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.
