Turning your patio into a backyard paradise can seem daunting, so here are some tips to help you turn your outdoor patio ideas into a reality.

The warm summer months are upon us, and that means it’s the perfect time to remodel your patio. Turning your outdoor space into a backyard paradise can seem like a challenging task, so here are some tricks to help you turn your outdoor patio ideas into realities without breaking the bank.

• Plan Before You Start

The easiest way to mess up a patio build or go over budget is to go into it blind. Have a design in mind and know what you want before you start breaking ground. Making things up as you go might seem like a great idea until you’re stuck with a lot of leftover materials and have a design that doesn’t quite fit in your space.

This knowledge is especially important for small concrete patio ideas because if one measurement is wrong, the design might not fit in your space. In a worst-case scenario, you end up with an unstable patio that is dangerous to walk on. Indecision will cost you more as you attempt to repair it yourself or call in a professional. Have your design planned out before you start breaking ground, or you could find yourself in all sorts of trouble. 

• Check Local Building Codes

Before you start your remodeling project, make sure you take a trip to the local city planner’s office. From excavating soil to pouring cement, some aspects of your design may require a building permit issued by your city or county. Don’t skip this step, especially if your remodeling is a DIY project. You could end up with some expensive fines if you choose to build without a permit.

If you’re hiring a contractor to complete your patio remodeling, make sure they obtain the necessary permits so that their work is legal in your area. Unscrupulous or unlicensed contractors may try to complete the task without getting the right paperwork, which will leave you on the hook if something goes wrong. 

• Pick Your Materials Carefully

You have a lot of different material options when it comes to remodeling your patio. You can choose to lay down stone pavers in various patterns, use slightly elevated wooden planks, or even pour concrete and shape it to your liking. The materials you pick will depend on several factors, ranging from your budget to the average rainfall in your area, and everything in between.

If you’re planning to stay in your home for the foreseeable future and don’t want to remodel your patio every few years, opt for concrete. Once laid and cured, concrete can last for 30 years or more in various weather conditions. Whether you’re looking for small patio ideas or large ones, concrete is a popular and durable choice.

• Hire a Professional

If you’re not handy or don’t have the time to manage an expansive DIY project, you can hire a contractor to do all the work for you. Hiring a contractor requires a bit of time and research before signing a contract and bringing someone in to complete your remodeling project. Don’t hire the first person that crosses your path. When it comes to concrete patios, pouring and finishing make a difference on the final look. Take a closer look at multiple companies, go through their portfolios, and check their references.

For every honest contractor, there are two that are only interested in stealing your money. Don’t let an unscrupulous contractor ruin your remodeling project. Do your research, collect multiple bids from different companies, and make an informed decision. Rushing into this project will end up costing you a lot more money in the long run.

• Design It To Last

Creating a backyard space gives you somewhere to spend warm evenings, whether you’re throwing some food on the barbeque, spending time with your kids or just reading by torchlight as the sun sets below the horizon. When you’re creating your design, make sure you’re making something that will last. This step is the best thing you can do to keep your remodeling project under a specific budget.

Yes, you may have small repairs or upgrades over the years. However, if you’re creating a patio that will endure through the years, you only have to invest money into it once. Create something that will last for a lifetime — or at least for the amount of time you’re planning on staying in your home. A well-designed patio can also improve your property’s market value if you’re planning to sell in the future.

• Enjoy Your New Patio

Once you complete the remodeling project or the contractors finish their work, all that’s left to do is enjoy your new outdoor space. Throw a barbeque, invite some friends over or revel in having the perfect place to enjoy the warm weather. Patio remodeling projects are a fantastic way to turn your backyard space into your haven, somewhere that you want to spend plenty of time.