Michael Valente, a New York-based designer, is working on a driveway in California that has a sycamore tree in the middle of it. In warmer climates, where concrete is the most economical surface, many homeowners opt for impressioned-concrete drives. Fla. Poured colored concrete is stamped with a grate to make the surface look like cobblestone or brick. In the long run it will add more value to the house. Real-estate agents agree with Mr. Crielly.
Driveways add value to a home and influence a buyer's first impressions.
A driveway is a very subtle indicator to the buyer of a home of how the property is maintained. Ms. Feil recently insisted that a potential client repair the driveway before taking the listing. Connecticut real-estate broker Carolyn Klemm says the cost of a driveway upgrade can be doubly recouped upon home resale.