Are you considering adding a verandah or patio to your home?

By maximising the area you have to extend your lifestyle, you can give yourself extra room to relax and entertain outdoors. You may need to repurpose an existing space or start from scratch to create a verandah or patio that is a seamless extension of your main house. But, how much would your project cost?

Let’s go over everything you need to know, from planning to budgeting, as well as who can help you make it all happen.

Patio or verandah?

A verandah is a covered extension of a residence that runs around the exterior of the house and is often surrounded by a railing. This concept has evolved through time and has now become synonymous with a patio. Patio is a Spanish word for an inner courtyard with no roof. Both names are now commonly used to denote any outdoor area used for entertaining or relaxing, which is an important aspect of the Australian way of life.

What is the price of a verandah?

Let’s look at some of the charges you should expect to incur for this project.

Expect to pay the following for decking:

• Depending on the materials used, prices range from $200 to $1,000 per square metre, with treated pine being the cheapest choice and hardwoods/composites being the most expensive.

Expect to pay the following if you wish to lay outdoor paving:

• Cement ($), concrete ($$), and stone ($$$) cost between $40 and $100 per square metre, depending on the materials used.

Expect to pay the following for concrete flooring on your verandah or patio:

• Plain concrete costs $60 to $85 per square metre.

Expect to pay the following for Colorbond roofing:

• For an outdoor kitchen that comes as a package with a selection of amenities, $6680 for a flat freestanding Colorbond roof (9m x 4.5m). Expect to be charged:

A stainless steel L-shaped outdoor kitchen with 4 burner barbeque, side burner, sink, double door outdoor freezer, and cabinetry costs $10,780.

Expect to pay the following for a pergola to shade your patio:

• Depending on the size and materials used, prices range from $2,000 to $10,000.

A landscape architect or garden designer will charge between:

• Simple plans range from $850 to $1000.
• More comprehensive plans cost between $2750 and $6000.

For your patio or verandah, here are some ideas.

Make sure to include some guidelines in your planning step if you need help making your verandah or patio functional.

Flow

The key to a good patio is that it should ‘flow’ and link effortlessly with the rest of your home. Color schemes that fit and enhance the interior of your home, as well as easy access, can help you achieve this.

Flooring

A deck is a terrific method to create an useful outside space, and a raised deck, especially if it wraps around your home, can be used to create an authentic verandah.

Privacy

Consider privacy while planning your verandah or patio so that it is not visible to your neighbours. This can be accomplished by employing screens, bushes, or outside shades.

Shelter

When the weather changes, roofing provides your patio or verandah greater versatility. You may maximise the comfort of your area by using a variety of alternatives, ranging from the simple and cost-effective – like a shade sail – to structural steel roofing or a movable louvre style roof.

Lifestyle accessories

Furniture, an outdoor kitchen, and other necessities such as lighting, warmth, and perhaps music or a television complete your verandah or patio.

Approvals and red tape for verandahs and patios

Building permissions and permits differ from one municipality to the next, so be sure you know what applies before you begin. A planning permission ensures that your patio does not obstruct your neighbour’s property or view, whereas a building permit ensures that your structure or project is physically sound. Building approval or planning permission is necessary in some places for any construction attached to a house, and this includes decks, depending on their size and height.

Plan your patio or verandah

Set aside some time to arrange your verandah or patio before you put a paving stone or break any ground. Begin by posing the following inquiries:

What will you do with the extra space?

What is the aim of your space and how will it be utilised? This could include things like entertaining, cooking, eating, or simply resting with friends and family. This will help you plan what to add in the patio or verandah once you have a clear notion.

So, what size and layout do I require?

What items you incorporate, such as furniture, an outdoor kitchen, or a deck, will be determined by the size and arrangement of your space. You might want to hire a designer to assist you here. Your area can be made more practical and functional with the expertise of an architect, landscape designer, drafter, or even an interior designer.

What materials will I be working with?

Any outdoor project’s materials must be able to resist the elements, but you must also consider your budget. Look for UV-resistant fabrics for outdoor furniture, and metals like aluminium and stainless steel are also resistant to the weather. If you’re building a pergola or a deck, make sure to over-engineer it to ensure it will stay.

Who will construct my patio or verandah?

When it’s time to employ professionals to handle everything for you, make sure you chat to several companies and receive at least three quotations before making a decision.

What is the estimated cost of my project?

Finally, how much would your patio or verandah set you back? To acquire an accurate estimate of your material and labour expenditures, you’ll need to spreadsheet everything down to the last nail. Then add a 10% cushion for emergencies or anything unforeseen that may arise.