Do you have a small patio that needs a refresh? Are you ready to begin entertaining your family and friends in the comfort of your own backyard? If so, it’s time for you to consider a patio extension project! Larger outdoor patios give you the space you need to provide hours of relaxation, entertainment, and fun. It’s a great option to help get your kids off their technology and into the outdoors.
But before you start on this project, there are some considerations you need to make. Things like getting a permit, planning a budget, and choosing the right materials require some time and thoughtfulness. That’s why we compiled this list of 9 things you might not have considered regarding your stone patio. Once you’ve thought these items over, contact our stonemason designers to begin your project before summer arrives!
1. Determine If You’ll Need a Permit
Before you begin planning the amenities you want on your patio extension, picking out the right patio chairs, and deciding whether you want an enclosed patio, you first need to determine your legal obligations. Not all towns have the same codes, but most will require a permit to extend your patio. You’ll also need to be aware of property lines and how far back the patio has to be to comply with property regulations.
Plus, if you are in a community governed by an HOA, you’ll likely need approval before beginning your project. Luckily, when you work with us to extend your patio, we’ll take care of all the zoning issues, permits, and approvals for you. All of these expenses and hassles are resolved by Dutchies with our No Money Down Financing.
2. Keep in Mind You’ll Likely Have an Increase in Property Taxes
When you add onto your patio, it will increase your home’s assessed value. This increase can come in handy if you ever decide to sell, as you can get a bigger return than you would have. But, along with the increase in home value comes an increase in property taxes. This increase varies by town, but knowing this information ahead of time can help you better prepare for your next tax bill. You can always check with your tax assessor’s office for an estimate if you don’t want to be completely surprised.
3. Plan a Budget
While you’re considering the increase in your property taxes, creating a budget before starting is also a good idea. You’ll want to consider the following budget areas:
- Materials
- Labor costs
- Dining options, such as a grill or outdoor kitchen
- Entertainment, like incorporating a TV into your space or adding a bar
- Permits and other fees
- Patio furniture, including lounging materials like cushions and throw pillows
- Water features
- Decorations
4. Assess How You’ll Use the Space
Completing a patio extension project is a great way to spend more time outdoors, but before you start, you should think about how you’ll use the space and what features you may need. For example, if your patio area gets a lot of sun, you might want to consider adding a cover over your patio space to provide shade. If you plan on hosting many parties in your outdoor space, you might want to add a bar area or outdoor kitchen.
By imagining how you plan to use the space through all seasons and weather, you’ll better understand the elements you need to incorporate when you contact a patio designer.
5. Choose Materials with Longevity in Mind
When thinking about all your backyard patio ideas, you want to be sure the elements of your design will last. While a wood or vinyl deck may be an option, neither have the same longevity or beauty as natural stone.
Wood will need constant maintenance and is prone to rot and splintering, which can take away from the beauty and enjoyment of your outdoor living space. Vinyl looks cheap and is not for style-savvy homeowners like you. A concrete patio is cold and uninviting and doesn’t provide the textures or uniqueness of stone.
Instead, invest in the beauty of natural stone. Stone will last longer than these other materials, and its sophistication can’t be beaten. Natural flagstone patios, gorgeous Pennsylvania blue stone, and long-lasting travertine stone can transform an ordinary space into something extraordinary. Get in touch with our professional stonemasons today to see how we can help you create the outdoor living space of your dreams.
6. Think About Heating & Lighting Options
While you undoubtedly plan to relax in your extended patio during the summer days, summer nights and fall evenings can get pretty chilly outside here in southeastern Pennsylvania. That’s why your patio extension ideas should include something to keep you warm and give you light to see.
Fire pits and fire tables are a great way to accomplish both. When made from the beauty of natural stone, these add a sophisticated and inviting element to your patio extension. Whether you are interested in the crackling sound from a wood fire or the convenience of a gas fire, we can help you bring this heating option to life on your new patio.
You can also consider incorporating outdoor lighting by hanging string lights or adding lighting features directly to your stone patio wall or walkways and stairs. For more ideas, check out our inspiration project gallery.
7. Choose Comfortable Furniture
Who wants to hang out on an outdoor patio on uncomfortable furniture? You want to make the most of the outdoor space you design, so choose comfortable chairs and outdoor sofas. Plus, the soft surfaces of the furniture bring a lovely contrast to the natural stone you’ll be using, making the space look cohesive and inviting.
8. Personalize the Space
Patio extensions give you the unique opportunity to create a personalized space, so add elements that make it your own. If you are a master griller, add grill stations that allow you to showcase your talents to your guests. Maybe you’re the house everyone comes to for relaxing evenings by a fire. Consider adding a hot tub and fire pit with a comfortable seating area in that case. Your backyard patio design doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s. Stand out by creating a space that is uniquely yours.
9. Consider What You’ll Need to Do to Protect Your Patio in Winter
Lastly, before you embark on your patio extension project, you should consider the work you’ll need to do to winterize your patio. While you may still be able to use things like your grill during the winter, you’ll likely not spend much time sitting in your patio area during the cold and snowy months. And even if you were, your stone patio requires some winter maintenance before the freezing temperatures set in. For example, ensuring your patio is sealed with an impregnating sealer every 10 years, removing debris so as not to stain the natural stone, and pulling weeds in the the gardens around your stone patio before fall is essential. This will make opening up your outdoor living space much easier when spring rolls around and extend the beauty of your stone work.
You may also have to cover or move your patio furniture to protect it from winter’s harsh touch. While you may know that this extra work comes with having the outdoor patio of your dreams, it’s vital to ensure you are prepared before extending your existing patio.
Let’s Get Started on Your Patio Extension Project
Now that you know what to consider before beginning a patio extension project, you’ll be better equipped to start your project. You’ll have your budget in place, have patio ideas that will bring you comfort and entertainment, and so much more. Get in touch with our team today to begin your design consultation for extending your stone patio. We can’t wait to help you!
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