What to know before a replacement block drive in Magherafelt
In and around Magherafelt, village-style frontages sit alongside newer cul-de-sacs, so the right block often depends on the age of the house.
Dropped kerbs in Northern Ireland go through DfI Roads, so we build that timing into the plan for new drives.
How much does a replacement block drive cost in Magherafelt?
Expect replacement block drives in Magherafelt to come in at around £90–£170 per m², including VAT at 20%. As an example, a 45 m² replacement drive usually comes to between £4,050 and £7,700.
| Item | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| Replace tarmac or concrete with block (incl. break-out) | £90–£170 per m² |
| Breaking out an old surface | £9.50–£40 per m² |
| Edging or kerb, bedded and haunched | £19–£50 per metre |
| Typical channel drain run | £330–£950 |
| Dropped kerb (vehicle crossover) construction | £950–£2,850 |
Guide figures for Northern Ireland, checked 9 November 2026. See all prices or use the guide price tool.
What does a replacement block drive involve?
Replacing an old drive with block paving means breaking out the existing tarmac, concrete or gravel, checking what is underneath, and then building a block drive on a sound base. Many older tarmac and concrete drives have cracked, sunk or broken up, which is why this is such a common way into block paving.
- Assessment of the old base: keep, top up or replace
- Break-out of the old surface with waste removal and skip or grab lorry
- New edging, sub-base where needed, and the block drive
- Drainage added where the old drive sent water to the house or road
- Levels set below the damp-proof course with falls away from the house
Before we price your replacement block drive
- Levels against the damp-proof course (the finished paving must sit at least 150 mm below it)
- Block range, thickness, colour and pattern to suit the house
- Access for a mini-digger, skip or grab lorry
- Edges against lawns, beds, walls and neighbours
- Existing manhole and inspection covers, and whether to recess them
Rules for front drives in Magherafelt
Magherafelt is in Northern Ireland, so these rules apply:
In Northern Ireland, a hard surface between the front of the house and the road that covers or replaces more than 5 m² must be porous or permeable, or drain to a permeable area within the property, to be permitted development.
Hard surfaces within the grounds of a listed building need listed building consent. Planning is handled by your district council, so check with its planning office if you are unsure.
Dropped kerbs in Northern Ireland are approved by DfI Roads (the Department for Infrastructure), not the council; check planning separately with the council.
General guidance, not legal advice. Your survey confirms what applies to your home. See the planning guide.
What happens next
Send the basics
Postcode, what you need and a rough size. Photos help.
Survey
We measure, check levels, ground and drainage, and talk through blocks and patterns.
Written quote
An itemised quote with the specification, the price and the start date.
The work
Our paving team builds it to the agreed specification and leaves the site swept.
How we work
Clean finish
The site is swept, the joints are filled and you are shown how to look after the paving.
One point of contact
You deal with one team from survey to sign-off, with work carried out by paving teams working under S&K.
Itemised quotes
Break-out, waste, edging, drainage and covers are separate lines you can see.
Edges set in concrete
Every edge restraint is bedded and haunched, so the paving cannot creep.
Replace an old drive in Magherafelt: questions
Is the survey in Magherafelt free?
Yes, for new paving here: the survey and written quote are free with no obligation. Repairs and cleaning are usually priced from photos, or from a short visit where needed.
Can you match the blocks to my house in Magherafelt?
We bring samples to the survey and suggest blocks and borders that suit the age and brick of the house. Final colour is your choice.
How long does a replacement block drive take to build?
Most homes take between three and seven working days, depending on size, the dig and the drainage. Your quote gives the expected duration.
How much does a replacement block drive cost in Magherafelt?
Our guide for Magherafelt is £90–£170 per m² including VAT, so a 45 m² replacement drive is usually about £4,050–£7,700. Your fixed price follows the survey.
Replace an old drive near Magherafelt
Nearby towns we cover for replace an old drive, and replace an old drive across County Londonderry:
