Have you been dreaming about relaxing on a new paver patio this summer? A little bit of planning can go a long way towards creating that perfect space for you and your family.
To help you with that process, please keep these things in mind:
- What is your ideal Saturday afternoon? Are you cooking at the grill, lounging in a chair under a pergola, or entertaining a large group of friends? Your patio project should be designed to maximize the space for the activities that you enjoy the most. Patios can include built-in grills, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces or fire pits, and shade from pergolas or pavilions. Knowing how many people will be on the patio will help to determine the overall footprint that best suits your needs.
- What setbacks might impact the project? The last thing any homeowner wants is to have to redo a patio or other project after installation because it crosses a property line or setback. Some municipalities are more restrictive than others on what you can build on your property and some HOA’s will also have additional guidelines that you must follow. Be sure that you have a handle on these matters before you even begin the planning process.
- What is your budget? Many things impact the cost of a project, all paver patios are not the same! Material selection and overall size are obvious components. Vertical elements such as seat walls, fireplaces, steps, and overhead structures will have a large impact on overall costs. Add-on items such as low-voltage lighting and landscaping are also costs that you may want to factor in. Finally, site accessibility can have a major impact on the cost of a project. Difficult access often means that less machinery can be used and therefore the project will take longer and be more labor intensive. It is best to have a budget already established when you have your first meeting with a designer so that it can be factored in right from the start and so that your designer can help you decide the best places to allocate the available budget.
- Think beyond the hardscape. Trees and shrubs can provide shade, screen unattractive views, and provide color and interest that help create the perfect outdoor oasis that you desire. Think about views to and from the patio, what types of plant materials you like, flower colors that you do (or do not!) like, and consider that the landscape will change with the seasons.
- Be sure to work with someone who is experienced with both design and installation of patios and landscapes. We have all seen patios that are poorly sloped, have edges sinking, and even start to fall apart after one or two seasons. No homeowner wants to deal with settling pavers or shifting walls on their patio. A properly designed and installed patio will not have those issues and will last for many years to come. You will end up paying more to have issues repaired than if you had hired an experienced contractor from the start!