Is your driveway looking like it can use some major work? A worn-out driveway can be a major frustration, and severe potholes or other issues may even cause damage to your car. While a quick sealcoat on a driveway in otherwise good condition can be a good homeowner project, major paving repairs are rarely a good idea for the average do-it-yourselfer.

If you're thinking about taking on a major paving project yourself, stop and consider these three reasons why this job is often best left to the professionals.

1. Equipment Rental Will Be Pricey

Paving a driveway requires heavy equipment that few people will have on hand. If you need to dig your driveway down to the foundation, you'll typically need excavation equipment and the usual gear to install and compact asphalt. While much of this equipment may be available to rent, the price of rental and transportation will likely eat a big hole in your do-it-yourself savings.

Availability may be another concern. If you need to rely on equipment rentals, you may need to reserve equipment or schedule in advance, limiting how quickly you can install your new driveway. If you're dealing with a driveway suffering from severe problems, these delays can be frustrating and may leave you waiting without a usable driveway.

2. Drainage Issues Matter

Your home's driveway is part of your overall landscape and affects the drainage characteristics of your home. A correctly installed driveway directs water away from your home's foundation while preventing water damage to the driveway. Improper paving, excavation, or grading can create drainage issues that redirect water into dangerous locations.

In a best-case scenario, these problems may reduce the lifespan of your driveway and lead to failures and expensive repairs. In a worst-case scenario, you may inadvertently redirect water back to your home, damaging your landscape or even causing issues with your foundation. A professional installation will ensure proper and safe drainage to protect your yard and house.

3. You May Not Save Money

While plenty of people take on do-it-yourself projects for fun, tackling a major job like repaving a driveway is usually an attempt to save money. Unfortunately, this extra work may not pay off in the long run. In addition to the potential for damaging drainage issues, a poor driveway installation may also result in a reduced lifespan, cracks or potholes, and frequent (and costly) repairs.

A professional paving job ensures you won't need to worry about these problems. While you'll pay a little more upfront, the long-term cost of ownership for a professionally installed driveway will often be much lower. For more information on professional paving, contact a professional near you.