Understanding the Cost of Outdoor Living Space: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding the Cost of Outdoor Living Space: A Comprehensive Guide

Planning and Designing Your Outdoor Living Space

Define Your Outdoor Living Space Needs

When considering your space, think about what exactly you are looking to utilize with the area. Will the purpose of your next outdoor living space be more for entertaining, relaxation, or maybe dining?

The next big step would be to consider the size and shape of your yard or area in which you intend to make this outdoor living space. If you were to think about the style and design of your home, are you looking to integrate the pergola into the space or make it a separate space that has its own style? And how will that impact your outdoor living space?

We will need to identify the features or accessories you want to include (outdoor kitchen, fire pit, lounging area). Remember to always research local building codes and regulations before beginning projects to avoid any headaches from local city ordinances.

Key Design Considerations

Take into consideration the direction the sun will be hitting this area. Will there be any need for drop screens on the side of the pergola? Have you experienced some storms in your space already? Think about which direction the wind comes into your yard and how that may affect the living space you are looking to build. A basic outdoor living space may consider a wall to prevent direct hits from rain or storms.

Speaking of storms, let's talk about water and where that will go. With The Luxury Pergola, you can direct your water via the drainage post. This puts you in control of where that drainage water will go. This being considered in the plans among other factors will be worth the effort to plan for.

When choosing the materials which you want the structure to be made of is one of the biggest factors. there are several options. From wood, plastic, vinyl, and aluminum. In most cases, aluminum will be a better investment in time and longevity.

Factors Affecting Outdoor Living Space CostsSize and Complexity of the Project

Size and Complexity of the Project

When considering your outdoor living space, measure out the area in which you are planning to build. Larger outdoor living spaces typically cost more to build, as there is more material in the outdoor space.

More complex projects with multiple structures and zones of use can increase the cost, however, if you are aiming to build your dream backyard with a covered patio, it is best to start with everything and take off what is necessary if need be.

Review the installation and planning with a contractor or building if you are not doing the work yourself. Main cost factors can be evaluated quite early, where some extra costs might come up as you review pans. Think about the potential for future expansions or upgrades. This is a great consideration if you have a lot of space to work with and ever plan to add to the area in the future with high-end materials.

Materials and Features

Choosing certain materials that are durable and low maintenance will make your diy route much more enjoyable. You may come across certain structures that have aged and weathered. These typically significantly increase the cost of the structure over the years as you maintain the appearance of other materials like wood. Sealing for rain and winter is expensive when you do it every year.

If you plan to add features such as an outdoor kitchen or dining area, consider easy access to electrical and plumbing. This can add a different cost but will make accessing your backyard easily way more enjoyable in the long run.

If you have a fireplace in the area expect to set an example and have more than the average room to move around in underneath the structures in your backyard. Think safety always.

Outdoor Living Space Cost Breakdown

Estimating Costs and Creating a Budget

Considering materials are already understood on the cost side of the pergola for your backyard project. Consider if there is any deck wood being installed for your patio area. If there will be any landscaping included in the costs and any labor tied into this project. for example, if landscaping won't be done until next year, let's not consider it for the current year's project but for the next.

Basic outdoor living areas work efficiently and can be quite simple. Add-ons can always add to the cost of your patio project in your backyard. Add-ons mean more materials. Lighting would mean more price increases as well.

Consider the cost of furniture and decor. These materials will help make the space much more enjoyable. The right furniture at the right price can be the difference between having an average space to where a person discovers true tranquility.

Outdoor Living Space Types

Patio, Deck, and Gazebo Options

These structures will all require labor in the cost factor. However, only a few options are built into kits. One of the main reasons customers look into kits for their average outdoor project is for price, and labor being significantly cut from the other structures being built custom on sight.

Typically pergolas are available in kit forms where a deck or gazebo may be available by raw material kits, but not in a precut to need the delivery. This is where The Luxury Pergola will stand out and be different.

Different structures have different average uses and come in at a price point specific to the more work that will be required to build. A gazebo can require way more time than a pergola as there are side walls, shingles, and often different materials in this structure choice. Think about the size and shape of your yard and how it will impact your outdoor living space

Labor will add the cost to your patio or deck space the more a patio or deck uses materials. Similar to most anything being added to. This is where a pergola kit will lock you in knowing that you have purchased all the necessary materials to complete this project.

Outdoor Kitchen and Dining

Essential Features and Costs

It is important to consider the cost and benefits of an outdoor kitchen, if this is an interest to you check out some information relating to the outdoor space like an outdoor kitchen.

Regarding outdoor kitchens similar to basic outdoor living spaces you will want to have a comfortable amount of room to function in. Give yourself the necessary outdoor room to prepare food, cook, and serve to your guests!

Having the right space means considering things essentials such as cabinets, countertops, and grill tops.

The average outdoor kitchen bar will have seating sometimes at an island or bar extension. This can be a great way to accommodate the space with features like this.

Lighting and Electrical

Outdoor Lighting Options and Costs

Outdoor lighting is essential for an outdoor living space. If you consider this an extension from your inside house. An outdoor living space should be well-lit so that once the sun goes down, you can continue to entertain.

The average outdoor living space will often utilize the space with a fire pit. While this can add to the cost of an outdoor room, it does add a nice touch to the landscape lighting. Any covered patio at night will benefit from the extra cost to the deck/patio area.

Many homeowners consider the cost of an outdoor living space cost as an investment in their patio area. Which is a direct investment to the home value.

Patio electrical can be run by various methods. Refer to local professionals to bring any main power to a patio or decks.

Permits and Inspections

Necessary Permits and Approvals

You should always for any project research local building codes and regulations to avoid any issues with your local city or HOA.

If you are unsure if your project requires any permits, reach out to a professional or your local building department. Sometimes a city will require documents that provide information such as wind load and snow load capabilities of a project. At The Luxury Pergola, you can purchase engineering reports.