How Much Does a Brick Driveway Add to Your Home's Value?

Does It Increase Value?

• The short answer to this question is yes. Brick driveways are considered to be a high-end feature and will increase the value of your home in multiple ways. Because each home is different and the real estate market is different from one town to the next, the actual dollar increase happens on a case-by-case basis. The value increase will also depend on from what material the driveway was made previously. For example, a gravel driveway replaced by a brick driveway will increase the value of a home more than a concrete driveway replaced by a brick driveway.

Aesthetic Advantages

• An increase in curb appeal is just one of the ways that a brick driveway will increase the value of your home. When you're trying to sell a house, the first impression means a lot. Brick driveways are considered to be more sophisticated and, therefore, more attractive. Brick driveways also tend to be more eye-catching, because many homes don't have them. This makes the driveway a unique feature and therefore more desirable. Finally, a well-maintained and well-cared-for brick driveway looks sturdy and, therefore, might signal to home buyers that it will require less maintenance and last longer. Home buyers will find this subconsciously -- if not overtly -- attractive.

Other Advantages

• A brick driveway can be easier to keep looking good for longer simply because individual bricks can be replaced over time. As bricks become old and damaged, they can be switched for newer bricks. This is a big difference over asphalt and concrete driveways. Although asphalt and concrete can be patched, it is difficult to do so without drawing attention to the patched areas. Cracks can be filled in with tar but will still stand out.

Upfront Cost and Maintenance

• The cost of a brick driveway can start around $10 per square foot, while a concrete driveway might start at $3 per square foot, and an asphalt driveway at even less. Installation costs can be kept down if you install the bricks yourself. To maintain your driveway, clean it annually, and re-seal it annually or semiannually. Sealing is partially a matter of preference but will increase the life of the driveway. Brick driveways can last a lifetime, if well cared for.