Driveway Installation Inspection

Driveway base must be properly compacted and graded. Minimum 4-6" compacted gravel for concrete, 6-8" for asphalt. Proper subgrade drainage essential.

1. Verify base material depth (4-6" for concrete, 6-8" for asphalt driveways)

2. Check compaction — surface should feel firm, no soft spots

3. Verify grading slopes away from garage and house (minimum 1/8" per foot)

4. Check that topsoil and organics were removed before base was placed

5. Verify subgrade drainage — no standing water issues in the area

6. Check base extends at least 12" beyond driveway edges

- Insufficient base depth — cracking and settling

- Poor compaction — driveway cracks from settling

- Topsoil left under base — decomposes and settles

- Wrong slope direction — water runs toward garage

- No edge support — driveway cracks at edges

Concrete should be minimum 4" thick, properly jointed, with broom finish for traction. Asphalt minimum 2-3" compacted thickness.

1. For concrete: check thickness (minimum 4", 5-6" at edges and where vehicles turn)

2. Check control joints — spaced every 8-10 feet in each direction, 1/4 of slab depth

3. Check surface finish — broom finish for traction (not smooth/slick)

4. For asphalt: check thickness (minimum 2" wearing course over 2" base course)

5. Verify surface is smooth without roller marks, segregation, or raveling

6. Check transitions to garage floor and street — smooth, no lip or bump

7. Pour water on surface — should drain completely, no puddles

- Control joints too far apart (concrete cracks randomly)

- Surface too smooth (slippery when wet)

- Asphalt surface segregated (rocky areas mixed with smooth)

- Low spots that hold water (puddles freeze in winter)

- Lip at garage entrance (bumpy entry)

- Concrete poured too thin at edges

Driveway must drain away from structures. No water should pool on the surface or drain toward the garage or house.

1. Pour water on the driveway at various points — should flow away from the house

2. Check that no water can run into the garage

3. Verify driveway crown or cross-slope for drainage

4. Check driveway-to-street transition — water should not pool at the end

5. Verify any drain inlets or channels are functional

6. Check edges — water should not erode alongside the driveway

7. After rain: inspect for any standing water or puddles

- Water flows toward garage or house

- Standing water on driveway surface

- No cross-slope for drainage

- Edge erosion from water runoff

- Drain inlet clogged or missing