What You Should Do Before Installing An Outdoor Patio

Check Your Local Laws & Regulations

If you are thinking about adding an outdoor patio to your home, you must make sure you do it legally. To save yourself from running into future trouble, check your local and state building codes to make sure that you obtain any necessary permits before you start planning or constructing your new outdoor patio.

Develop a Budget

Your budget doesn't need to be an exact spreadsheet of anticipated expenses down to the cent, but having a rough estimate will prevent you from overspending. A budget will give you an idea of what materials and services you can afford and will save you from spending more than you can afford on this project.

Locate Your Utility Lines

Before any digging begins, before you even pick the location of your patio, you should check to see if you have any underground utility lines in your yard and where they might be. A national “call before you dig” phone number can be reached by dialing 811 before starting any job which requires digging. Even jobs as small as planting a tree should be checked before starting to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you.

Choose a Size and Location

Now it is time to plan the layout of your outdoor patio. Where do you want it to be located? How big do you want it to be? These are questions you should ask yourself during this phase of planning. Once you settle on a location, outline it with stakes in the ground tied with string and observe this area for a few days. Is it getting adequate sunlight? Does it take up too much of your yard? This is the time to change your mind about the physical aspects of your patio, not after it is already built.

Determine How You Will Use Your Patio

What is your patio going to be used for? If you plan on pacing something heavy on top of it, such as a grill, it is important to consider it now so that you can reinforce the base where necessary. It is also important to think about any gas, water, or electric lines you may require in the future so you can plan to make these future installations as easy as possible.

Choose Materials

This will be largely dictated by your budget, but your personal taste and preference also plays a role. Patios can be made out of concrete, stone, tile, or brick – all offering their own unique look. To get a better understanding of the pros and cons of each, you can look at this guide by How Stuff Works.

Hire a Contractor

Now comes the easy part; hiring a contractor to build your dream patio for you. If you live in Nassau County, you can simply give Stasi Brothers a call at 516-997-7283. We have been installing home patios for over 50 years, and the Better Business Bureau has accredited us with a rare A+ rating. If you do not live on Long Island or nearby, it is best to contact many contractors who provide service in your area and get quotes from them. Research to see which of these provide the highest-quality work and make sure you know exactly what their quote covers.

To learn more about Stasi Brothers and our services, you can visit our website or like us on Facebook.