All of us have stared out our back window, daydreaming about what could be. We have imagined more life enjoyed outside, in a destination more inviting, more accommodating, more functional than in its current state. Inevitably those fantasies take root and it’s time to make them happen. But making the decision to begin is the easy part. What comes next, devising the plans, can be overwhelming without having first considered the following factors.
Identify the Why
What is motivating you to improve upon your existing space? Do you wish to entertain friends and family more? Have you always pictured coffee among the birds and morning calm? Perhaps occupying the kids requires better outdoor options where they can cool off or play safely. Maybe some added privacy would prevent awkward eye contact with the neighbors while attempting to enjoy some much needed peace. Or worse, are your neighbors outdoing you? Narrowing down your reasons will often steer the next step in the design process.
Envision the What
Let’s talk aesthetics. Start with the most important grounding elements, for instance the decking, and build out around it with planters, storage capacity, fencing, or a water feature. Identify which components are permanent- the home, the utilities, the structures in view- and remember landscaping is negotiable. Shrubs can be moved, grass can be reshaped, garden beds can be amended. Determine which elements appeal most to you, for instance decking material, handrail detail, pathway lighting, and stone accents. If you can, sketch out some rudimentary ideas and see how you feel about it on paper. Assemble ideas to your Pinterest board, or cut images from magazines that catch your attention. Snap photos of area yards you aspire to, taking caution not to act creepy in the midst of it.
Determine the Where
Identifying what you want is a great start, but the initial design will be best determined by the layout of the property. Which door do you intend to use to access the deck? Would you prefer a deck attached to the house, or a satellite location to serve as its own room within the garden? If you are considering an ensuite grill or outdoor kitchen, is your ideal location in proximity to a dining area? What view do you wish to highlight; is there natural landscaping you want to stay in view of? Does your yard face the blazing afternoon sun, or the pale sherbet sky of a sunrise? Where you plant your new structures can accentuate features of the surroundings you love, shield you from harsh weather or eyesores, and prolong your enjoyment of the outdoors well into cooler months.
Figure Out the When
Generally it all comes down to your budget and production time. Working with the team at DEKTEX in advance will determine how much your vision will cost to execute, which will help sort out funding. We understand it can take some time to finalize your priorities as it relates to your final plans, and we encourage it. Editing your vision down for fear of the expense is never the recommended path to embarking on your new project. Images of “what could have been” have the potential to haunt you long after the finish date, wishing you had gone with the more ornate fire-pit, the more spacious deck, or the built-in storage. So take your time and decide what is best for you and your family. With your design and corresponding budget squared away, and DEKTEX on board to build it, a timeframe will be provided, and all that remains is the countdown to completion. Ideally the When is NOW, and we understand the eagerness all too well.
Square Away the How
Homeowners Associations are going to be your first stop, if you are beholden to one, when taking any major steps. A 20 foot tall fence might obscure your neighbor’s rusty RV, but it also will likely violate municipal ordinances at the very least, if not your neighborhood’s aesthetic guidelines. DEKTEX will certainly lend expertise with permitting and keeping your space up to code, and suggest alternatives that will serve your purposes without violating any regulations. From there, plan ahead where your children and pets will sojourn to without temporary access to the area, where existing furniture or obstructions will be stored, and how to suspend any landscaping services.
Your grandest vision can easily be achieved with prior planning and a great partnership, and we look forward to building your dream with you.
