A Step By Step Guide to Building A Gazebo
- Determine size and location. The size of your gazebo completely depends on what works the best in your yard. Do you want a small one in a hidden corner or a focal point gazebo that runs as large as your yard will allow? Standalone or attached to the main house? To decide on the location, you may need to consider the features of your land. Stake out the area of gazebo to see how it will blend in with your property. Where is the sunlight best? Which direction offers the greatest views?
- Select style, shape and material. There are many styles of gazebo: victorian, colonial, mediteranean, you name it. Bali gazebo is just one of them. Select the one that blends in with your home and landscape. It should have elements similar to the architecture of your home. The different materials include wood, metal, and vinyl that come in multiple color or finish options. The most common shape is the octagon, but they can also be shaped as a square, rectangle, oval or circle.
- Talk with your family. Discuss what each of you want.
- Reflect on gazebos you have visited. What features did you especially enjoy?
- The Internet has been a fabulous way for future gazebo owners to browse the sea of gazebo plans that are available to them with simple the click of a mouse. Looking for your next dream gazebo has never been easier. There are also a lot of different books and magazines on the market that deal specifically with outdoor living and structures. If you can’t find exactly what you want, you can ask a gazebo specialist or an architect to tweak or customize a plan.
A gazebo can be a great enhancement to your home. You can go beyond the basics when you build your gazebo and make it the hub of summer entertaining. Here’s a step-by-step guideline when building one:
Analyze the numbers
Before you start, set a budget for the project. Your budget will determine many choices you make in the construction of your gazebo and should include costs for plumbing, electrical and other specialty work as well as construction. Keep in mind that there will be additional costs, like permits and furnishings for the gazebo. Remember that your property tax could also go up since the gazebo addition will probably raise your property’s appraised value.
Determine whether you will hire an architect and contractor, or prefer to order a kit and install the gazebo yourself. Consider if contracting out is in your budget–after obtaining a few bids. Evaluate whether you have the skill and time to do it yourself, since it can be a time consuming project.
What kind of gazebo
Your second step in gazebo construction is deciding what kind of gazebo to build. This includes size, location, architectural style, shape and material.
Design a gazebo plan
Once you have an idea on what kind of gazebo you want, your next step is to get the design and specs plans on paper. However, deciding on what your gazebo will be like can be difficult. Don’t rush, take at least several weeks to ponder all options. Here are some tips to guide you:
Find a contractor
If you are not a DIY kind of person, find a contractor to help you build it. Look for a contractor who has experience with building gazebos. Ask your friends and neighbors for recommendations. Be sure to check references thoroughly. See other tips here.
Manage the project
Stay on top of your gazebo construction project, becoming involved as much as needed to avoid cost overruns and to address issues that can turn into expensive repair problems later on.