Common Homeowner Surprises: Planning Your Backyard Project

OK, so you are bringing your indoor living space outdoors --great. Before you call a contractor or begin the do-it-yourself process, check out these tips. They are designed to help you avoid some common homeowner surprises that can pop up unexpectedly that could delay or even add cost onto your backyard improvement (aka, Oasis!) project. The experts at Imperia Masonry Supply Corp. have seen it all and identified a short checklist to help you proactively plan your project to avoid some common homeowner surprises.

Tips include:

Walk Your Yard: This may sound silly, but you wouldn’t believe how much time it can save you. You may want a beautiful patio, but did you ever notice how that corner of your yard slopes? Hills + water = drainage issues down the road. Flattening the ground ahead of time can save you time and money. Does your yard flood? Drainage may be needed. Do you have excessive shade? The issue of sap or the growth of moss, mold and mildew will need to be addressed. Often times the state of your yard can catch you by surprise. The addition of retaining walls or other elements can also help manage the effects of Mother Nature on your space. Simply put, get to know your yard and prepare yourself for a pre-emptive strike to get your yard ready for this project.

Wish List Your Project: Think connecting components, not a full throttle makeover – for now, at least. Make your wish list and prioritize. Often times it’s not realistic to complete everything you want, but listing out your ideas can make the entire project run smoother in the long run. Is a pool and patio on the agenda for this year with an outdoor kitchen and sitting area for next spring? Mapping this out can help the experts suggest a priority installation schedule that stages your long-term goals and gives you a realistic plan.

Identify Your Look: Are you a natural stone, concrete paver or clay person? Or, do you prefer other combinations of materials? Is color an important option for you? Get out there and visit a showroom with different materials on display. Much like choosing a wedding dress, often times the selection is based on the ‘wow’ factor that you may not even know about – until you see it, of course. Design software (insert hyperlink under the words) can help you visualize your project. And, of course, taking pictures around your neighborhood and showing the customer service team can make communicating your taste to the experts easier, too.

Match Products to Your Needs: Once you have a direction on look, learn what products work best for certain projects. Don’t fall in love with a product you won’t be able to use! For example, the experts at Imperia help educate homeowners about a range of products that work well for patios, outdoor kitchens, fire pits and everything in-between. The density of a material is very important to consider, depending on where it’ll be within your backyard. For example, light colored stones are less dense and repel heat, so they work better for ‘bare feet’ areas. Whereas darker colored stones are dense and give a more traditional look – but, they retain heat. Pick what you like, but then do your best to understand how and where they work best. Form and function, people! Remember, this is your Oasis -- you should absolutely LOVE the materials within it.

Choose a Professional Installer or Do-it-Yourself: For many homeowners, installing a patio themselves can be a rewarding, yet time-consuming project. The digging, the concrete, the tamping, the stone lifting….It’s a major ordeal that some love – while others do not. The main goal is to get a real-life understanding of what will be required to install your project (Oasis!). Ask questions of the customer service team. The experts at Imperia Masonry Supply Corp. can also recommend certified installers. Either way, you need to fully understand the steps involved, break the project down and decide what works best for you to bring your project to life!

Call 800-246-2569 to speak with a customer service team member. We’re homeowners, too!