RKG's public quote guidance makes measured site visits central to the process. The surface choice matters, but the site level often decides whether that surface will drain cleanly, meet the property safely and keep edges stable.
Quick answer
Before choosing tarmac, resin, block paving or shingle, check where the finished driveway will sit against doors, garage thresholds, walls, pavements, kerbs and planted edges. The written quote should explain surface falls, drainage route, excavation depth, sub-base preparation and edge restraint in plain English.
Level and threshold checks to ask about
| Check | Why it matters | Quote question |
|---|---|---|
| Door thresholds | The finished surface needs to meet the house without sending water toward doors or damp-sensitive edges. | How will the new level sit against front doors, side doors and steps? |
| Garage entrance | A driveway can look level but still leave a lip, ramp or water route at the garage edge. | Will the finished surface meet the garage threshold cleanly? |
| Kerb and pavement join | The driveway should connect to the public edge without creating awkward trip points or uncontrolled run-off. | What happens where the driveway meets the pavement or kerb? |
| Falls and water route | RKG's drainage guidance says water should have a clear route through a permeable build-up, to a border, drain, soakaway or another suitable route. | Where will water run during heavy rain? |
| Edges and borders | Tarmac, resin, blocks and shingle all need appropriate restraint so the finished level stays stable at the perimeter. | What kerbs, block borders, hidden edging or shingle restraints are included? |
How levels affect surface choice
A site with simple falls and room for drainage may suit several finishes. A driveway close to thresholds, walls or a garage needs more careful level planning before the surface is chosen. Resin and shingle can be permeable when specified correctly, block paving can use permeable systems, and tarmac needs falls and drainage because RKG describes it as non-permeable.
If water needs to move across the surface, compare this guide with the driveway drainage solutions guide and permeable driveway options guide. If the main issue is parking or turning, also read the parking space and layout guide.
When levels can make resurfacing risky
RKG's resurfacing guidance already warns that overlay only makes sense when the existing base is sound and drainage works. Levels are part of that decision. Adding a new surface on top of an old one can change thresholds, garage edges, kerbs and water flow, so a measured site visit should confirm whether resurfacing or full preparation is safer.
What should be written into the quote?
Ask for the proposed finished level, excavation and compacted sub-base, surface falls, drainage route, edging, access assumptions and any threshold details that affect the work. That makes the quote easier to compare than a surface-only square metre price.