What is your idea of an outside oasis? Is it a pool with a Gazebo, an outlandish well-equipped kitchen, or a comfy and cozy living area? Whatever it may be, let’s take a look at a few things to consider first.
Budget
Costs vary by project. For instance, a gazebo can range form $300-$10,000.A pool, depending on size, shape, material and customizations will cost on average between $28,000-$55,000 according to Homeguide. For an over the top outdoor kitchen the price can vary significantly depending upon the quality of products and how detailed you’d like to get.Which leads me to another point.
Equipment
What kind of equipment and appliances do I want to use? No matter what you decide to add to your outside oasis, make sure you only use appliances rated for outdoors.There are so many options to make your paradise perfect!!How about an Outdoor pizza oven?You definitely need an Outdoor refrigerator and a Built in grill.You can keep going and going with appliances.But let’s talk about our next point.
Usage
How often will I actually use this outdoor space?The level of importance to you will directly affect how much you are willing to budget for the project.Do you do a lot of entertaining and want to dazzle your guests? Or do you have children that want to dive off a diving board in their new pool?Ask yourself if you truly are doing it for you to enjoy or is it just aesthetics.
Space
What is the size of space you have to work with?Even if it’s a small space, when you work with a Contractor, they will be able to utilize the space just right.On the other hand, if you have a lot of space, you can define areas and make use of it all.Maybe you can have it all!A pool with a gazebo, an outdoor kitchen and a cozy living area!
Lighting
How will lighting affect your space?Believe it or not, Lighting is important for outdoor spaces.It adds ambiance to decks and patios, it makes the exterior of the house more appealing and it can add elegance depending on the fixtures you choose.Security lighting is also something you will want to consider.
Challenges
Are there any special challenges to deal with?For example
- Is the area in full sunlight or is it exposed to a lot of wind?
- What kind of elements might affect your space?
- How will building Codes and regulations affect your design.
- Are there drainage issues
- And many other challenges that might affect your plans.
So, have you decided what kind of space you want? There are a lot of questions to answer and decisions to make.If you are comfortable handling these on your own then you are ready to move forward.If not, then bringing in a an experienced contractor can help you work through bringing your idea to life.
Cheers to your perfect paradise!!