What ELSE Should You Include in Your Patio Renovation Plan?

Take a moment and think about the wish list you have for your patio renovation plan.

If you are planning a patio renovation project, then you probably already have some ideas about the major elements you want to install in your backyard. Maybe you’ve been dreaming about an in-ground swimming pool. You could have your eye on an outdoor kitchen or maybe a basketball court for your kids. You might even be looking to add buildings or a wraparound deck.

But while homeowners tend to come to us with these sorts of ideas firmly in mind, they don’t often think through the little “extras” that make all the difference in the finished product. 

In one sense that doesn’t matter much because a good patio contractor can make recommendations and add them in as the project progresses. But in another sense they are incredibly important because they enhance all the other features, affect your budget, and may need to be ordered or installed early on.

So, what sort of add-ons might you want as part of your patio renovation project? The list could be almost endless, but here are some that our customers tend to opt for most often.

An Outdoor Fireplace

Having a fireplace brings a sense of warmth and peace to your home. That’s true whether you install it indoors or outdoors. In fact, there is something magical about being able to sit around a flame with your loved ones under the night sky at any time of year.

There are a lot of different outdoor fireplace styles and design aesthetics to choose from. Your patio renovation contractor can help you find the size and type that work for your space and budget and then get it installed for you.

Fire Pits

A fire pit gives you all the benefits of an outdoor fireplace, but with a different (more open) feel and aesthetic. Whether it’s a warm summer night or a snowy afternoon in the winter, you’ll have a place to gather in comfort for long talks, quick drinks, or romantic moments.

Fire pits generally cost less than outdoor fireplaces do, and are usually much quicker to install. You just want to be sure you have the right seating and safety precautions in place.

Lighting

Few extras change the look and feel of your property more than your lighting choices. The right selections can make your property feel warmer, safer, and even softer. It’s hard to appreciate how differently you feel about space after you’ve installed track lighting, walkway bulbs, or even energy-efficient bulbs that are motion activated.

A good patio contractor won’t let you finish your design without a lighting plan. Still, it’s good to think about your preferences from the beginning.

Sitting Walls

Sitting walls can give your outdoor space more usable seating area, provide stability and structure to space with a gradient, and even create natural boundaries. They can also make your stonework seem more appealing and have the effect of enlarging an area you want to highlight.

It’s easy to overlook sitting walls when you are making your initial design plan. However, your patio contractor might suggest them as a way to maximize your space or introduce a natural look into the seating plan around a pool or outdoor kitchen.

Furniture

While you might not think of furniture as being part of a landscaping or patio design project, it can make a big difference in the way you feel about the finished job. Obviously, good furniture enhances the look and feel of your property, making it seem more comfortable and inviting.

Your patio contractor can help you find furniture that’s comfortable, affordable, and works perfectly for the space you are designing.

Grills

Get the right grill (and learn how to use it) and you unlock an entirely new use for your backyard. It doesn’t just give you the ability to cook outside, but also a natural reason to invite friends and family to your home. Plus, some people will tell you that grilled food tastes much better than anything you can make in a stove or oven.

Grills come in a lot of sizes and configurations. But if you decide on your preferences early then your patio contractor can help with gas lines and other details that make them easier to own and maintain.

Umbrellas

Getting more sun can boost your mood and health, but too much of it is uncomfortable and bad for your skin. On a hot day, when sitting by the pool or grill, an umbrella can make the difference between relaxation and a mild form of torture. Even better, umbrellas tend to be one of the most inexpensive additions you can make.

Believe it or not, there are many different types of umbrellas, each with their own size, thickness, and UV protection. Luckily, this is another area where a patio contractor can give great advice.

Accent Flower Pots

This is another landscaping “extra” that doesn’t seem like a big deal until you see them put into place. A few flower pots, with the right size, color, and shape, can perfectly accent a backyard or walkway. Even when you don’t notice them directly, you can feel the effect after they’ve been added.

You can rely on your patio contractor to help choose accent flower pots or mix and match different styles on your own. Just don’t underestimate their importance to the look and feel of your finished patio.

Does Your Patio Contractor Have a Plan for Your Property?

Lots of patio contractors can build a wall, install a pool, or put in a deck. We have 20+ years of great reviews and testimonials because we go the extra mile to ensure homeowners get exactly what they want from their backyards.

If you want to work with a contractor that will go the extra mile to design and install the outdoor space you’ve been dreaming of, then let us help. Contact Stefano’s today to schedule a free at-home consultation with a member of our team. You’ll get answers, information, and a quote for the work needed to turn your property into the kind of place where you can enjoy a vacation at home.

We work in and around the Saugus, Massachusetts, area. If you live nearby then why not take the first step and see if we can help?