2 minute read.
 
Whether you’re looking to purchase a home that has interlock pathways or a driveway OR you’re considering a renovation on your existing driveway, there are a few things you should consider before making the decision.
 
Buying a home with interlock  
 
If you’ve been house hunting and have found a great house that has interlock, there are a few things to look out for; Is it old?  A tell-tale sign would be that the stones have been drifting apart, are uneven in places, and the stones have scrapes and chips from years of snow shovelling or the use of a snowblower.  Has it been maintained?  Many homeowners are not aware that there are things that can and should be done to maintain an interlock driveway.  You can seal the driveway to protect against weathering and potential staining from cars.  Although there is usually a generous amount of limestone screening under the stones, over time, weeds can creep up between them.  Every once and awhile, interlock driveways and walkways need to be weeded and even sanded if there are gaps between the stones.  If you’re not up for a little bit of maintenance like this, you may want to consider looking somewhere else or take it out and pave after you buy.

Installing Interlock in your current home
 
You may be considering some landscaping changes for your home.  Hardscape, such as stone patios and interlock are very popular and look amazing…BUT, it’s important to know exactly what you’re signing up for.  For instance, if you are considering an interlock patio instead of flagstones or even a low deck, know that it is going to be A LOT more expensive as the materials cost more and the labour is much more intensive.  It will also need to be maintained.  Of course, the same could be said for a wooden deck, but for the money you are investing, it’s important to make sure you’re up to the task.  It’s recommended to seal your interlock to keep it looking great and to protect it.  Make a habit of releveling your stones from time to time so that you don’t have to do it all at once for a big chunk of change.  You should also purchase an extra bag of polymeric sand so that you can fill the gaps as needed. 
 
Interlock is beautiful and the maintenance is only occasional but make sure you’re prepared for that.  There’s no point in having it if it ends up going by the wayside.  At Knowledge Broker, we are lucky to have gotten to know some of the best of the best when it comes to Landscapers!  If you’re ready to make some landscaping changes to your front or back yard, contact us and we would be happy to refer you to someone from Knowledge Broker’s Preferred Guide!
 
At Knowledge Broker, our goal is to create an open-source of information for all our clients. We want to ensure that, at the end of the day, they get exactly what they want and what they need. If you know someone who could use our help or services please put them in touch with us or send us their details using the contact information below. And before you go, click here to take the Knowledge Broker Quiz and see exactly what we can do for you!

JOSHUA CAMPBELL (@knowledgebrkr)
Real Estate Broker
Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Centre, Brokerage
joshua@knowledgebroker.ca
249 Avenue Road • Newmarket, ON L3Y 1N8
289.231.0001