Creating An Outdoor Living Space When There Are So Many Questions To Answer!
To create an outdoor living space, whether it is a deck, patio, pergola, gazebo, or just a chair under a tree, takes just a little bit of research, planning and evaluating what you want and what is available in the market.
Whether you are going to do the work yourself or have contractors involved, a little bit of planning goes a long way. You must set a goal and a budget to be able to achieve what you want.
You will be able to streamline your work, or make your contractor's life alot easier, with less questions and confusion, if you answer the following and have it available to go over at any time.
First, how much space do you have? Be realistic, get out your tape-measure and figure out where you want to put your retreat and how much space you actually have. Be sure you give clearance to anything that needs it and look at planting beds as if they are fully grown. If you measure in the early spring, be sure to account for what the area will look like, and the way things grow, in the midst of summer.
Second, account for the sun. Where will the sun be? How does any shade move across the area throughout the day? Is this what you are looking for? Do you want more or less shade? Will you need awnings, umbrellas or are you thinking of a pergola or gazebo?
Third, what type of area do you want? Is it a patio or deck? Flat to the ground or raised? Circular, square, rectangle or creative? Do you want a path to it?
Next, what type of furniture will you want? Is it for relaxation, dining or conversation? Chaises, dining, sofas and chairs? What about tables and outdoor rugs?
Something everyone seems to forget is lighting. Do you want mood lighting, dining lighting, reading or relaxing? Be sure that everything you use is rated for the outdoors.
What about bugs? Are there mosquitoes in your area? Other pests? How will you treat for them?
Finally, budget and time. How much are you looking at spending? How good are you at keeping to a budget? Be realistic. Look at pricing. Are you going to do this yourself or have a contractor, designer or decorator? What is your time frame to get this accomplished and how will that effect you budget? Be sure to add planning time into your accounting.
All these questions need to be answered. Make yourself a list. Give yourself enough time to look into everything you want to. Then, when you go ahead to bring your dream space to reality, things will go alot more smoothly.
© Barbara Frerichs
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