A small courtyard patio transformation that added value to a house sale
Our client, Scott, had a small courtyard area with 20-year-old decking that left it “dangerous” to even walk on. Knowing it was time to replace it with an “attractive patio space”, Scott reached out to Ralston Contracts.
In Scott’s words, the finished patio is “a very attractive space now, and very usable”. Since undertaking the work, he decided to move house and said that the patio “definitely added value” during the sale.
Read on to see how we transformed an unusable space into a practical, low-maintenance area.
“It was all very professional, and the team understood what I was asking for.”
The challenge: A worn-out decking in a tight courtyard space
The courtyard space needed reworking entirely. As Scott explains, the decking had not aged well. “It wasn’t usable because the decking had become, in parts, dangerous, and just quite unattractive. You wouldn’t really want to be using it. It needed a complete overhaul.”
His brief was simple. He wanted flagstones to create a space that would look good but not need much looking after. “We wanted something straightforward and attractive. Other than that, we had no hard fixed agenda.”
We carried out a free landscape design consultation and presented Scott with our ideas.
“It’s a very attractive space now, and very usable. That was what we were trying to achieve, and that’s what Ralston Contracts delivered.”
The solution: Removing the rotten decking and installing a riven sandstone patio
After our initial visit to assess the space, Scott was impressed from the first conversation. “It was all very professional, and the team understood what I was asking for.”
We removed the old decking and installed a riven sandstone patio in Terralis Buff, giving Scott the low-maintenance, natural finish he wanted for the courtyard.
The job came with a few practical hurdles. The courtyard is tight, the street has limited access, and parking was severely restricted on the days we were due on site because the Ayr Show was on. Scott let us know in advance, which meant we could plan around the constraints. “They managed to work around that, and it wasn’t an issue”.
Once the team arrived, the work was done quickly. “All three guys who came along were very professional, very easy to deal with, and quite pleasant.”
The result: A patio space that adds value to the house
The courtyard is now a clean, usable outdoor space. “It’s a very attractive space now, and very usable. That was what we were trying to achieve, and that’s what Ralston Contracts delivered.”
Scott and his family sold the house soon after the work was completed, so they did not get much time to enjoy it themselves. But he is in no doubt about what the patio did for the sale: “It definitely added value significantly.”
He also felt the work was good value for money. “We didn’t think they were expensive at all. You’re buying quality, and you can see that.” And he left a five-star review: “Five stars, it was well deserved. We had no issues at all.”
Asked if he would recommend Ralston Contracts, there was no pause. “We would have no hesitation about recommending them. Communication stayed clear throughout, and I was pleased with the results.”
“We didn’t think they were expensive at all. You’re buying quality, and you can see that.”
Taking on landscaping projects in Ayrshire, big or small
Here at Ralston Contacts, we’re happy to help you with all your landscaping needs, even if it’s a smaller patio installation like this one.
If you have a tired patio or a small space that needs sorting, or you are getting a property ready to sell, get in touch to book your free consultation.