5 Reasons You Might Change Your Patio Design Plan

Most homeowners who are seeking a patio contractor already have a good patio design idea of the work they want to see completed. They might not have thought through all the details, but they will typically have a sense of which elements are going to be added, how the property will be altered, and so on.

In the instances when they don’t know what they want, my team and I work hard to get as many specifics as we can. That’s because we know how much easier it is to work from a detailed plan than it is to simply start changing things and hope for the best. So, we make a big effort to either turn their ideas into a set of sketches and actions or devise one with their help.

As important as this step is, though, I like to remind our customers that no strategy is set in stone. More than 20 years as a patio contractor have taught me that ideas and preferences can shift as a project unfolds.

I would advise you to keep that perspective in mind as you work with a team to build the outdoor space you’ve been dreaming of. To help you understand why, here are five reasons you might decide to change your patio design plan…

#1 Your Choices Look Different Once They Come to Life

Sometimes the elements you put on a drawing or checklist don’t look the way you would have imagined them to in real life. That’s even true if you use CAD software or advanced modeling tools. That’s because it’s difficult to pick up on things like shading and blocked sightlines until you see them directly.

Naturally, a good patio contractor is going to help you avoid any major blunders as you are mapping out the different parts of your property and making plans. Still, it is entirely possible that you might start drawing or building and realize that what you had initially wished for isn’t a great fit.

It’s good to be flexible in your thinking, particularly early in the project. A few small tweaks here and there are normal and should be expected.

#2 Your Budgets or Timelines Change

Sometimes it isn’t the specifics of a project that change but the entire scale. Time and money tend to be the biggest constraints homeowners work with when designing an outdoor space, but neither are constants. You could suddenly find yourself with more or less of either one.

We see this happen in both directions. Sometimes a new customer will have unexpected expenses in another area of life that cause them to trim back extras. Or, they’ll find money they weren’t expecting (in the form of an inheritance or tax return, for instance) and decide to think bigger. Retirement dates change, weddings are moved, and other life changes might affect timelines in the same way.

While changes to schedules and budgets aren’t common, they can come up and affect your planning in a significant way.

#3 You Are Influenced by a Second or Third Opinion

Occasionally, I meet with a new customer who is absolutely certain they know what they want. They list everything that they’re looking for, in great detail, and stick to that script… right until someone shows them something they like better.

Often, the changes come from members of our design team who have experience in looking for small upgrades or improvements. In other cases it might be a spouse or neighbor who makes a good suggestion. Any source of information is fine if it leads you toward the patio space that enhances your home and life.

However, it’s best that you make these sorts of changes early in the process. So, no matter how sure you feel that you know exactly what you want, try to keep an open mind during the design phase of your patio renovation project.

#4 You Decide to Add to Your Patio Design Plan

It’s one thing to dream about having a new backyard; it’s another thing to see those dreams coming to life. Sometimes, the customers we work with get so excited about watching their property turn into something new that they decide to add to their vision.

For example, you could decide that an outdoor kitchen goes really well with your new deck. Or, it could be that your pool would work better with a sauna. 

Obviously, it’s all about your preferences and budget. But once you see the possibilities for your home, you may decide to scale your plans up, either right away or in the future.

#5 There Are Site-Specific Challenges to Overcome

Finally, it’s good to remember that every property is different. There may be things you see online, in a portfolio, or in a neighbor’s yard that aren’t possible to install in your home. Or, it could be the case that using the same feature or concept is simply cost prohibitive.

In the end, the goal should be to get the best patio possible for your home and your needs. If that means making some alterations to fit things like slopes and tree lines, that’s perfectly fine. Remember, someone else might see something on your property that they can’t duplicate on their own.

Every property is different, as is every client. Expecting any two projects to go exactly the same way – or thinking that your plans will fit your backyard perfectly – isn’t as helpful as staying flexible.

Are You Ready to Transform Your Home With a Patio Renovation?

Installing a new patio at your home isn’t about a specific addition like a pool or an outdoor kitchen. It’s really a chance to transform your property into a place where you can have a peaceful vacation anytime you would like. You could create a calming oasis, a gathering point for family and friends, or even somewhere to enjoy outdoor activities like tennis.

If you feel ready to turn your backyard into something special, and want to work with a patio contractor in the Saugus, Massachusetts, area, then contact us today to schedule a free at-home consultation.