I would like to lay a new driveway, don't want to hire a professional b/c they cost too much any ever tried?

has anyone ever succeded with a diy driveway? we would like to take out the old one and take up the grass and lay down a whole new driveway. Can anyone make suggestions on how to go about this or some place online with step by step instructions

I would like to lay a new driveway, don't want to hire a professional b/c they cost too much any ever tried?
First, you don't state the current substance of the drive.





The labor alone, to remove it will quickly change your mind. Especially if its Balcktop or even more difficult, concrete.





If ist just gravel then the job becomes somewhat easier.





Once removed then what?





What material would you choose?





How would you transport the old driveway AWAY?





How would you transport the new driveway material to the site?





Do you have the ability to mix and pour large amounts of concrete, after you've cleared the area, determined the proper depth, determined the underlayment, frame it with material you'll also need, "float the surface", know the proper dry and cure time, then remove and dispose of all the framing, and excess?





Do you have rollers, if it's to be blacktop, equipment to heat and spread the material? Some of the above also apply to blacktop paving.





Consider this. You seem set against giving the job to someone who actually knows what they are doing, has the resources, the equipment, the labor force, and the time.





Your opinion about cost too much, may in fact eventually COST you TOO MUCH!





Do you possess any of those qualities? No offense meant.





Rev. Steven
Reply:It can be done but it is a lot of work without some equipment. Busting up old concrete, excavating sod and earth are all backbreaking work. If the budget permits rent some equipment. Do the grading . Construct the forms and then have crush and run delivered tamp or roll that down then order the concrete. Be ready to smooth that out and your ready to roll. Not a job for the faint of heart but it can be done. Here's a suggestion. Talk to someone who delivers concrete they are usually willing to give you some pointers or even point you in the direction of some resonably priced help.


Good luck
Reply:My suggestions would be do some networking. Friends that have worked in the trade and might have the equipment and willing to help. My dad was going to do it himself but after just doing the footers for his new garage my uncles talked him out of it. If you do it yourself expect it to take forever( especially the demo and removal). Don't even think about mixing the cement yourself just have a company deliver it. And remember to have a barbecue at the end for all the people that help you.
Reply:u don't want 2 mess with that just pay some 1 2 do it that knows what they r doing..
Reply:It is expensive, especially concrete. The advantage of a professional is "they back their work" and have lots of experience. I helped a friend do it, by the time we rented all the equipment, paid some extra help (you gotta work fast when the trucks are coming) and fixed our mistakes he saved about 25%.





Find a crew doing it somewhere, ask them if they do weekend work. You really need someone with experience, lots of mistakes to make, especially in preparing the area.
Reply:THINK ABOUT THIS, UNLESS YOU HAVE A BACKHOE AND A DUMP TRUCK AND A RIDE ON ROLLER YOU BETTER HIRE SOMEONE TO DO THE JOB FOR YOU.
Reply:I think you should just pay someone to do it even though it in very expensive because you dont want to start messing everything up and then before you know you might have done somthing wrong so personaly i would hire someone


Sorry i wasn't much help


Good luck!
Reply:Most of the time it's going to be cheaper just to hire someone to does it for a living, by the time you rent the machines to do it right , it will cost you more.,plus most warranty there work, so if it messes up , they fix it for free.