When it comes to renovating your patio, it can be a daunting task. There are many options to choose from, and they all have pros and cons.
To help with your decision-making process, we’ve put together a handy list of things you should consider before beginning the renovations.
Consider what you need
When you’re planning for a patio renovation, there are a lot of questions to consider. You need to think about the purpose of your patio and what you will use it for.
- Do you want to entertain guests or just relax at home?
- Will you want to use the space in winter or mostly in summer?
- How much time do you have to spend maintaining the area?
- Will it be exposed to extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, and high winds?
- Are there children around that might damage the surface with their toys or even their shoes if they run across it barefoot?
If possible, find out what materials were used when the patio was first installed so they can be reused when repairing damaged areas. This may save money on having new pavers made, especially if they are not structural but simply decorative.
Consider doing it yourself
This is an option worth considering if you’re a handy person with the skills, tools, and equipment to do it yourself. Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to DIY:
- Do you have the skills and knowledge to do the job? If not, then consider hiring someone else who does.
- Are you willing to take on the risk of doing it yourself? This is especially important if any major repairs are involved in your project. You should feel comfortable handling any issues that may arise during or after construction and understand what steps will be necessary during this troubleshooting.
Research and consider your options
As with any big renovation project, it’s best to make sure you have a clear idea of what’s involved. So the first thing you should do is research and consider your options.
There are plenty of styles of patio enclosure to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:
- Glass: The most transparent option allows light into your home while still maintaining privacy. If you live in a windy area or want some extra insulation, however, glass might not be for you because it can become chilly in winter and hot in summer without proper insulation or ventilation.
- Wood: Natural wood gives off an attractive vibe but requires more maintenance than other materials.
- Aluminum: This material offers durability at a low cost but will never match the charm of natural woods like cedar or pine.
Ask for advice from others
After you’ve done your research and you’re feeling confident about your plans for renovating your patio, it’s time to get some more opinions. Ask friends, family, and neighbors for their thoughts on the color scheme best for your patio.
If possible, try getting a couple of quotes from professionals who specialize in patios as well—they may be able to help you with tips on how to get the most out of the space while keeping it functional.
Finally, if all else fails and nothing seems right when it comes to choosing colors or materials, ask online forums like Reddit or Quora for advice.
Conclusion
After all of this research, you should better understand what you want and need in your new patio. Now it’s time to start planning your project. Keep in mind that if you are doing the work yourself, it will take some time but can be done on the cheap. If not, consider hiring professionals who do all your hard labor.