Planning a Patio

There is little doubt that a patio can add a much needed touch of style and elegance, not to mention comfort to anyone's home. The problem though lies in the fact that not everyone is going to agree on what is the best possible design for their home. Considering that the addition of a patio to anyone's home can significantly increase, or in some cases decrease a home's resale value, it should not come as a surprise to anyone that when planning a patio all due consideration and care should be used.

With that in mind, there are some simple steps that anyone can use to help insure that they are planning a patio of their dreams. All in all, these steps are going to boil down to one simple idea, and that is to take the time, and think.

• Location. It has been said before that location is everything, and that remains true in this endeavor as well. You should take the time to carefully consider where you are would like to place any new patio at. Is it going to be an area that is primarily in the sun, or the shade? Which would you prefer?
• Size. Contrary to what some may tell you, size does matter. It matters if only because of the cost that larger patio's can entail, not to mention time it can take to build. Decide what size, in square feet, you would like to have your patio. This basic information is going to be immensely helpful later on when you are purchasing materials or talking to a contractor.
• Design. What design are you looking for in your patio? Do you want something that brings out the natural beauty of your yard? Would you rather have a modern industrial look? What lay out for your patio are you going to use? It is best to sketch out a rough idea, or if you have a friend with artistic aspirations, have them draw out an idea of what you are looking for.
• Materials. Decide, or consider, what materials you would like to have your patio made out of. There are benefits and drawbacks to almost all types of materials. Some materials are going to require more maintenance on your part than others, just as some materials are going to cost more than others. Carefully consider what your budget is going to be, and plan your materials accordingly.
• Build. Probably one of the most important steps in planning anything is who is going to build it? You can save yourself money by doing your own home improvement, but you can also potentially save yourself time, and headaches, by having a contractor build your patio for you.