An attractive driveway can add value to your home. Like a modern kitchen, modern bathroom or fancy patio and walkways, money spent to get a good driveway is a good investment.

Asphalt, concrete and paving stones of flagstone, cobblestone, brick or specially made interlocking concrete pavers are some examples of what a professional driveway and paver contractor can provide for you.

Stone, brick and pavers are the most costly; asphalt the most economical. To simulate the high-end look of paving stones or brick without the high-end cost, some driveway and paving contractors texturize and add color to concrete, and even asphalt, using licensed and patented techniques.

Contractors typically don't price by the square foot but by the job, depending on the work involved for your driveway.

Whatever choice you make, add a day or two to have workers prepare your driveway for the new surface. First, they'll have to tear up and cart away your existing driveway or, if you don't have a driveway, they're going to have to dig up and remove part of your yard. Then they will lay a bed of crushed concrete six to eight inches thick and compact it. That provides a foundation, aids in drainage and prevents weeds from growing up through the pavement and/or driveway.