Having a garden is a valuable asset to your home and you should ensure you can get the most use out of it. Planning your new outdoor living space may seem daunting at first with so many options and choices available to you, but if you break it down, it becomes less so.
We recommend reading over this article with a pen and paper. Write down any ideas that may arise and note any features that are essential to you and ones that are nice-to-have. This way, when it comes to planning your garden, you will know exactly what you are and are not willing to compromise on.
Here are 5 things we recommend you consider when planning your dream outdoor living space;
1. How will you be using your new outdoor living space?
It's important to consider what you will use your outdoor space for. Does there need to be space for the kids to play? Do you entertain often and will need a long table? Love al fresco dining? Have you considered an outdoor kitchen area? If you're anything like me and don't like being in the sun, where is best to have a shaded area in your garden?
There are so many different considerations when planning your new outdoor living space. It is important that it works for you and it becomes a useable space. Be sure to chat all ideas through with your potential contractors as they may be able to suggest something you haven't thought of, or maybe advise of a layout that best flows and makes the most use of your garden space.
2. Budget and Materials
The cost of designing your dream outdoor living space will depend on the size of the area, type of materials (porcelain v. sandstone, artificial v. real grass, etc.) used and also whether you would like extra elements such as water features, lighting, fire pits, outdoor offices, decking, etc.
It may be that you compromise on a few details to stay within your budget, but still get your outdoor living space you've always dreamed of. For example, you may have wanted composite decking but with it being more expensive than a wooden decking, it takes you over budget. So, you compromise with wooden decking and commit to maintaining it yearly.
3. Choose your contractor wisely
This could be the difference between loving your new outdoor space or being p*ssed off that it’s not finished to the high standard you expected. We incorporated our company after hearing one too many horror stories of homeowners being let down mid-project, paying in full and works not being completed or simply completed to a poor standard. Sadly, this happens on one too many occasions.
When you are actively seeking your garden works to begin, always get at least three quotes from different contractors. Do your research; read reviews, look closely at previous projects, ask friends for recommendations, consult with your local councils trusted trader scheme, ask the contractor if you can visit a previous project in-person (we offer this regularly to potential clients), ask them to show you and talk you through some case studies that involve similar works that you are planning.
Whoever you decide to go with, ensure they are able to provide the quality and customer service that you expect.
4. Aesthetics
As I mentioned above, materials will be determined by your budget. Whatever this may be, you should consider the aesthetics of your dream garden. The look of your new outdoor space should complement the look and feel of your house for continuity. For instance, if you have a period home with sandstone walling, porcelain paving may not look in keeping with the design. Similarly, if you live in a new build home with crisp, clean lines then a sandstone product may not feel right for you.
If you are unsure, ask your potential contractors if they provide a design service and ask if they can produce drawings for you.
5. Look for inspiration
Whether you’ve got an idea of a design you would like, or not, look around for some inspiration and ideas (Pinterest is my favourite here!). There may be something you have never considered that would work perfectly for your dream garden.
For instance, we suggested to a client to install a small putting green in their garden to use up what would have been essentially dead space after hearing how 2 of the household were golf enthusiasts! Remember, your outdoor space should be unique to you and work for what you intend to use the space for.