If you are looking for new ways to enhance your home, consider adding a patio. Patios aren’t just functional, they help you utilise more of your existing space and help you enjoy more of the outdoors on a regular basis. Whether you’re looking for a new place to entertain guests, or a quiet oasis to enjoy a cup of coffee and the morning newspaper, a patio may be just what your home needs.
What is a patio?
A patio is a gathering area at the back of the home and often near the back door. It can be covered, to protect it from the elements, and is usually paved but typically does not have any walls. In Australia, where the outside weather is typically fairly temperate, patios are excellent additions to homes because they expand the living space significantly. Many often include indoor elements such as kitchens, dining tables or seating areas to bring the indoors out.
Patios not only expand the amount of living space for a home, they also:
- Add design elements to the back yard
- Increase the resale value of a home
- Provide room for entertaining family and friends
- Create natural gathering and entertainment spaces
Top things to consider before buying a patio
When you’re in the process of considering adding a patio to your backyard area, there are a few important aspects to consider before beginning the project. They include:
How you’ll use the patio
How you will ultimately use the patio will dictate many things, including placement, design, and functionality. For example, if you’d like to use it as an outdoor kitchen, you’ll want to create a covered area for cooking and make sure lighting and other power elements are readily available at strategic locations in order to hook up alliances. If it’s a simple outdoor dining area, placing it strategically close to the existing kitchen will be important, to make it easy for meals to be set up.
Is the site level?
A patio generally needs to be constructed on level ground. If you have a sloping back yard, you’ll have to consider how to make a space that is level for the patio to sit on. This may require grading the ground and re-imagining the surrounding landscaping as well.
What material will you use
Materials are an essential consideration. To help your patio meld with the surrounding environment, take cues from the existing building and incorporate elements of it into the design. You’ll also want to ensure the material you choose is durable and requires little maintenance. Whether it’s steel, wood, stone, brick, gravel, or concrete, when choosing your building elements, consider:
- Your home’s design
- The material’s longevity
- How much foot traffic your patio will get
- The cost of the product
- The cost of the labour
- Whether you want a hard surface for children to play on or not
Permit requirements and building codes
Depending on where you live, the size of the patio, its materials, and costs, you may need to follow certain local code requirements. You may also need to acquire a permit before you begin building your patio. If you are building a sizable patio or enclosing the patio with a roof you will likely need a permit. Likewise, you’ll need permits if you live in a heritage area, or are constructing a completely freestanding building, even if it doesn’t have walls.
Before beginning your build, it’s advisable to reach out to your local council to discover what codes and permits are required.
Professional vs DIY
You’ll also want to consider who will ultimately be building the patio. Will you do a DIY job or will you hire a professional? Professionals are always advisable, as they will know the code and permit requirements in your area. They’ll also have the proper equipment to ensure your patio is level, built with proper drainage, constructed with quality materials, and designed to last. Before committing to a DIY, consider your budget, timing, skills and the level of complexity of the overall build.
Are you ready to add a patio to your back yard? Speak to the friendly team at Stylemaster Patios today!
