Typical cost, installed
$16/sq ft to $32/sq ft
Depends on the finish and the site. See the price list.
City permit
Depends on the city
Culver City: a Site Improvement permit, plus a Street Use permit if the apron at the street changes. We check your city, file it, and you pay the city fees.
Our own jobs
2 jobs with every step in photos
Santa Monica, Culver City
Driveway Overview
Your driveway is one of the largest visible surfaces on your property. A new or resurfaced driveway replaces cracked, stained or uneven sections and can improve drainage and curb appeal. Options include poured concrete, pavers, exposed aggregate, and stamped finishes.
How Buildda Helps
Buildda handles demolition of the old surface, grading, base compaction, and installation of the new driveway material. We pull city permits when required and coordinate inspections for public-right-of-way work.
Licensed General Contractor · CA #1131088 · Founder, Buildda Inc.
Last updated: October 2026
Buildda Tip
Concrete cracks are often caused by what is underneath, not the concrete itself. A compacted base and steel set inside the slab control cracking: on our Santa Monica driveway every bar sat on a small concrete block above a graded, compacted base.
Our Driveway Jobs
Santa Monica
Santa Monica Concrete Driveway
Two old concrete strips out and one 10 by 70 foot concrete slab in, with a steel grid and a broom finish. Two days on site in Santa Monica.
See every stepCulver City
Culver City Driveway and Curb Drain
Old asphalt out, a new concrete driveway in, and a drain run under a cut section of public sidewalk to the curb. Culver City permit, five days on site.
See every stepThe Santa Monica concrete driveway job, step by step
See every step of the Santa Monica job See every step of the Culver City job
- Before: the old two-strip driveway.
- Day one: breaking out the old strips.
- Digging out the side yard.
- Screeding the slab level.
What to Know Before You Start
Driveways fail for a lot of reasons in LA - tree roots pushing up the slab, sub-base soil that wasn't compacted right, missing expansion joints, drainage that pools instead of runs, or concrete past its lifespan. Before we pour, we clear tree roots and wood debris from underneath, laser-check the slope so water runs where it should, and pull the city permit when the jurisdiction requires one. Pavers, stamped concrete, or broom finish - your call.
Permit and city fees are paid by the homeowner directly to the city; we file the application and hand over the receipt. As your general contractor (CA #1131088, B/General), Buildda coordinates the project and its concrete crew.
Buildda Concrete Driveway Process
Concrete driveways in LA run $16-$36 per square foot installed. On the two driveway jobs on this page the crew was on site two days in Santa Monica and five days in Culver City, where a new drain line also went under the public sidewalk to the curb. The steps below show how we build one, with photos from the Santa Monica job.
Typical timeline: two days on site in Santa Monica, five in Culver City (with a drain line and a city permit)
On-Site Consultation
We assess your property, measure the driveway area, evaluate soil conditions, and discuss your design preferences - whether you want a simple gray finish, stamped concrete, or decorative options.
Outcome: A clear understanding of your project scope and design vision.
Detailed Quote & Design Selection
Typically within 24-48 business hours, you'll receive an itemized estimate covering excavation, materials, labor, and finishing. We'll also present color and texture options to match your home's style.
Outcome: A transparent, itemized cost breakdown.
Scheduling & Permits
Once you approve the estimate, we schedule the work. Whether the job needs a permit depends on your city: Culver City reviewed our driveway and drainage job there under a Site Improvement permit, and a city inspector came out before any work started. We file the application, and you pay the city fees directly.
Outcome: A start date, with your city's rules checked before work begins.
Demolition & Base Preparation
Day one is demolition. In Santa Monica a skid steer broke out the old concrete strips and the crew hauled the broken concrete, soil and debris off the site; in Culver City, where only the city hauls construction debris, the old asphalt went into a city roll-off. Then the whole driveway area is dug out and graded for a compacted base of crushed aggregate.
Outcome: A graded, compacted base that controls cracking.
Forms & Steel
The forms set the driveway's edges, and a steel grid goes down on the prepared base, the full length of the driveway. Each bar sits up on a small concrete block, so the steel ends up inside the slab instead of lying in the dirt under it.
Outcome: Steel inside the slab, not under it.
Pouring & Finishing
Ready-mix concrete goes in as one slab: 4 inches thick and the full 70 feet in one morning on the Santa Monica job. The crew screeds it level, floats it smooth, and tools control joints at regular intervals so the slab can move without cracking across. The last pass is a broom finish for traction; a stamped or exposed aggregate finish is the other choice.
