Does Paving a Driveway Improve Your Central PA’s Property Value?

As a homeowner, you want every improvement to count toward your property’s long-term value. One feature that often gets overlooked is the driveway. In this guide, we’ll discuss the different ways paving or repaving your driveway can transform your home’s look and feel, making it more attractive to potential buyers and visitors and more functional for everyday use.

How Does Paving a Driveway Increase Property Value?

Paving can improve your Central PA property’s value in several ways.

Instantly Boosting Curb Appeal

Buyers will notice your driveway first when they come for a viewing, and appraisers will consider it when determining your property’s worth. A freshly paved asphalt surface looks smooth, dark and modern compared to gravel or old surfaces with cracks and stains.

Improving Safety and Functionality

Loose gravel and uneven surfaces create trip hazards, which worsen in winter when there’s snow and ice. A paved driveway provides a flat, reliable surface that’s safer to walk on and easier to plow and shovel. 

Reducing Maintenance Concerns

With proper installation and routine sealing every few years, a paved driveway can last a long time while maintaining its clean, attractive appearance. 

If you’re selling, that clean appearance shows potential buyers that your property is well taken care of. With a finished asphalt driveway, your property is more likely to attract more buyers and receive better offers.

What Type of Driveway Adds the Most Value?

The debate always comes down to asphalt vs. concrete when homeowners consider upgrading their driveways. Both materials add value, but asphalt offers distinct advantages in Central Pennsylvania:

• Lower upfront cost: It costs less to install an asphalt driveway than one made of concrete. Lower costs mean you can improve your home’s curb appeal and marketability without overspending. 
• Faster installation: Asphalt can usually be driven on within 24 hours, compared to the seven to 28 days it takes for concrete to cure. That speed matters if you’re preparing to list your home and want every upgrade in place before showings begin.
• Climate resilience: Our region’s freeze-thaw cycles can make concrete crack or cause surface flaking. These aesthetic problems look bad and could potentially lower appraisals. Asphalt flexes with temperature changes, staying smooth and attractive longer.
• Resistance to road salts: Most of us use salts and deicers to remove snow and ice during winter. Concrete usually pits and weakens from repeated salt exposure, while asphalt can resist this kind of damage, saving homeowners costly repairs and keeping the property looking move-in ready.
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Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve answered a few of the most common questions about driveway paving and the value it brings. If you have more, reach out to our team.

How Much Does an Asphalt Driveway Increase Your Central PA Home’s Value?

The actual value depends on a few factors, including local market conditions and the size of the driveway. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to add a few thousand dollars to your home’s listing price after installing a new asphalt driveway. Even without increasing the appraised value, you could potentially sell your property faster and with fewer price negotiations thanks to the improved curb appeal.

Does Repaving a Driveway Increase Home Value?

Yes. Repaving is one of the simplest upgrades you can make to boost your property’s curb appeal, especially if your old surface showed cracks, stains or uneven wear. Repaving also eliminates hidden structural issues beneath the surface that could lead to drainage or foundation problems down the line, preserving your property’s long-term stability.

How Can You Tell If an Asphalt Driveway Was Paved Properly?

Use these quick checks to gauge the quality of an asphalt driveway installation job:

• Check drainage: Water should run off toward the street or lawn, not pool in the middle. 
• Inspect the edges: The driveway’s edges should be clean and compact.
• Test transitions: Connections to curbs, sidewalks or the road should feel seamless when driving over them.
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If your asphalt driveway dips, cracks or crumbles within the first year, the reason may come back to installation quality.

Get a Lasting Investment With CMI Paving

The value of a driveway upgrade depends on the quality of the work. A poorly installed driveway won’t deliver the curb appeal, safety or durability buyers expect. That’s where CMI Paving comes in.

With 40 years of experience serving Central Pennsylvania through Cumberland Masonry, CMI Paving provides homeowners and businesses with trusted, professional results. We handle every step of the process from excavation and grading to laying and rolling fresh asphalt without subcontracting. Our driveways are built to last and backed by a three-year warranty on materials and workmanship.

Contact CMI Paving to learn more about our services or schedule an estimate today.