Now that the warmer weather is on its way, if you’re thinking of redoing your patio or landscape, now is the time to do so. In a recent survey by Houzz, 18% of US homeowners plan on completing a patio, a landscape addition or replacement in the next two years. When planning this type of project, you must plan ahead so that you can enjoy the space you want, without the guilt of spending more than you wanted. The US average over the past five years spent an average of over $10,000 on their patio or landscaping project. The amount will vary depending on what you want completed, what type of materials used, and whether you hire someone or do it yourself.
To begin this project, you’ll want to decide on what you want to do with your area. Do you enjoy entertaining outside? Do you have kids or pets that require a special area to play? These are just a few of the factors you have to consider when deciding on a plan for your landscape or patio needs. Also keep in mind that if you aren’t great with keeping plants alive, and you’re wanting a high maintenance landscape, you will have to hire someone to handle the upkeep.
Your budget and plan should coincide, but if you find that one is more extreme than the other, make alterations to balance them out. This final plan should be exactly what you want. Making additions after you begin, whether you do it yourself or hire someone, will cause you to go over your budget and extend the time it takes to complete your project. Also keep in mind where you live. Do you have homeowners association rules? Depending on what your plans are for the project, will it meet zoning and building codes which vary by city, state, or even neighborhood? When doing any projects, safety should always be a concern.