FAQs

Austin Contracting is Canterbury’s leading siteworks contractor for residential and commercial projects. We specialise in sports courts, asphalt and concrete driveways, paths and patios, carparks and vehicle crossings, foundation excavations and site works. We’re known for our personal approach and ability to manage projects of all sizes quickly and efficiently.

Austin Contracting is based at 6 Outlook Place, Lakes Business Park, Harewood, Christchurch 8051.

We service a wide area of Canterbury centred on Christchurch. Where we work includes Christchurch City, Woodend, Oxford, Rangiora, Kaiapoi, Sheffield, Rolleston, Lincoln, Leeston and Banks Peninsula.

Yes, we work in Rolleston, Rangiora, Kaiapoi and West Melton.

Austin Contracting specialises in sports courts, carparks, driveways, paths and patios, and vehicle crossings.

Austin Contracting are a highly experienced contracting company and we hold all relevant qualifications, licences and insurance. We are an approved/recommended contractor for CCC (for vehicle crossings).

Austin Contracting has been in business since 1987.

Austin Contracting makes sure to plan every project meticulously in advance so all contingencies are accounted for and there are no surprises for our clients. We are always looking for ways to add value before the job has even begun.

Yes, we do provide free quotes and site visits. Visiting the site is an important part of our process.

Yes, Austin Contracting is a Tier 2 contractor, which means we have all our Quality Management and Health and Safety processes in place.

We build residential driveways in Christchurch and throughout central Canterbury and Banks Peninsula.

Yes, we install both concrete and asphalt driveways at homes, multi-unit developments and commercial sites. We can also install driveways made from paving, permeable concrete and cobblestone.

The main difference between an asphalt and a concrete driveway is the texture and appearance.

The best driveway surface for Christchurch depends on its specific location as there is substantial variation throughout the area. We can advise you of the best option at our site visit.

We build concrete driveways with a minimum of 100mm thickness of concrete on top of a gravel raft with a minimum thickness of 100mm.

Yes, we can fix driveways that sink after heavy rain.

Yes, we have resurfaced and repaired many existing driveways.

Yes, we can replace an old asphalt driveway with concrete.

The length of time a driveway lasts in Christchurch is approximately 30 years.

Yes, we install exposed aggregate driveways.

Yes, we build rural and lifestyle block driveways.

Yes, we work on long private driveways around Canterbury.

Yes, installing vehicle crossings and widening existing crossings is one of our specialties.

Yes, we handle driveway drainage and stormwater issues.

Yes, we can install driveway edging and kerbing.

Yes, we frequently repair earthquake-damaged driveways in Christchurch and Canterbury.

Yes, we install new concrete driveways and paths.

We have a range of concrete finishes to choose from including plain, sponged, brushed, exposed aggregate, stamped and coloured.

Yes, we can repair cracked and sunken concrete.

It takes concrete 28 days to cure fully.

We install concrete gravel rafts which form the base layer of a building’s foundations.

In 99 percent of cases we will remove the old concrete before installing a new concrete driveway or path.

Yes, we install asphalt driveways.

Asphalt lasts from 25 to 30 years in Christchurch’s weather.

Yes, we repair potholes or damaged asphalt.

Yes, we can install asphalt carparks for businesses.

Yes, we offer asphalt maintenance and resealing services.

Yes, we provide commercial civil works in Christchurch.

Yes, we build or resurface commercial carparks.

Yes, we can construct heavy-duty surfaces for trucks or machinery.

Yes, Austin Contracting specialises in subdivisions and multi-unit developments.

Yes, we install kerb and channel.

Yes, we install permeable pavements.

Yes, we handle site preparation and foundation work.

Yes, we frequently work with developers, architects and project managers, and have established extremely good working relationships.

Yes, we can manage civil projects from start to finish.

Yes, we can assist with tender applications for commercial builds.

Yes, we can handle traffic management when required for commercial work sites.

Yes, we provide excavation and earthworks.

Site preparation is important before building a driveway because correct preparation is essential to the long-term performance of the driveway.

Yes, we can level or regrade a site.

Yes, we can fix clay or unstable ground before building.

Yes, we compact the base layers before concrete or asphalt.

Yes, we will usually remove the old driveway before installing the new one.

Yes, we prepare sites for garages, sheds or extensions.

Yes, we can shape or contour a section for landscaping.

Water pools on your driveway because its level might not be correct, there is slumping in the soil beneath the driveway, or the concrete has not been poured properly.

Yes, we can add drainage channels to stop water from entering garages.

Yes, we can install soak pits or permeable surfaces.

Yes, we can usually fix drainage issues caused by poor original construction.

Yes, we build tennis courts and also courts for other sports like netball.

Yes, we resurface and repair sports courts.

Asphalt is the best surface for tennis courts in Canterbury.

We ensure that sports courts drain properly by making sure the surface is level, with no depressions, and that the court itself has an imperceptible slope so that water flows off it and into surrounding drains. The foundation layer must be free-draining.

Please get in touch for a quote here.

There are several factors that affect the cost of a driveway, mainly the ground conditions and the type of finish you want.

The cost of a concrete driveway in NZ depends on a range of different factors including driveway material and finish, its size, site access, ground conditions, base preparation and drainage requirements, existing structures and obstacles like walls and trees.

No, asphalt and concrete driveways are similar in cost.

We can give you a rough estimate, but we prefer to make a site visit before discussing costs as there are many variables to consider.

Some driveways are more expensive than others because of the different factors that have to be accounted for such as driveway material and finish, its size, site access, ground conditions, base preparation and drainage requirements, existing structures and obstacles like walls and trees.

Yes, our quotes are itemised.

A typical residential driveway installation takes around one week. However, there is time needed before that for planning and obtaining any necessary consents.

Yes, bad weather and difficult ground conditions can affect scheduling, however we will have assessed the ground conditions before we start work and will have taken it into account in our scheduling.

Yes, we can manage council permits for vehicle crossings and have established an efficient working relationship with the Council. We are an approved/recommended contractor for CCC (for vehicle crossings).

On straightforward sites we can usually start within two weeks of our quote being accepted.

Yes, we can work around tight access or confined sites.

Yes, we can handle all subcontractors needed for the job.

To maintain your driveway and keep it in good condition long term, make sure to spray any weeds and prevent vehicle oil or fuel spills.

The temperature extremes experienced in Christchurch can cause driveways to crack. In winter, it is frost and in the summer, it is intense heat and strong UV light.

Yes, we seal asphalt driveways.

Asphalt should be resealed every 7 to 10 years to re-waterproof and protect it from UV light damage.