PATIO INSTALLATION IN NORFLK

Patios provide an extra outdoor space that can be great for a number of reasons.
If you want somewhere to enjoy a drink in the shade during the summer, a
space to sit down and relax after a long day or somewhere to play board games
while not being cooped up inside, a patio can be ideal.
However, in order to get the most from your outdoor space, you need to ensure
that you have a contractor that has the right skills and experience. There have
been reports of people contacting companies that have not finished off the work
or created issues that have needed to be fixed later down the line, resulting in
more expense than was previously budgeted for.
This is why it helps to know how to contact a company working on your patio
and how to ensure that you get the best possible quality from your design.

Information

There are various sources of information that can help you choose a reputable
patio designer. You can talk to friends and family, something that can be good if
you want to narrow down the numerous options that are out there. However,
this can be difficult if one close friend says they like the work that a company
has done but a close family member says the opposite.
Reviews can equally be problematic. Generally, if a company has received a
number of positive reviews it’s usually a positive sign. Equally, it is worth looking
at the bad reviews as well as the good ones to see if the reviewer is genuine or
not, something you can usually tell from the syntax or if the complaint is vague
and doesn’t go into specific detail.
Ideally, you should then be able to contact a company and talk to them directly.
This is a good chance to discuss your ideas and requirements. If they are
receptive and offer constructive feedback this is usually a good sign.
When it comes to budgeting, they should be realistic. Be very wary of any
company that asks for the full amount upfront and especially if they ask for it in
cash.

Location

There are various factors to consider when building a patio. It’s a balance of the
aesthetics and the practical usage. Ideally, where you sit down should have
access to shade and feel comfortable. If you want to sit outside and enjoy a
morning coffee on a warm day, you probably want to avoid going downstairs to
reduce the risk of embarrassing spills!
You can also add interesting features. A good example of this is a fire pit, ideal
for outdoor barbecues, though when putting in remember to consider where the
smoke could go to avoid disturbing the neighbours.

Cost

The cost of a patio design will vary depending on the type of material you use,
any intricate patterns or if you want to add stone, bronze edging or additional
paving on top of the concrete.
You can reduce costs by avoiding digging too deeply and keeping the shape of
the design simple (rectangles are often recommended) though this may depend
on how much you want the design to stand out.
As ever with any design project it is recommended to include a 10 to 15 per cent
contingency to the budget in the event of any possible issues.
Permission
Whether or not you need planning permission for your patio will depend on the
location. For example, if your design requires you to pour concrete, the local
council may want to inspect the area before you put it down.
It is also recommended that you discuss any potential work with your
neighbours before you start as this will make them aware of any potential
disruption and reduce the risk of any tension or disruption during the
construction process.

Safety

Depending on where your patio is located, you may be advised to include a
railing as part of the design. If you are near water, this could be a useful safety
feature, especially if you have children and want to keep them safe. This can
equally apply if you have shrubbery or other plant life and want to reduce the
risk of them diving in and hurting themselves.

Design

The design of the patio area can vary depending on its use. For example, a
harder material is recommended if the area is designed for entertaining, so that
party guests can wear high heels without fear of damaging the surface
underneath.
Concrete is a good option for a design, as it tends to fit in with minimalist
architectural designs, plus you can also use it to echo a natural stone look to fit
in with its exterior surroundings and make the area feel like it is part of its
location.

In terms of care, the type of material will affect how much maintenance is
required. Typically, concrete will start to crack after around ten to fifteen years
after its initial installation.

Why use a professional?

While it is possible to lay out a patio yourself, there are a number of advantages
to using professional services. One of the biggest is the fact they will have a
better idea of how to make full use of the space that you have. Furthermore, a
professional will know any likely issues regarding planning permission and other
potential problems and will be able to work around them as required.
There are also practical problems that can arise if you do an installation yourself.
You do not want to be the one that has to deal with any drainage issues because
the patio wasn’t laid down properly.
We want to help
When it comes to patios, there are a range of exciting options that can help
make your outdoor living space that bit more distinct and comfortable. If you
would like to know more or wish to discuss a quote contact us today and we will
be happy to discuss your needs in more detail and come up with a plan to suit
you.