Outcome: One continuous slab with clean control joints.
Curing
The fresh slab is taped off and left alone to cure; on our Culver City job, caution tape ran across the new driveway. We tell you when it is ready to walk on and when it is ready for the car.
Outcome: A slab that cures undisturbed.
Final Walkthrough & Inspection
We walk the finished driveway with you and go over how to care for it. Where the city issued a permit, its inspector signs the work off: Culver City completed its inspections on our driveway job there and finaled the permit.
Outcome: A finished driveway, and a closed permit where the city required one.
What You Get
What the work included on our own jobs, from the job records: Santa Monica and Culver City.
The Old Driveway Out
On our Santa Monica job a skid steer broke out the two old concrete strips on day one, starting a little after 7 AM, and the crew hauled the broken concrete, soil and debris off the site.
A Graded Base
Before any concrete, the crew dug out and graded the full length, ready for a compacted base of crushed aggregate. By early afternoon of day one the forms were set and the steel grid ran the whole driveway.
One Slab in One Morning
On day two the ready-mix went in as one 4 inch slab over the steel grid, the full length in one morning. The crew screeded it level and floated it smooth along the block wall.
Joints and a Broom Finish
On kneeboards the crew tooled control joints at regular intervals, so the slab can move without cracking across. The last pass was a light broom finish for traction, done by 1 PM.
Water Sent to the Curb
In Culver City the approved plans tied a new drain line into the existing curb drain. The pipe crosses under the public sidewalk, so a section about 5 by 5 feet was cut, then re-poured with the drain outlet in the curb face.
Debris Hauled the City Way
In Culver City only the city hauls construction debris, so the old asphalt driveway and the side walkway went into a city roll-off ordered through Culver City Sanitation on day one.
What Our Customers Say
Our driveway customer and a homeowner with a paver job.
“I recently had pavers installed on my driveway by Buildda, and the results are fantastic! They were professional, detail oriented, and completed the project on time. I highly recommend this company and will definitely be...”
*Individual results may vary.
“I used Buildda to install new pavers in my backyard, and the transformation is fantastic. The team communicated clearly from the start, and the job stayed on schedule with no surprises. The pavers are beautifully laid...”
*Individual results may vary.
Transparent Pricing
Slope-Checked, Sub-Base Prepped, Permit Checked for Your City
Typical project range: $16/sq ft - $32/sq ft
Pricing depends on project scope, materials, and site conditions. Here are typical ranges for driveway projects in Los Angeles.
Broom Finish
$16-$20 per sq ft
Homeowners needing a durable, functional driveway on a budget
- Standard concrete driveway
- Broom finish
- Basic control joints
- Standard gray color
Stamped
$22-$32 per sq ft
Those wanting the look of stone or pavers at lower cost
- Stamped concrete patterns
- Color options available
- Decorative borders
- Quality sealer
Exposed Aggregate
$18-$28 per sq ft
Homeowners wanting a decorative, textured surface
- Exposed aggregate finish
- Decorative stone texture
- Enhanced slip resistance
- Quality sealer
Colored
$16-$24 per sq ft
Those wanting color without stamped patterns
- Integral color concrete
- Color options available
- Standard or broom finish
- Quality sealer
All prices are estimates. Actual costs vary based on project scope, site conditions, material selections, and permit requirements. Contact us for a personalized quote.
Want a price for your driveway?
Text us a photo of your driveway, or a short description of it. A real person on our team replies.
What Changes the Price and the Schedule
The price
- Total square footage
- Material selection
- Existing driveway removal
- Base preparation requirements
- Slope and grading needs
- Decorative elements
- Access and logistics
- Permit requirements
The schedule
- Driveway size and length
- Material selection (concrete vs. pavers)
- Existing driveway removal
- Weather conditions
- Permit requirements
- Complexity of design
Permits and Inspections
Whether a job like this needs a permit depends on your city and the work. Culver City: a Site Improvement permit, plus a Street Use permit if the apron at the street changes; we check the rules for your job before we start. The permits that can apply:
- Building permit for new driveway
- Right-of-way permit (for work near sidewalk)
- Grading permit (if significant slope changes)
- We file the permit application; homeowner pays city fees direct, and we hand over the receipt
- Inspections come with the permit
- HOA approval may be needed
Watch Our Work
New Concrete Driveway, Demo to Broom Finish
Culver City, CA
Old asphalt out, sidewalk cut for the new drain, city signed off
Concrete Driveway Apron Installation
Los Angeles, CA
City-permitted approach with smooth curb transition
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about driveway projects
Ask us directly
Have a question about your driveway? Text it to us with a photo or a short description.
