Written by Jason Plett Published on August 12th, 2018
If you are in the process of starting a patio or other backyard project, there are a few things you should do before turning dirt and laying bricks.
Design Your Project
Designing your patio is one of the most important and crucial steps in the whole process of building one. However, the patience to plan properly, do your research and calculate what you all need can be difficult at times, but it’ll be worth it in the end. To design your patio, you will need to determine your patio location, how big it will be, and how it will look. It’s worth doing some research on what products and styles you like as well as drawing out the pattern and design you wish to implement. It’s important to have a vision and idea on the overall look you want to achieve before building it, which will save you a lot of trouble in the long run. Check out our Inspiration Page to get some ideas on what’s possible in your home.
Locate Lines
Another thing to do before ever turning ground is to locate the various underground lines that may be in the area of your project. These include gas lines, fiber-optic lines, electrical lines and water facilities. There are various free services that can help you locate these lines and by contacting your local underground facility surveyor, you can prevent costly damage or injury. We recommend “Click Before You Dig” as a resource to find your local surveyor.
Determine Needed Permits
Installing a patio or other landscaping project may not require a permit, but be sure to check with your local authorities to find out what permits are required for your projects before you begin.
Acquire Tools and Equipment
It’s important to ensure that you have the right tools and necessary equipment for your landscape project. Things you will need include: gloves, rubber mallet, measuring tape, spade or shovel, carpenter’s level, and a carpenter’s square. Other jobs may need items such as a leaf blower, a concrete saw, laser level, skid steer, broom, hose and water source, compactor, rake, screeding rails and screeding pipes. Be sure to understand the needs of your project to ensure that you have the right tools for the job.
Preparing for your project’s installation is the first step in creating a beautiful finished product and shouldn’t be overlooked. Spend the time to plan and design your project properly, locate your lines, inquire about permits, and acquire the correct equipment to help prepare for any landscape project installation.