Patios are an extension of your home. They give you all the comforts of indoor living while being outdoors. Careful planning is therefore important when installing a patio or giving your existing patio a facelift.
Patios offer the opportunity to enjoy your garden. They offer an outdoor entertainment or sitting area. They can make interior rooms feel more spacious. With careful planning, your patio can provide a seamless transition between your home and garden.
The idea of patios originated from Spanish-style house designs that have an open inner court. The word patio has now come to refer to any outdoor sitting or entertainment area. This includes decks, lanai, brick terraces, atriums, gazebos and detached garden rooms.
It doesn’t matter what kind of patio you have opted for; it is important to allow yourself enough time to plan your outdoor space carefully. A carefully thought out plan will yield great results. Careful planning will also shield you from costly mistakes.
Planning your patio
One of the first things you should consider when planning your patio is what you want this outdoor space to serve as. You should then consider the existing landscape to determine what will work best.
Your family’s lifestyle and needs should be at the forefront of your mind in the planning of your patio. What is most important to you and your family? Do you simply want to spend more time outdoors? Are you looking to create a space to entertain? Do your kids play with other children from the neighbourhood in your yard? Do you simply want a place to rest and relax while outdoors? Do you have pets that could damage furniture? What style do you prefer? Make a list. You may want to gather input from your family for this. Coming up with a cohesive plan requires some compromise. Consider what is most important to the members of your household and what you can compromise on to determine the best plan.
Determining the cost of your patio
The cost of installing a patio varies from as little as £1000 to well over £10,000. The cost depends on various factors such as location, acquiring permits, zoning, whether the foundation needs to be updated, choice of materials, the finishing of the patio slabs and many other variables.
It is advisable to obtain quotes from several contractors prior to choosing a contractor for the job. Be sure to choose the most qualified and skilled contractor offering a reasonable price.
Choosing materials for your patio
The materials you choose for you patio are entirely up to you and your personal preferences. However, you should go with materials that won’t rot, warp or become damaged when exposed to the elements. Many professionals seal materials when installing patios. These professionals will advise you on the best materials to choose based on your location, weather conditions as well as your budget.
How to hire the best patio installer
It is important to inspect the designs provided by a patio installer prior to hiring them for the job. This will ensure that they can provide you with exactly what you want for your outdoor space. That said, it is important to be ready to compromise on what the professional can offer given the time and budget for the project.
Many professionals in the UK charge per square meter for the installation of a patio. This gives you a rough idea of how much the materials and cost of installation would be for your patio.
It can be difficult to find a professional that can provide you with all the services you need. However, it is important to hire a professional that can offer you the basic services including:
- Removal of the existing patio or digging out the garden
- Laying of topsoil and turf
- Compacting of the foundation
- Aligning hedges or shrubbery
Keep checking the Moderniser blog for even more tips on patio design, construction, services and costs.
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