Who can replace a concrete driveway in Culver City?
Buildda, Inc., a general contractor based in Culver City (CSLB B General #1131088). On our Culver City driveway job the old asphalt came out, a new concrete driveway went in at 16 feet wide over a steel grid, and a new drain line was run under a cut section of the public sidewalk to the curb. The city reviewed the work under a Site Improvement permit and finaled the permit after its inspections.
Do I need a permit to replace my driveway?
It depends on your city and the work. Culver City's rule for a driveway is a Site Improvement permit, plus a Street Use permit if the apron at the street changes. Our Culver City driveway ran under a Site Improvement permit, and a city inspector came out before any work started. In other cities we check the rules for your job first. We file the application, and you pay the city fees directly.
How long does a driveway replacement take?
On our two driveways shown here the crew was on site two days and five days. In Santa Monica a skid steer broke out two old concrete strips on day one, and one 10 by 70 foot slab was poured and broom finished on day two. The Culver City job took five days on site, including a new drain line under the public sidewalk to the curb. The size, the drainage and your city's permit set your schedule.
What goes under a new concrete driveway?
A graded base and steel. On our Santa Monica driveway the whole 10 by 70 foot strip was dug out and graded for a compacted base of crushed aggregate. Forms went in, and a steel grid ran the full length, every bar raised on a small concrete block so the steel ends up inside the 4 inch slab, not in the dirt below it.
Can I see driveways you have replaced?
Yes. Two of our driveway jobs are on this site with every step in photos: Santa Monica Concrete Driveway (17 photos, two days on site) and Culver City Driveway and Curb Drain (10 photos, five days on site, permitted). Each one shows the old driveway coming out, the base, the steel, the pour and the finished driveway.
How long will my new driveway last?
A properly installed concrete driveway lasts 25-30 years. Paver driveways can last 50+ years with proper maintenance. Longevity depends on quality installation, proper base preparation, and regular maintenance like sealing.
How soon can I drive on my new driveway?
For concrete driveways, you can walk on it after 24-48 hours, but we recommend waiting 7 days before driving on it. For pavers, you can typically use the driveway immediately after installation.
Should I choose concrete or pavers?
Concrete is more affordable and offers a clean look with decorative options. Pavers cost more but provide a premium appearance, easier repairs, and longer lifespan. We'll help you choose based on your budget and goals.
Will my driveway crack?
Concrete can develop minor cracks over time, it's natural. We minimize cracking through proper base preparation, control joints, and quality concrete. Pavers don't crack like concrete and individual units can be replaced if damaged.
How do I maintain my driveway?
Keep it clean by sweeping or rinsing regularly. Seal concrete driveways every 2-3 years and paver driveways every 3-5 years. Address oil stains promptly and avoid harsh chemicals. We provide detailed care instructions.
Can you widen or extend my existing driveway?
Yes, we can extend or widen existing driveways. For concrete, we can pour additional sections that will have a visible seam. For pavers, extensions integrate more seamlessly. We'll discuss options to achieve the best result.
Keep Reading
Culver City Driveway Permit: What It Took on a Real Job
A real Culver City driveway job: about four months of permit review, a drain tied to the curb drain, city bins for the debris, and the city fees on the project.
Driveway Materials: Concrete, Pavers, Asphalt
Compare the pros, cons, and costs of concrete, paver, and asphalt driveways for Southern California homes. Learn which material fits your needs and budget.
Stamped Concrete Patterns & Design Ideas
Discover stamped concrete patterns, colors, and applications - a cost-effective alternative to natural stone and pavers.
Curb Appeal: 10 Upgrades + Two Real Project Examples
10 curb appeal upgrades with real costs for Southern California homes plus two Buildda case studies (Sunkist Park trim repaint, Carlson Park brick walkway). $100 quick wins to $15K+ full makeovers. ROI, budget tiers, and permit info.
Exterior Home Project Costs: Culver City 2026
2026 Culver City exterior project pricing: painting, roofing, pavers, fencing, stucco, backyard remodels, windows, and gutters. Permit info included.
Driveway Near You
The cities we serve, nearest to our Culver City base first.
Ready to Start Your Driveway Project?
Start with a photo of your driveway or a short description: text us and a real person on our team replies.
Or call (310) 266-5744, Monday to Saturday.
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