If you'd like a gate that adds curb appeal, increase property value, and supports the privacy, safety, and security of your household, then getting a custom driveway gate might be the perfect solution for you. Here are the things you need to know before getting one.
Some homeowners and property owners think that putting a standard gate is enough to fulfil the true functionality of a gate. But, that couldn't be further from the truth. You see, there's more to safety, security, and curb appeal than just installing a simple piece of wood as your gate.
You might feel disappointed after seeing that the standard gate lacks the appeal of matching the exterior of your home. Not only that, they may not always provide the best security and privacy as well. In this article, discover the importance of having a custom driveway gate, and how it’s far superior to getting a mass-produced standard gate.
The Importance of Having a Custom Driveway Gate
The gate is an important thing to have as a homeowner or property owner. They can help set property boundaries and promote safety and security within your property. They can also add curb appeal and increase the value of your property. Regardless of your purpose, getting a custom driveway gate ensures that your gate matches your needs and preferences.
Promotes Greater Safety and Privacy
It can be difficult to find a standard gate that's most suited for your needs. A standard gate may have holes, gaps, sizes, and features that are not best suited for homeowners and property owners with pets and children. You can keep your needs and preferences a top priority when you get a custom driveway gate. Their custom features ensure your children and pets stay within the property. They can also complement the exterior of your property while letting you decide how much of your home is visible to the outside world.
Better Aesthetics
The gate is the first thing people see when they visit your home. As a property owner, it can add curb appeal that secures more tenants. As a homeowner, you’re able to express your unique tastes to your visitors through a custom driveway gate. You can decide on a specific design, your ideal size, your ideal colour, and features. It's important to work with professionals that can assist you in choosing a look and style that complements both your tastes and the features of your home.
High Quality
Getting a standard gate means accepting whatever design or quality is available. Usually, they can fail to meet your expectations based on durability, design, and quality. With a custom driveway gate, you are at an advantage. You can ensure that quality materials are used and that your specific needs are considered. Whether you prioritize privacy, safety, aesthetics, or all of the above, you have the deciding power for the quality of your gate.
Boost the property's value
With the instant appeal a custom driveway gate provides comes an increase in the resale value of your property. Its appeal can attract more prospective buyers. It can truly be an asset to your home, especially if you’re planning to turn it into a rental property.
Things You Need to Know Before Getting Your Custom Driveway Gate
Your Design
Before getting your custom driveway gate, have clarity on what you want the gate to look like. That way, you can communicate your vision to the craftsmen with clarity. You can also prepare a series of pictures they can look at as references. And if you're an artist yourself, you can even sketch your design.
Functionality
Another advantage of getting a custom driveway gate is matching your desired level of privacy, safety, security, and aesthetics. You can design your driveway gate depending on which of these you value the most.
For example, if your top priority is privacy, you can decide to have large gates that keep your property from being seen outside. If you value security, you can use strong materials like steel for your gate. Having clarity on your priorities can help decide on the best design and functionality for your gate.
Manner of opening
You can decide between having a manual gate or a motorized or remote-controlled gate. A motorized gate can be advantageous in many ways. For example, it removes the hassle of leaving your vehicle to open the gate manually, especially when it’s raining. You also won’t need to call for someone within the property to open the gates for you. You should also decide whether you want a sliding gate or a swinging gate depending on the space available around your gate.
Decide the gate material
Each of these gate materials can be crafted into functional gates. However, some may be more suited to the conditions around your home than the other.
Aluminium - If you want something lightweight and durable, you might want to consider using aluminium. They need less maintenance because unlike iron, they are immune to the decay of rusting. However, they are less sturdy than steel.
Wrought iron - A wrought iron is created by heating, bending, and working iron with a hammer multiple times. If you want a gate that’s resistant to dent, bending, and shock damage, then a wrought-iron might be the best choice for you. However, they are expensive and prone to rust. Finish it with powder coating to ensure they don’t rust, peel or fade.
