If you’re planning to build a custom home, you’re probably focusing on the house itself. You might not have given much thought to the driveway. You have several styles to choose from, including a circular driveway.
Circular Driveway Options
“Circular driveway” is a general term that includes numerous designs. You can choose a full or partial circle, a teardrop shape, an oval, a spiral or a figure eight. A circular driveway can have one or more entrances.
Parking
A circular driveway offers more parking space than a straight driveway. That can be particularly convenient if you like to host parties and other events. Your relatives and friends will be able to park in your driveway instead of leaving their cars on the street and walking to your house.
Easy Entry and Exit
A circular driveway can help people avoid a hassle. Family members and guests will be able to get in and out of the driveway without having to ask others to move their cars.
There will be no need to back out of the driveway and into the street. If you’re building a house on a busy road, a circular driveway can help prevent an accident. A circular driveway with two entrances can be especially helpful when you host get-togethers. Guests will be able to easily enter and leave at the same time.
Curb Appeal
Circular driveways are less common than straight driveways. The grandeur of a circular driveway can impress your neighbors and guests. If you eventually decide to sell your house, a circular driveway can make a positive impression on potential buyers.
Space
A circular driveway requires more space than a typical straight driveway, and some types of circular driveways need more space than others. If you have a large lot, that might not be a problem.
If space is limited, a circular driveway might or might not be feasible. A contractor might be able to come up with a design that will fit your lot, but you’ll probably have to make tradeoffs. For example, you might have to accept a smaller front yard than you would like to have the circular driveway that you envision.
Zoning
Before you fall in love with the idea of having a circular driveway, research local zoning rules and find out if a circular driveway would be allowed. Your city or town’s government might place restrictions on a driveway’s size and location.
Cost
The price tag will depend on the size of your driveway, its design and the material it’s made of. Building a circular driveway is generally more complicated, and therefore more expensive, than constructing a traditional driveway.
Explore Your Options
The driveway must fit your property’s size and layout, your custom house’s architectural design and your budget. A local contractor can discuss various options and help you make the best choice.
