A driveway quote is only useful when it explains what is included. Two prices can look similar while covering very different work: one may include excavation, waste removal, an engineered sub-base, drainage and edging; another may only price the visible surface.
1. Check the basics first
- Measured area: the quote should make clear what area is being priced and whether paths, apron sections or thresholds are included.
- Chosen surface: shingle, block paving, tarmac and resin bound have different guide prices and preparation needs.
- Existing surface removal: old concrete, tarmac, lawn or settled block paving can change excavation and disposal work.
- Access: tight drives, long carries and restricted parking can affect how materials and waste are moved.
2. Ask what is below the surface
The sub-base is the part you stop seeing once the driveway is finished, but it decides whether the surface stays level. RKG's site copy references engineered sub-bases such as compacted MOT Type 1, with the correct depth depending on vehicle use, ground conditions and finish.
Ask every contractor to describe excavation depth, sub-base type, compaction and any geotextile or membrane where relevant. If that detail is missing, it is hard to compare the price with a like-for-like quote.
3. Confirm drainage and planning assumptions
For front gardens and larger non-permeable surfaces, drainage is not a small detail. The RKG planning guide explains the 5m² rule and why permeable surfaces or suitable drainage routes matter. A quote should say whether water drains to a permeable area, a channel drain, an existing system or another agreed solution.
4. Compare edging, finish and guarantee
Edges hold the surface in place, especially on sloped drives or areas with turning traffic. For block paving, ask about patterns, borders and jointing. For resin, ask about aggregate choice and whether the system is suitable for the base. For shingle, ask about stable edging and whether a honeycomb grid is needed.
RKG's site states that products are backed by a 10-year written guarantee. When comparing quotes, check what the guarantee covers, what is excluded and whether product or manufacturer warranties are separate from workmanship.
5. Understand payment terms and next steps
RKG's quote page says there is no obligation, a free site visit, a fixed written quote and staged payment terms after a small deposit to book materials and crew time. Whatever contractor you choose, make sure the quote explains deposit, staged payments, start timing and what happens if the specification changes.
Quick quote comparison table
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| What exact area is included? | Stops paths, thresholds or apron sections being missed. |
| What is being excavated and removed? | Old concrete, lawn and failed paving all change labour and waste costs. |
| What sub-base is specified? | A weak or shallow base can shorten the life of the finished drive. |
| Where will water drain? | Drainage affects planning, surface choice and long-term performance. |
| What edging and finish are included? | Edges, borders, joints and sealing can materially change the finished job. |
| What guarantee and payment terms apply? | Written terms make it easier to compare risk, not just price. |
What to read next
If you are still choosing the surface, start with the driveway cost guide, the resin vs block paving comparison and the planning and drainage guide. If you already know what you want, request a measured quote so the specification can be confirmed on site.