Cast Iron - Unlike wrought iron, a cast iron is created by mixing molten iron with alloys and then transferring it into moulds of pre-fixed shapes A cast iron provides a smoother finish compared to wrought iron, and it can be resistant to deformation under stress and pressure. However, it’s worth noting that cast iron is less resistant to impact.
Steel - This material is much stronger and resistant to impact than pure iron. It is the strongest metal of all the examples above.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE HIRING A CUSTOM DRIVEWAY COMPANY:
1. CAPABILITIES
It is very important that you hire someone with the right knowledge and capabilities because you are expected to live on inside with relying on their work. You should try and know whether the custom driveway gate company you are considering has the capabilities to meet your business needs. It is pertinent to confirm that the contractor you have got your eye on has the capabilities to build your home to your need and to your specifications because custom driveway gate companies and other builder companies in the area often have specialties. Since different projects requires different processes, you must make sure that the custom driveway gate company you are considering hast the type of construction materials to suit your project. Make sure that the company or contractor can complete your project without any delays before hiring them. Asking about materials and specific production services the company can offer such as welding, fastening, and finishing is pertinent. Have the details of your project ironed out to get the most accurate information from the contractor.
2. EXPERIENCE
Experience and knowledge on making a custom driveway gate is also important or in any project you want in general. Doing the project once or twice before does not mean that the contractor is experienced enough to perfectly meet your expectations. Mistakes can be quite costly because constructing a house is a highly complex and skilled task. To minimize costly mistakes and work efficiently, it is better to hire an experienced contractor. You can ask for their portfolio of similar works or go online to their website to check. Their answer will give you the confidence whether they can do it or not making sure the company or the contractor has the necessary knowledge and experience to work on your project.
3. QUALITY
Even if it is the same project, nothing is created equally, and processes differ from circumstances. Your number one priority should be ensuring that the result is if the best quality. By using high grade quality materials and modern machines, you can immediately assess how a company is and can perform. You should ask the contractor about the material quality it uses for your projects. You will need to make sure that only the right materials are being used. A good company has no problem explaining the materials they use and the process they will make to finish the project. Companies who answer vaguely should not be considered for hiring as they might be not a good fit for the job. Try to contact a custom driveway gate company for more options.
4. TURNAROUND
When doing projects like these, finishing the project on a timely manner is very important. It is inadvisable to consider hiring a custom driveway gate company with a history of running behind and completing projects late. Projects work simultaneously and there are parts of the projects that cannot proceed if a part is not yet done. An accurate timeline of the process of your project from start to finish can be provided by a reliable contractor. When ordering materials and delivery of the final product, make sure that you have planned extensively that it should contain all necessary schedule matters. You are going to be guided throughout the process by a good contractor who has experience working in this capacity.
5. REPUTATION AND REVIEWS
Reviews and ratings online for anyone from precious customers can easily be access with the rise of the internet. You as an individual should be responsible to look through reviews and ratings before making any purchases. Feedback from previous clients will help new and potential clients in evaluating the contractor they intend to hire. If a contractor has an excellent online ratings and reviews, they can offer quality work and excellent customer service. A custom driveway gate that has been made by a company will surely be posted whether negatively or positively made.
6. COMMUNICATION
Communication between the contractor and the client is highly underestimated. During the construction period, there will be critical decisions that must be made and finalized within a tight timeline. Therefore, a communication that works for both parties is very important for a successful project. You should choose a custom driveway gate company who are skilled at helping clients establish their ideas and effectively communicate with subcontractors for projects to run smoothly. Clients should be comfortable communicating with contractors to address their worries, if there are any other problems.
The benefits of having a high-quality custom driveway gate can make them a great asset to your home. If you want the full package, you can also include custom railing, or work with a fence installer to install a custom fence. You’ll be pleased with your property’s new heightened security, safety, and curb appeal.
If you’re ready for a custom driveway gate that matches your unique needs and preferences, send us a message today.