Designing the perfect patio space takes a lot of knowledge, skill and proper planning. While it can seem like a rather large project, and you may have considering having someone design your patio space for you, you can do it yourself by knowing what considerations to make, resources to utilize and how to stay within your set budget.
The following is everything you need to know about designing the perfect patio space. A great patio space can help your home to that very next level, and it can give you an amazing outdoor spot to spend time with the family, throw an amazing house party or simply enjoy an evening outside reading your favorite book.
Consider The Purpose, Location and Size of Your Patio
First and foremost, you need to consider the purpose of your patio. A patio is more than a large home decoration; instead, it actually serves a purpose. For many, a patio is a way to expand the amount of space at your home, ultimately improving your home value and making everything in and out of the house seem larger. For others, a patio is a fun place that is the premier spot to be during a house party. If you have a pool, you may use your patio as a great place to lay out peacefully poolside without any distractions at all. The purpose you choose to have for your patio will likely dictate the design.
Additionally, where do you want your patio to be located? If you simply want to make renovations to your patio that already exists, then you obviously won’t have to plan out where to place it. However, if you are designing the perfect patio space for your new home, or adding a patio onto your existing home, then it is crucial to pick the perfect location. The key to picking the best place for your patio is to find an area behind your house that is the most accessible and most prevalent as a nice patio can really bring out the best in a home. If you already have a patio, then the design will likely be based upon the location. If it borders another house, then loud parties may not be the best idea. If it is close to the kitchen, perhaps adding a grill to your patio is a good idea.
Lastly, be sure to consider the size of your patio. While the size does not necessarily dictate the quality of your patio(a small patio can be just as nice as a large one), it will dictate how much creativity you will need to have in your planning.
Think About The Resources and Expenses Required
It is very easy to overspend when attempting to design the patio of your dreams, which is why it is crucial to determine what resources will be needed and how much the design is going to cost.
If you are building a patio from scratch, then you are likely to need cement laid, which certainly takes proper planning and budgeting. The type of concrete or concrete-like substance that you have laid as the foundation is likely to be the most expensive part about designing your patio, and certainly the one that requires the most outside assistance. Be sure to be hire a trusted, reliable concrete company and find the best rates possible. After the concrete is laid, the fun begins. At this point, you should have everything about your patio properly planned out, including all of the materials needed, where they will be located and how much each item costs.
In the event you are making renovations, perhaps you can budget less. However, there may still be a need for a concrete company to come in and lay new cement, or fill in gaps of already existing cement. However, most of your efforts are likely to be focused on the materials needed, which may include a table and chairs, landscaping, adding a hammock or possibly adding a sliding glass door for your patio. If you budget high enough, adding a covered roof extending off of your home into part of the patio can be nice as well.
Regardless of the way you choose to design your patio, the important thing is that you stick to the budget as it can be very easy to lose track of how much you have spent in all of the excitement. Try and always find the best deals possible, and seek to come in under budget. You can always add on more additions later with the leftover funds.
Plan The Patio Design
Finally – after determining the purpose, location and size of your patio, as well as determining any and all outside help and materials you need – it is time to figure out how it all works together. If you already know where you want the patio to be located and size around your home, then you can proceed to have the concrete laid before anything else. After which, it is important to conduct a detailed blueprint of how the materials, furniture, etc. of the patio will be placed on the patio, especially for smaller patios that rely on proper arrangement in order to make the most out of the space.
For more permanent items – such as a roof extension, step system in the concrete leading to the patio or a permanent concrete seating arrangement, it is important to do your due diligence, seek professional advice and ask your friends and family if it is a good idea before proceeding. However, you do not have to be too decisive about where other items that are easy to move are located. For instance, if you want a chair in the middle of the patio but are unsure, you can place the table in the middle and move it if desired later on.
Above all else, remember to have fun when designing your patio. It is meant to be a fun experience, and trust in the end result. It may be hectic along the way, but with proper, careful planning, you are sure to like the end result.
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