It may be heavy and dirty work, but installing a patio in your backyard can vastly increase your living space, not to mention the value of your home. Although smaller patios are fun weekend DIY projects, anything that requires excavation and involves larger stone is best left to the experienced contractor. With a little planning and some prep work homeowners can save money hiring a patio contractor.
Aim for a patio you can count on for years, standing up to the elements and providing plenty of space for your family to enjoy the outdoors. You may need the services of a patio contractor, but there are ways to keep the cost down and still look forward to a professional job.
Know Your Limits
For the most part, outdoor landscaping and patios need to work within the existing conditions. A contractor can drastically change the grade of your lot to help with drainage issues, but your house is where it is - there's little the contractor can do about that. When you are deciding on what type of patio, how big and where it will be located, take into account the conditions of your lot.
Make a note of the grade and any spots where drainage tends to be a problem. Trees and gardens can be worked around and existing concrete pads and porches should be looked at carefully. Design a patio that will require the least amount of major changes and you will cut back the cost drastically.
As an example, if you choose to move a tree that decision will add a decent amount to the price. The contractor will need to hire a tree removal company and or pay his laborers to dig it out and move or chip it. Be creative and think of patio design solutions that will work around what you have with the least amount of disruption.
Prepare What You Can
There is some preparation that can be done by the homeowner, saving labor costs and time. Pull out any flower gardens that will be in the way and move patio furniture, BBQs and backyard fixtures. If you have a fenced yard, consider removing one section to make a clear path for the equipment or simply remove or prop open the gate on the installation date.
It may be cheaper to rent a sod cutter and rip out your grass the weekend before, although that is hard, time consuming work. Clear away what you can and the contractor will take care of the more difficult areas.
Choose Materials With Care
Stone varies widely in price - from the preformed concrete pavers to highly sought after natural stones and everything in between. Take into account the rarity, weight and handling of patio material before you make a final choice. If you are only interested in the finished appearance, ask your contractor to list all of the options for you. That way you can make a better choice based on cost.
Don't skimp on the base materials though, as they will create the solid ground you're searching for. Be sure that the contractor provides a generous base that will create good drainage and frost protection. If you want to save money on materials, choose a lower end stone with a similar look.
Consider your patio an investment in your home and search for a trusted, experienced patio contractor to do the job. You can cut costs by considering the existing limits of your property and designing a patio that fits within them. Clear away the clutter in your yard to present an open working area that reduces labor costs and choose materials within your budget. Get the most patio for the least cost and save money hiring a patio contractor. An expert with plenty of experience will create the perfect outdoor hangout for your family and friends.
Posted by: diana