Hardscape and masonry features play a big part in how your outdoor living space looks and feels. Many of these features are meant to resemble indoor living spaces but with outdoor-appropriate materials and the freedom of being outdoors. Some outdoor living spaces that can be created with hardscape and masonry techniques include outdoor kitchens, barbecues, pizza ovens, comfortable seating areas, outdoor gyms, meditation corners, reading alcoves, relaxation zones and even outdoor showers. The list goes on, but for this article we’re going to focus on just two: outdoor kitchens and patios.
Planning Your Outdoor Budget
The typical cost associated with an entire outdoor space remodel is about 3.0%-7.0% of your home’s total value. Let’s examine the average cost of installing a patio and outdoor kitchen…
Breaking Down the Costs of a New Outdoor Kitchen
The design portion of your outdoor kitchen varies with complexity and size. Let’s explore some design options you may have
A basic outdoor kitchen consists of an integrated grill and a simple counter space. For a step above basic, you can add an outdoor refrigerator and additional storage for supplies. For something more high end, your design could include a large kitchen area with multiple cooking appliances such as a pizza oven, smoker and a griddle. Extensions can even include a bar area, awning, a dining area and an outdoor television.
A few other factors that may affect the cost of an outdoor kitchen include complexity, proximity of components and obstacles to construction that already exist on your property. For simplicity’s sake, we can estimate an outdoor kitchen renovation to cost between $8,000 to over $65,000.
Breaking Down The Costs of a New Patio.
Similar to an outdoor kitchen, the design of your patio has a significant impact on cost. We have three categories we like to use: entry-level, practical and premium patios.
Entry level patios typically feature a simple design and inexpensive materials such as concrete and decomposed granite. A step above that is a practical patio design which may include a shade structure, drought-resistant landscaping and exterior lighting. Material choices for this level patio design may include pavers or bricks. If you opt for a higher-end patio design then it may include a more sophisticated layout, multi-tiered sections, entertainment zones, walkways, premium lighting, automatic irrigation systems, and more intricate landscaping. Materials for high-end patio designs may include stone, tile, and porcelain. Some of these higher-end materials require advanced installation techniques and may drive up costs.
The design and installation of a patio typically accounts for 20%-45% of your total outdoor remodel budget. Since we’ve already established that the entire outdoor remodel project typically costs 3.0%-7.0% of your total home’s value, let’s start with a home value of $1million. This leaves us with a total project cost of $30,000-$70,000. In this case, 20%-45% of the total project cost is $6,000-$31,500. Find your home’s value and apply this method to give a good estimation for what your outdoor patio will cost. It’s important to note that this is only an estimation and may change based on the homeowners decisions.
Other Factors Influencing Your Project Costs
There are a number of other factors to consider when thinking about the budget for your outdoor project. Size, complication and material quality have a significant impact on costs. Larger and more intricate designs necessitate more time labor and resources. When selecting materials you may be weary to choose the more expensive items, but over time your property will depreciate slower with more higher quality materials. Some other upgrades you may choose to add are speakers, televisions and special lighting; all of which affect the total project cost.
One Major Cost Factor: Choosing the Dimensions of Your Outdoor Living Space
The size of your outdoor project is more than just length and width. Usable space, intended design, furniture and appliance choices, walking lanes and space between occupants all factor into how big you want your outdoor space to be. As a general rule, we recommend accounting for at least 25ft2 per person. To get an estimation, try doing the following: If you have a family of four, then 100ft2 would suffice for just you and your family to enjoy the area, but if you intend to entertain guests in the space (for example a total of 12 people including yourself and your family), then we recommend at least a 300ft2 space. Understanding spatial design is just one area of expertise your landscape designer must have to create a space you’ll love.
Contact Design Scapes Inc. to Receive a Quote for Your New Outdoor Living Space Design
If you live in Southern California then Design Scapes, Inc. is your local trusted expert for outdoor space design and build. From design to installation we provide unique, beautiful, functional outdoor spaces that you’ll cherish for years. Please fill out our contact form in order to receive a personalized estimate for your new outdoor living space.
