Reviewed, sourced guidance

Driveway quote checklist

Published 23 Sept 2026Reviewed 27 Sept 20262 min read

Direct answer

Before getting driveway quotes, settle the area, the surface, the sub-base depth, where water will go, whether an existing surface needs removing, and whether a dropped kerb is involved. Ask each contractor what the quote excludes. A quote that omits drainage, removal or preparation is not cheaper, only less complete.

Quotes are only comparable when they cover the same work. Settle these points first and the comparison becomes meaningful.

Key takeaways

Area, surface, sub-base depth and drainage are the four things to fix first.
Removal of an existing surface is a separate and significant cost.
Ask what each quote excludes before comparing prices.
A dropped kerb is a separate job that also needs council approval.

Evidence note

Source-led homeowner information with its scope, limits and commercial status recorded.

View the full evidence note

Produced by: Driveway Calculator
Jurisdiction: Quantity calculations are UK-wide; the front-garden planning prompt covers England only. Rules elsewhere in the UK and restrictions in designated areas are not assessed.
Page scope: A pre-quote checklist for a domestic driveway.
Default subject: Driveway area and sub-base estimation, surface comparison, the planning position for hard surfacing, and drainage constraints.
Excludes: Planning applications, submissions or planning authority decisions; Structural, drainage or engineering advice; Contractor recommendation, ranking or referral; Prices, quotations or cost estimates for any specific job; Driveway installation, surfacing or groundworks
Published: 2026-09-23
Reviewed: 2026-09-27
Commercial status: Information publisher only. No contractor is active, no lead capture runs, no enquiries are collected and no affiliate links are present.

A general checklist. Any planning condition, approval or specification that applies to the property takes precedence over anything here.

How this guidance is produced · Correction submission status

The specification

Fix the specification before asking for prices, otherwise each contractor prices a different job.

Measure the actual area rather than estimating it, and write the number down.

Measured area in square metres.
Surface material chosen, and whether it is permeable.
Sub-base depth and type confirmed.
Where surface water will go.
For concrete, record the specified mix and finish, delivery access, placing method and who is responsible for curing.

Sources for this section: BRMCA, Ready-Mixed Concrete practical guide for site personnel (July 2020; observed 2026-09-27)

The site conditions

Site conditions decide how much groundwork is involved, and groundwork is a large part of the bill.

Tell every contractor the same things so their quotes start from the same facts.

Whether an existing surface must be broken up and removed.
Access for delivery vehicles and where material can be tipped.
Soil type, especially clay, and any known drainage problems.
Anything unusual: slopes, tree roots, services under the drive.

Sources for this section: MyJobQuote new driveway cost guide, UK 2026 prices (observed 2026-09-25)GOV.UK, Guidance on the permeable surfacing of front gardens (page updated 2021-11-12; text copyright 2009; observed 2026-09-25)

The comparison

Compare what is included, not just the total. A cheaper quote that omits drainage is not a cheaper driveway.

The MyJobQuote driveway cost guide recommends checking accreditation, qualifications, written quotes, insurance and guarantees.

What the quote excludes.
Whether it includes drainage and preparation.
Public liability insurance.
Any guarantee on the work, and its length.
Whether they are familiar with permeability and drainage requirements.

Sources for this section: MyJobQuote new driveway cost guide, UK 2026 prices (observed 2026-09-25)

Next steps

Run the area calculation and record the figure.
Send the same written specification to every contractor.