It is worth checking who owns a boundary before you replace it, and talking to the neighbour first. If your house is listed or in a conservation area, different rules may apply.
Choosing a material
Block paving, natural stone, porcelain and concrete all look different and wear differently. Bring any samples or photos you like and we will talk through what suits the use, the budget and the look of the house.
What affects the price
We quote after we have seen the job, because these things change the number:
- Area to be covered
- Material: block, stone, porcelain or concrete
- Existing surface: how much needs digging out and taking away
- Access for diggers and deliveries
- Levels and drainage on your plot
- Length and height of fencing, and the type of panel or board
The quote is free and there is no obligation to go ahead.