The entry of the driveway is just a rock bed with no concrete. I want to replace it, it doesn't have to be replaced with concrete so I'm open to suggestions there. If it is a diy, what are the high level steps involved? What about tools? I know the old stuff has to go, but beyond that I don't know. I'm in MI, USA also in case there are some local laws anyone is aware of.
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DIY option:
- rent a skid steer
- scrape off existing driveway
- buy crushed rock
- spread with skid steer, rake
- rent a compacter and compact crushed rock layer
- bring in sand, spread, screed and level.
- buy concrete pavers
- start laying them
- depending on your age/health, buy lots of Advil
Good luck!
DA01
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It depends if you want it to function or function and look good too. DAO1 had a good answer.
I think you asked if hanging blinds is a DIY. On a scale of 1 to 100 hanging blinds is maybe a 10. Doing your driveway is maybe in the upper 80s. DAO1 gave you probably the easiest way to do it. Even doing it this way requires lots of man power, renting lots of tools, and being patient.
You need to figure out how much it will cost to rent these tools in your area, how much manpower you have (I would guess 50 total hours needed), how much materials will cost, and compare this price to having someone pour you a driveway/garage.
Also think about the mistakes you could make - things not being flat or level - and how hard it will be to rectify these mistakes. And then the last thing - how much is your house worth? If a paved driveway will cost 5K and add 4K to the value of your house then you are only out 1K. If you do a sloppy job with pavers - you have spent money and your house might not have any increased value. If your job is done really bad then it could decrease value of the house since there will be more removal.
I am not saying don't do the pavers. I am saying as a DIYer you need to weigh the costs and your ability to do finishing touches. Kind of like someone saying they want granite countertops, should they get a slab and make the countertops themselves?
If this is a starter home and you have 4-5 friends you can count on for a weekend then I might think about it.
DMoore
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Yes. Removing and pouring a concrete driveway can definitely be done by a nonprofessional.
Remove the old material
Move the material that is currently occupying the space, to a different location. Make sure the different location is appropriate for the material, and the owner of that location is aware the material will be moved there.
Prepare for the new material
Make sure the space that previously contained the material that was moved, is ready to receive the material that will replace the material that was removed. This may involve packing down the material below the material that was removed.
Put in the new material
Finally, you'll put the new material into the space that the removed material used to occupy. This may involve adding different types of materials in layers, and possibly preparing each layer of material for the next layer of material.
Enjoy
Now that the previous material has been replaced by new material, you can enjoy your driveway.
