Planning is key for ensuring a successful outdoor structure project, with even minor details having an enormous influence on its final result.
Building codes and the rules of your neighborhood or homeowner's association could impact the types of construction options available to you, making it important to research these requirements before beginning construction work.
Assessing Your Outdoor Space: Unlocking Potential
An addition of a gazebo, pergola or pavilion to your property's landscape can breathe new life into its outdoor living areas. Not only can these structures offer protection from the elements; but they can also connect indoor and outdoor living areas for an unforgettable experience.
Before choosing the ideal structure for your backyard, it's crucial to assess its space and consider several key aspects. First of all, think about your goals for this space - for instance, if it is to serve as an outdoor living room you should plan accordingly with furniture and additional accessories.
As part of your planning, be mindful of local climate and weather patterns. For instance, if you live in an earthquake-prone region, then choosing a more sturdy structure with a stronger foundation would be essential. Also keep mosquitoes and other insects in mind by adding screens or pest barriers as part of the design plan if needed. Once this step is complete, obtain a free estimate for the project.
Defining Purpose: Functionality & Aesthetics
Many homeowners add outdoor structures because of the experience they can create for themselves and their guests. Perhaps they want to create an ambiance of beauty, class, inviting mystique or relaxation - whatever their motivation.
Establishing the purpose of your new outdoor structure can help narrow down options. Is its main function to provide shelter from the elements or serve as an area for dining and relaxation? Once you know your desired usage, list all features which support that function on paper.
Add an attractive shed, barn, detached garage or utility building to your property to improve it and increase its value. Written specifically with do-it-yourselfers in mind, The Ultimate Guide to Barns, Sheds and Outbuildings walks readers step by step through the design, construction and finishing processes with clear text instructions accompanied by easy photographic sequences - giving the look of custom-built structures at much lower costs than conventional routes.
Designing for Balance: Form and Function
Balance is one of the cornerstones of visual design. It involves placing and proportioning forms with respect to one another and the overall design space, and this principle can also apply to landscape designs - whether planned by you or someone else. It provides guidance when planning outdoor structures.
Aesthetics is also a key consideration when creating your outdoor space. Your choice of structure will set the scene and can create an experience that invokes beauty, class, inviting mystique, charm or any combination thereof.
Finding the ideal structure for your space comes down to striking a balance between all of the factors that matter most to you. If protecting against mosquitoes and other pests is a top priority in your backyard oasis, incorporate screens into the structure design. Or if hosting guests at home is paramount, an inviting pavilion or pergola with ample seating space could be best.
Budgeting & Materials: Informed Choices
No matter whether it's for yourself or the kids, building your own shed, playhouse or pavilion presents you with various materials and add-on options when it comes to materials and add-ons. Wood, metal, vinyl and plastic all present unique advantages when it comes to upfront costs, modularity/reusability and long-term maintenance considerations.
Your choice of structure should depend on its intended use; for example, if you are sensitive to direct sunlight, then perhaps an outdoor structure such as a gazebo or pavilion wouldn't be the most suitable option for your garden. Furthermore, be mindful of what time of day and season this outdoor structure will likely be used most regularly.
Once you know exactly what you want, it is wise to get a free estimate in order to narrow down the details and make informed choices when it comes time to decide what additions or subtractions fit within your budget.
Choosing Professionals: Experts & Contractors
Assuming you don't consider yourself one of those rare homeowners capable of DIY projects with ease, professional services should always be used when undertaking outdoor structure projects. They will ensure the work is completed correctly and on schedule while keeping an eye out for all local ordinances such as noise restrictions.
Capacity should also be an essential factor when designing an outdoor structure, whether for hosting friends at a party or creating space for yourself and your family to use. Determining how many people the structure can comfortably seat is paramount.
Barns, sheds, garages and any other utility buildings add both curb appeal and value to any property. Written for DIYers looking to enhance their curb appeal or increase the value of their investment in these structures, The Ultimate Guide to Planning Outdoor Structures contains clear text and easy-to-follow photo sequences designed to make the task of installation seamless - whether for yourself or for hire! - this book gives you all of the tools required for success!
Building Green: Sustainability Matters
Buildings account for an enormous share of global electricity, water and material consumption as well as pollution production. Green construction attempts to minimize this impact by incorporating renewable resources, cutting operating costs and improving indoor environmental quality.
Green buildings' ultimate goal is to be net-zero energy and water users, contributing more than they consume and thus eliminating waste while protecting the planet. While we still are far from this ideal state of sustainability, growing awareness about ecological pressures has made sustainable buildings much more commonplace than they used to be.
Even though most homeowners might not think of sheds, woodsheds, playhouses and gazebos as needing routine maintenance, these outdoor structures do require periodic care in order to preserve both aesthetics and extend lifespan. To extend its lifespan and preserve the aesthetic appeal of an outdoor structure, consider applying high-quality water-based stain or exterior paint regularly over long and even strokes using long and even strokes for stain or paint application. Also check out Fix-It Guides on roof leaks, gutters, concrete floors or door repairs!
Outdoor Structure Maintenance: Longevity Tips
Make sure your outdoor structures are an integral part of your home as much as your pool or shed, requiring routine maintenance. To avoid costly repairs in the future, keep an eye out for issues that could be prevented with regular care, like mold or rot, such as having an established plan in place and sticking to it throughout its useful lifespan. Are you ready to plan for your dream backyard structure? Fill out our quote form now for a free estimate.