PLANNING BUDGETING AND DESIGNING YOUR HOME’S HARDSCAPE
Creating a hardscape outdoor entertainment space can help you to improve your home’s curb appeal and add value and functionality to your home. Today, the trend is toward seamless indoor/outdoor living and creating a retreat where you can gather with family and friends.
Hardscaping is a beautiful addition to any home. However, the installation process can be challenging, especially when planning your space. In this post, we’re going to take a closer look at the planning phase of your project, and some questions you’ll need to consider. Here at Bayside Pavers, we believe that an educated homeowner is our best customer!
GETTING STARTED: DO YOUR RESEARCH AND DEVELOP A PLAN!
The first step in the process is formulating a plan. Spend a lot of time before you begin looking through magazines, websites, online galleries, and make a note of the styles, colors, textures, and projects that tend to grab your attention. Consider the architectural style of your home, and the topography of your yard as you begin to set goals and develop ideas.
Hardscape is a home improvement project that can be rolled out in phases, When designing your space, do it in its entirety, even if you’re not ready to hardscape the entire area immediately. Planning your complete design before you begin can ensure consistency in your design. For example, if you’re planning an in-ground pool and a patio, if you don’t plan for the space, you could tun into issues down the road, like the porch may not be possible if the pool’s location or size needs to change.
Learn More About Our Hardscape Design and Installation Services
When planning, mark all of the significant features in your design and be aware of the view from both inside and outside. You don’t want to look out the window only to find your view blocked by the back of the outdoor fireplace.
Don’t forget the green space! Gardens and yards are an integral part of any successful landscape design. Grass gives respite from hot surfaces in summer and a place for the kids to play. Gardens can provide visual interest, pops of colors, and a changing background all year long.
Make sure you have design renderings prepared for your entire project so everyone will be on the same page. Doing this before you break ground can help you to better plan out the steps of the job. It might cost you a little more upfront, but it will save you significant time and money later.
THE NEXT STEP: CONSIDER AND SET YOUR BUDGET
This is an essential step in the process. Determining your budget is instrumental in helping you to make informed decisions about how to proceed with your project. For example, can you build out your entire vision? Or should you plan your project in phases consisting of smaller elements like building out the patio and outdoor kitchen, then next season adding the fireplace and outdoor living room?
Contact Bayside Pavers For A Quote on Hardscaping For Your Bay Area Home
Will you do some of the work yourself, or work with a professional for each phase. Your budget can also determine which materials to use. If you’re concerned about justifying your budget, understand that hardscape will add value to your home. Speak with an appraiser to get an estimate of the value hardscape adds to your property.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT HARDSCAPE MATERIAL
Budget will, of course, play a role in making this decision, but it shouldn’t be the only consideration. Consider style and durability. Are you looking for a natural look? Consider incorporating wood into your design. Make sure you’re prepared to do the maintenance needed if you include wood, as it is prone to weathering. If you’re looking for a more low-maintenance material, consider concrete pavers, natural stone, or outdoor porcelain pavers for your project.
Take your home’s design, color palette, and exterior materials into account when choosing material. Do the pavers you absolutely love match your house? Do you want the elegance of brick pavers or something more modern like large-scale slate pavers? If you’re not doing the entire project at once, make sure that you have planned ahead in terms of materials to keep your design consistent throughout all phases.
Remember, hardscaping is a permanent fixture. Take plenty of time for each step, from planning to budgeting, to choosing the right materials. You want your new space to last, and you want to stay within budget.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT CONTRACTOR
When planning your outdoor space, a good rule of thumb is to get three quotes. Don’t necessarily choose the lowest bid, but the contractor you choose should be the one that you think has the best understanding of your vision and the skills to bring it to life.
Make sure to see their portfolio and get references. A good contractor can help you with each step of the process, including design, planning, budgeting, choosing materials, and scheduling. Take the time to properly vet prospects and make sure that they have the experience and expertise to help you achieve your creative vision.
If you live in the greater San Francisco Bay area and are considering a hardscaping project, give the experts at Bayside Pavers a call at (925) 291-9384. We’re always happy to answer your questions and carry a wide selection of high-quality pavers and hardscaping products.
If you live in the East or South Bay areas, stop by our Concord, CA location at 2455 Bates Ave., Ste K. For North Bay residents, our Santa Rosa location at 1619 4th Street, Ste 12, is ready to help!