Before You Begin...

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When it comes to patios, most everyone chooses a design that is based almost entirely on appearance. They see something they like, they go for it.

What they don't consider is both the short and long term consequences. For example...

On the short side, certain patio designs might require digging deep holes or trenches for footers under block walls or concrete supports for patio covers.

That's something you would need to consider right away. Why? Because there might be underground utilities or obstructions that would prevent you from trenching or digging holes where you need to.

From a long term perspective, you want to consider the usability of your patio. Would you like one that gets sun most of year or would it be best to restrict the sun during most patio-friendly months.

What about the wind? Are there certain times of the year that directional winds turn portions of your property into a small version of Tornado Alley?

And how about inconveniences like bugs or even frequent rain (like you experience in a good old USA town like Portland, Oregon).

In other words, are there special considerations that might make the use of your patio somewhat unbearable, either some or most of the time.

So rather than just wing it, lets take a look at some of the things you might want to consider prior to choosing (and building) that dream patio.

Location, Location, Location

What you want first and foremost is a location that gives you the opportunity to use your patio the most.

If you live in Phoenix, Arizona and place your patio where it's in the direct path of a summer rising run, time spent leisurely drinking morning coffee would be out of the question.

If you live in Montana and you plan to entertain in the evenings, you certainly don't want your patio located where the sun never finds it. Instead, you would need to make certain the patio is in a westerly location.

You also need to think about drainage. Unless you're a big fan of standing water, you wouldn't want your patio directly under a roof eave that sheds torrents of water every time it rains.

Naturally, there will be instances where you just don't have a choice. Maybe it just so happens that there's only one single location where you can place a patio.

If that's the case, you pick a design that lends itself to the conditions of the location you do have available. Yes, you want something that looks good. But above all else, you want a patio that's fully functional for the longest amount of calendar time.

Otherwise, you've just got a lovely and attractive space that gets looked at more than physically enjoyed.

Do I Really Need A Permit?

In most instances, you probably will need a permit. But that's something you'll have to check with your local building or planning and zoning department. Every area, every state is different and has different requirements.

Some will only require a permit if your patio has a roof or overhang. Others will require a permit no matter what type of construction you're doing (even something as straightforward as Patio Design 9).

You'll also need to find out the building requirements. For example, you might want an overhang that filters partial sun. While a 4x6 header might be acceptable in one area, another might require that you use a 4x8.

And speaking of overhangs, another critical area of consideration are footings that anchor the support posts. Depending on the environment, some will need to be much deeper than others (due to frost penetration cold climates require deeper footings).

The bottom line is, don't just choose a patio design, buy all the materials, and start digging. Whatever design you choose, make certain all the aspects of building that patio are doable in your particular area, under your particular circumstances - before you begin!

Can I Afford My Dream Patio?

That depends on what you have in mind. Some patio designs are going to cost a good deal more than others.

Of course, that doesn't mean you can't have the same pricey design just because your budget is tight. All you need to do is substitute some of the elements.

For example, instead of that custom brick wall around the outdoor fireplace, you could use cement blocks covered with stucco. Or maybe that massive overhang would look just as elegant constructed with 2x4 lumber (as opposed to the 4x8 beams in the original design).

And don't forget labor. When you're talking about the components in most patios, you're also talking about extensive labor costs. But even that doesn't need to be a deal breaker.

You'll save a good deal of money right off the top simply by doing most, if not all, of the work yourself. (And maybe some friends who don't mind working for a couple of beers and barbequed hamburger.)

Of course, that's the beauty of purchasing this ebook. You've got everything you need to get the job done yourself. Or, at the very least, accomplish the majority of the work without hiring outside contractors.

Keep in mind, however, that doing it yourself also means you'll need to take care of all the little details that go along with any building project. Especially one that requires a certain amount of excavating.

But don't let the fact that you're the one in charge intimidate you. Just take it one step at a time, study the plans and the instructions, and you'll be able to build that patio like a pro in no time!