Creating an outdoor living space for your home can be an exciting and overwhelming prospect. There are many options that range from spartan to luxurious. Of course, the prices have just as wide of a range as the options. There are lots of tips and tricks out there for building outdoor living spaces, but here are a few things that you do not want to do.
First of all, do not get carried away. It's easy to think about all of the entertaining you will do and all of the memories you are going to make, and end up spending more than you can really afford. Instead, decide on a budget when you start the process, and stick to it. Figure out which features are most important to you, and spend your money there. Do not fall into the temptation to go overboard.
Next, plan for the weather. This might sound more like we're talking about a party, but you need to plan your outdoor living spaces with the weather in mind. For example, a wooden deck will splinter and dry, and needs to be refurbished every few years. If you are not willing to do this, or hire someone to do it for you, then you may want to think about a non-wood composite material for a deck. It costs a bit more up front, but does not need to be refurbished. Planning your space to be able to handle the weather will save you money and irritation in the long run.
Besides planning for wear and tear on your materials, you will want to have a solid plan for your outdoor living space before you break ground or start buying materials. Look at design books to figure out what your options are, and decide which features you really want and which would be nice to have if time and space allow for them. Having a good plan when you start the process will ensure that you do not run out of money or ambition halfway through this project.
Lastly, remember to be patient. Whether you are doing the work yourself, or paying someone to do it for you, you need to expect some mistakes and setbacks. Whether they are scheduling conflicts, waits for materials to be delivered, or simply things that do not happen as planned, they are all a part of any major project. Do not allow yourself to be discouraged. Focus on the end goal- a beautiful and functional outdoor living space.