6 Things You Need To Consider When Installing A New Patio
Adding a patio to your garden can be a good idea if you know what you are doing. This new paved area can give you a place to chill in the evening, as well as provide you with some extra space to put your potted plants. However, there are a few things that can go wrong with this type of project, but this article will help you steer clear of these issues.
These aren’t major problems, but it is worth discussing your thoughts with a professional before going ahead. As such, here are a few things you need to consider before installing a new patio.
Retaining Walls
As you can imagine, installing a new patio is going to change the level of your garden. This means that you will need to create a retaining wall to stop soil from overflowing onto your new patio. Soil and grass can flood a lower area after it rains, so a retaining wall prevents any excess overflow from messing up your clean slabs. These walls are especially important if your garden is on a slope, so make sure you check the area before you start your plans.
Drainage
The only thing worse than a dirty patio is a flooded patio. To create this area outside your house, the contractor will level off the soil so that the slabs lay down flat. Unfortunately, this level edge leaves nowhere for excess water to go, so it can pool in specific areas and start to travel toward your home. If this water runs into your house, it can cause damage to the foundations.
That is why you need to think about a drainage system. Placing a drain hopper alongside the edges of your patio that face your house will stop any excess water from entering your house. Also, try to make sure that the lip of the patio sits below your damp course to provide yourself with extra protection.
Home Insurance
It is always a good move to arrange a home insurance policy. Home insurance protects your assets in case of theft or fire damage, and some policies can protect the exterior of your home in the event of weather damage. However, you must also check the boundaries of your home if you are thinking of protecting your patio.
Most home insurance policies cover your whole property, and you should have no problems when you compare home insurance policies if the patio extends directly out of your back door. Getting the right home insurance quote can be very important so we recommend you invest the time to researching the best policy. It is also a good idea to check your home insurance policy to make sure that your new patio is protected. It will take the brunt of the elements, after all.
Home insurance like Emerald Life Insurance protects your assets in case of theft or fire damage, and some policies can protect the exterior of your home in the event of weather damage
Types Of Slabs
The type of slab you use as part of your patio will have an effect on the appearance of this project, but different slabs will also react differently too. For example, concrete is the most popular patio material because it never goes out of style and is easy to maintain. However, Indian limestone is a much cheaper substance and comes in a variety of colours. The only downside is that it can be quite brittle. Therefore, choosing the type of slab you want for your patio is extremely important. It isn’t all about looks.
Cost
Of course, you will need to make sure that you can afford to build a patio on your property, but that isn’t what we mean when talking about cost. It is estimated that a nice garden can raise the value of a property by around 20%. However, the notion of a nice garden is subjective.
It is likely that a new patio will improve the price of your house. You just have to weigh up the cost of the materials and labour against how much it will add to your property. Another aspect worth considering is how long you are planning to stay at the property. If this is your forever home, then adding a patio can be a worthwhile investment. Another element to consider with the current cost of living crisis is how much your home is actually costing you. Adding a patio could well add value to you home but it is always good to be aware of the total package and what unexpected costs might also factor into your bills.
Location
The most ideal location for a garden patio is obviously straight out the back door. This usually means that owners can access the area without traipsing over their grass or building a connecting path. Sadly, every garden is built differently, and you may want something else out of your patio area.
For example, if you need your patio to be built in the shade you may have to find out where the sun comes around during the day. This may not be in your ideal spot. Therefore, it may take some negotiating to get your patio in the perfect location with as little hassle.
Conclusion
You wouldn’t think that laying a new patio is difficult, and it isn’t really. Though there are some things to be on the lookout for, consider everything above before you go ahead with your renovations.