How Much Does It Cost To Build A Patio From Scratch?

One way of extending your living space to the outside is by building a patio. This structure serves several purposes in a home; it could be for hosting a group of friends over the weekend or for family relaxation. Moreover, building an extended living space right in your backyard increases your home's curb appeal. But what is the financial implication of building a patio from scratch?

Well, to answer this question, we need to understand the many factors that come into play as far as building a patio is concerned. There is no one price fits all mentality; every home is unique and, therefore, will be influenced by different cost factors. However, according to Fixr, the average price of building a structure of this kind ranges from $3,000 to $8,000. Of course, this cost is subject to change depending on unique factors like its size and any other additional customization you will want to add to your outdoor living space.

If you thought all you had to pay for was the cost of labor and materials, then think again. The contractor will have to factor in several things that we will be discussing in a while. This cost element cheat sheet from HomeAdvisor will let you in on some of the factors you should consider.

Materials

There are plenty of materials that are available for building a patio. However, it is essential to mention that the cost of the materials will determine how much you will have to pay for your construction. Some of the popular components available include concrete, gravel, flagstone, and paver, among many others. If you intend to build a terrace on a budget, the cheapest option is gravel, whose cost ranges from $5 to $10. On the other hand, if you have extra money to splurge, there are other expensive options like the bluestone, which costs approximately $18 to $24, Fixr notes. Each one of these materials has its own unique appeal; therefore, make a choice that fits both your budget and your personality as well.

Grading

A terraced yard will need to be graded or sloped away from the house before a terrace is installed. In general, it's imperative to slope the yard away from the house to prevent rainwater from flowing and collecting around the building. If your yard requires grading, the cost of building the terrace will go up because of the heavy machinery needed for the job. On average, grading your yard before building the structure can cost you $1,000 to $3,000. It is also important to mention that sloping is unnecessary for building a patio; you want a flat surface for this.

Landscaping

Do you have a flower garden adjacent to your lawn? If you do, you will need to have landscaping done to your lawn. Landscaping will help integrate the veranda with the flower garden for better aesthetics. However, landscaping is not a DIY project and will require skilled hands to take care of your flower garden.

Geographical location

Your area of residence has a lot to do with how much you are going to pay for the construction of the patio. To begin, if you live far away from the company, you will have to account for travel fees in your budget. Remember that living in urban areas is advantageous because you don't have to pay transport fees. However, the overall cost of construction is likely to be high because of the higher cost of living in urban areas compared to rural areas. Also, the materials needed to build a veranda are quite heavy, so if they are not available locally, the cost of transporting them will be expensive. To save cost, consider choosing the locally available construction materials.

Other than the cost factors previously discussed, there are other additional cost considerations that you should examine. Remember, to get a comprehensive and accurate budget, you need to factor in even the smallest purchases.

Permit and fees

Depending on your municipality's regulations, you may need to get a permit before building a patio or any other major structure in your yard. On average, the permit fees range from $425 to $2,300, according to HomeAdvisor. Remember that this fee is paid for before the beginning of the construction process; therefore, it is ideal to first check with the relevant authority whether you will need a permit or not. Sometimes the contractor will take care of the permit fees and factor them into the cost in the overall quote.

Other appliances and furniture

As mentioned before, the terrace can serve many functions right from working as an outdoor kitchen or an entertainment space extended to the outside. In this regard, you will need to equip the space with appliances that will make it functional and cozy. Depending on what you want to use your patio for, you might install a fire pit, furniture, or even a hot tab for those lazy afternoons. Nonetheless, whatever add-on accessory you wish to have on your terrace will surely add to the final cost of the entire project (per Bob vila).

Plumbing and electrical work

Think about how your patio will look with a series of colored lights at night. To enjoy your veranda during the night, you will also need to include electrical work. An electrical connection will make it possible for you to hook up other appliances, for instance, a fan that comes in handy during the hot summer months. Plumbing is equally important as electrical work, especially if you want an outdoor kitchen on your veranda. It will be cheaper to connect the plumbing and gas system for new construction than for a remodeling task. Also, in order to make your outdoor cooking experience as efficient as possible, consider connecting the water supply to the kitchen space on your patio, Forbes advises.

