Getting ready to close on my first home up in Denver. The biggest downside is there is no garage/driveway/carport for the house. There's some room in the front to add something, but not sure if my cheapass can stomach paying for a garage right after the house, ignoring the fact that it would be a ton of work.

My first thought would be to start with just a driveway of some sort in the front. Do any of you have an idea of how much it would cost to level the ground, then get either concrete or asphalt in there?

The way I look at it is that I can do that first then decide to do carport or garage later, correct?

Any help or tips are appreciated.

I have no idea of costs in CO, but here is what I would recommend. In TX, you would be looking at around 5/ft for concrete for the drive. For a structure, it is a bit more because of the extra rebar and beams. Asphalt is less, but it requires more base. Without knowing the drive length, I would say just go concrete and be done with it. I would go ahead and plan for a carport now. If you want to convert later to a garage, you can. Just make sure the carport slab is designed appropriately.

Thanks for the post. I was debating concrete vs asphalt. I know concrete is higher-end, but doesn't it have more cracking issues in the cold? Wish I was handy enough to get it at least leveled myself so they could just come in with the base.

$5/sq ft for the pour would be good. It's probably more in Denver but I'm not sure. Add in the grading and ego knows how much for that. Depends on how deep and access and everything

Maybe I'm wrong, but Denver doesn't seem like the place to go without a garage. In Houston, all we're worried about is not getting wet. The weather is a hell of a lot more demand there. Especially if the Mrs. will ever have to get little kids and groceries in and out of the car. Don't y'all have to plug in engine heaters as well? What about wasting time scraping ice and warming up the car.

If you really are a cheap ass", would finding a home with an attached garage make more sense long term?

Got a son in Littleton looking for odd jobs whe he completes flight instructor certs. He could help with some of your DYI's. Let me know if need contact.