Other than the design, what distinguishes one patio from the other is the type of surface material. There are several pavement materials that you can go for when thinking of building your backyard space; however, you must choose one that matches your unique style and complements your home. Here are the popular options, courtesy of Designing Idea.

Patio paver

Pavers are a popular option for most homeowners because of their aesthetics and how easy they are to maintain. The installation process is also relatively easy if the ground surface is already graded and leveled. This material is made to interlock with one another, creating a beautiful pattern. However, it is also important to mention that the brick by brick installation process takes time, especially if the courtyard covers a large surface. Patio pavers come in two major design options: brick or wood-like appearance. While the installation process is relatively easy, the installation cost is quite high, ranging from $12 to $22 for every square foot.

Flagstone patio

This is another good option for a terrace. Flagstones are large, flat slabs of stone that are irregular in shape and up to 3 inches in size. You should leave this material installation for the professionals because it is usually very heavy, and the odd shape makes it harder to set up. Because of the aforementioned qualities, installing flagstones for a patio is quite expensive, costing approximately $12 to $28 for every square foot. On the other hand, flagstone patios are relatively durable and could easily last you up to 10 years. The major disadvantage of this type of patio is that they get wet and slippery during the rainy season and can be very hot under the scorching sun during summer.

Gravel patios

For most people, gravel usually doesn't seem like an ideal veranda material because it isn't a solid surface. However, it is the most affordable element for anyone considering building a terrace on a budget. There are several types, but the most common type is pea gravel. This type of gravel is quite common, and it should not be difficult for you to get them. On average, the cost of installing a gravel patio is about $2 per square foot. Not only is the installation cheap, but you can also further save on labor costs if you set it up yourself. The major drawback with this type of patio is the uneven surface. It gets even harder to arrange accessories like chairs without them sinking. However, on the bright side, gravel is excellent when it comes to water drainage.

Concrete patio

Building a concrete patio is quite a popular option for most homeowners, not just because of the cost but also because there are plenty of options for colors and finishes. What's more, concrete is also as durable as they come; it is a reliable option that promises longevity if you also put in the necessary maintenance. Conversely, you need to be careful during the winter season because concrete patios can crack due to temperature differences. The thawing and freezing process eventually takes a toll on the structure, leading to breaking issues. Thus, you will need to repair your terrace whenever there are visible cracks, lest the whole structure weakens.

Everyone has their own reasons why they want a patio in their yard. However, if you are among the few who don't see the need for one, here are a couple of good reasons that will change your mind, as explained by Mr. Pavement.

Extra living space

Building a patio in your yard will give you an escape from the otherwise monotonous indoor space. During summer, it gets even better when the sun is out and everyone is outdoors. You can host a bunch of friends over and cook your meals right from the terrace. You can do so much activity from this space; you can even turn this space into your own personal yoga room!

Increase your home's curb appeal

There are many designs for building patios today, and choosing the right one will significantly improve your home's overall aesthetic appeal. You have the luxury of choice not only for the building materials but also for the place you choose to build the veranda. Whether it is in the middle of your yard or an extension of your building, these structures complement the beauty of any house.

Entertainment

Extending the living space to your backyard gives you plenty of space to host your children's birthday parties in a safe environment to play. What's more, you don't have to go through the trouble of preparing the entire home to accommodate your guests since all the action will be outside. A patio with an electrical system lets you throw parties into the night.

Building a new patio comes along with many benefits. Now that you know why you need this structure in your yard let's dig into the benefits as detailed by House Sumo.

Increased home value

If you are considering future resell of your house, one way of improving the valuation of your home is by building a terrace. The extended outdoor space in your yard not only serves as a functional structure but also brings an aspect of personalization and uniqueness that appeals to most home buyers. As a result, houses with patios often get better prices than those without (per Bob Vila).

Backyard decoration

Building a patio gives you the perfect excuse to also call in landscapers to complete the aesthetics of your backyard. Flowers that don't do well under direct sunlight will have the ideal shade to bloom and bring color to your yard.

Cost reduction

Extending the kitchen outdoors and bringing all the activities outside will save you a great deal when it comes to the monthly utility bills. This is particularly true during summer when the air conditioning unit works overtime. An open patio allows sufficient air circulation; therefore, you will not need an air conditioner. This will save you a few bucks from your monthly bills.