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How much value does a patio add to your home


Does a Patio Increase Home Value? Selling Your Outdoor Oasis

Outdoor spaces, such as patios, have become increasingly attractive to buyers, thanks in part to the rise of more flexible and remote work. In fact, in a Fall 2021 HomeLight survey, agents reported that outdoor space was the third-most-prioritized feature for homebuyers. Moreover, in HomeLight’s Top Agents Insights Report in late 2020, only 2% of agents interviewed said that patios would see fleeting popularity, showing that in most cases, the answer to the question “Does a patio increase home value?” is likely to be “Yes.”

Abby Nelson, a real estate agent in Orlando, Florida, with over 15 years of experience says that “For every single buyer, [a patio] is a huge positive. It can add such a ‘wow’ factor that it will make your house move that much quicker, that much better, that much easier, and for more.”

But just how much value will a patio add to your home? A HomeLight survey of top agents estimated that a new patio costing $3,269 to construct would bring a $3,563 increase in value, or a 109% return on investment. More likely than not, you’ll recoup the costs of your patio and add value to your home in the process.

However, estimates of added value vary, and your exact return on investment will depend on your location, patio type, and buyer demand.

Additionally, your added value will depend on what other homes in your neighborhood look like and are worth. You don’t want to go all out making a beautiful patio if it’s not the norm for your neighborhood.

Since a patio costs an average of $3,650 to construct in 2022, you’ll have to consider your desired sale price before deciding if the addition will be worth it. Follow these tips to get the most out of this investment.

Keep patio costs down for a higher return

In general, kitchen and bath remodels that hover in the low- to mid-range recoup a higher percentage of their costs at resale than upscale overhauls do. The logic follows that patio ROI is higher for less ambitious, lower-scale projects as well. Spend less money in the first place, and it’s easier to make that money back.

Investing in a basic patio space rather than all the luxury upgrades is the way to go if ROI is your top priority. Attract buyers with a feature that’s high on their wish list, then let them outfit the space to their liking once they’re the owners.

Plus, even if a fancy patio could help you command a much higher price point, the value that buyers assign to outdoor living space might not align with an appraiser’s opinion, according to Nelson.

If construction isn’t in your timeline, that’s okay, too. Nelson says buyers often just like to see that there would be enough space in the yard to add a patio at some point down the line. Her reasoning is that patios are a less invasive project than something like a kitchen makeover, since the projects happen outdoors. You can still comfortably live in the house while your patio is under construction, so buyers are more willing to take it on after the sale.

Consider hiring a professional

Patio installation is not for the casual DIYer. In a DIY patio installation gone wrong, big issues can crop up such as unlevel stones or a mismatched mosaic of materials.

Nelson says she’s seen it all, including “patios added onto patios onto patios, next to slabs next to pavers, added onto a different type of pavers… and if you don’t do the base right, your pavers will pop up and look uneven.”

Unless you’re handy with a masonry saw, landscaping nails, and a plate compactor, leave this project to the pros. Additionally, hiring labor for a 100-square-foot patio should only cost you about $500-$1,500.

Keep your patio proportions in line with the rest of your house

When you set out to add a patio to your outdoor living space, take proportions into consideration. Nelson recommends applying the rule of thirds to make sure your patio plans don’t get too ambitious.

Divide your space accordingly:

You want the patio to look like an original part of the house, rather than an afterthought. It will be difficult to recoup much value on an elaborate patio attached to a run-of-the-mill house.

Pick patio materials that match the style of your home and hold up to the elements

When selecting the materials for your patio, you want to consider the following factors:

Keep in mind that materials such as brick or poured concrete can be vulnerable to cracking and erosion in harsh weather climates.

Pavers, or manufactured stones, on the other hand, can last up to 100 years because if one breaks, you can replace the individual paver.

Travertine pavers are an eco-friendly and highly durable option that come in a wide variety of styles. You can get Tuscany Scabas or Mediterranean Walnut Patterned Tumbled Travertine at less than $7 per square foot at Home Depot.

Concrete pavers are another affordable option offered in an array of tones, shapes, and sizes.

Keep in mind the era and design of your home and try to emulate that style in your patio. You might use brick pavers for a colonial home, or concrete pavers for a contemporary-style home. An experienced local contractor can help recommend great choices for your area.

Make your existing patio look like new

Already have a patio space to work with? Don’t underestimate the value of sweat equity and a little elbow grease to get it in top shape for showings. The work you put in here can mean the difference between your patio being a value add or an eyesore.

Power wash your patio

First step: give it a good power wash to clean off all the dirt and debris. You’re working with sturdy stones or concrete here, so you can’t do too much damage.

You will need a zero-degree power washer nozzle for cleaning hard stains and sealant off of concrete. Rather than buy a pressure washer for a single cleaning, you can rent one from a home improvement store. Or if you’re not confident in your power washing abilities or don’t have the time, you can always hire a professional.

Fix any cracks in your patio

Cracks may not seem like a big deal in your patio, but the damage can build up over time. In colder environments, cracks can widen during the winter months when water that gets into the cracks freezes and expands. Then, in the warmer months, grass and other vegetation can creep through your patio.

A Fall 2021 HomeLight Report shows that 25% of agents recommended home sellers fix cracks in their decks and patios to help increase resale value.

If you used pavers, you can simply replace the cracked paver. For concrete patios, you can buy a crack filler for a hassle-free solution.

Re-seal your concrete or pavers

Once your patio is 100% dry from the power wash, it needs to be resealed. Sealant blocks the pores in concrete and keeps it from absorbing water and salts. About every 3 years, your patio is due for a new coat of sealant to protect it from discoloration, cracks, and crumbling.

You can purchase concrete sealant at any home improvement store, then follow this step-by-step for how to apply it to your patio.

Wipe down all your outdoor furniture

Furniture covered with mildew, cobwebs, stains, and dirt will only serve to deter buyers. Here’s how to clean your outdoor furniture according to Better Homes & Gardens:

Help buyers visualize their new home with vignette staging techniques

Patios represent rare moments of recreation and relaxation, so it’s no wonder they rank high on home buyers’ wish lists. But buyers will want to envision how they can use the patio space in their day-to-day lives.

“You could have all this great space but if they (the buyers) don’t know where they would put the furniture, or how they would use the space… I think the outdoor staging takes the patio to the next level,” says Nelson.

Staging is most effective if you can create vignettes, or small scenes that set a focus or mood for a space.

With a patio, the possibilities are endless. You could arrange the space with cushioned seating and end tables where buyers can imagine sitting and reading a book, or entertaining friends.

Alternatively, you might inspire the image of dinner outside with a classic patio table and chairs, dressed up with a simple vase, fresh flowers, and place settings suitable for the outdoors.

Getting the most value out of your patio investment

A patio doesn’t get as much traffic as spaces like the kitchen and family room. Yet an outdoor oasis can be the thing that makes a house feel like a home—especially in a time where we’re all embracing our homes more than ever.

Like any major home remodeling project, you aren’t guaranteed to recoup all the money you spent on a patio at resale. However, you can expect the addition of usable outdoor living space to help you fetch more money for your home if you made smart construction decisions and took good care of it during your course of ownership.

Ultimately, you’ll find greater success staging, marketing, and selling your home and its patio with the help of a professional real estate agent. HomeLight’s Agent Match Tool can match you with three top agents in your area to help you get started on your home-selling journey.

Header Image Source: (AndyG/ Pixabay)

Is a Deck or Patio Better for Resale Value?

It’s easy to get carried away with your dreams of home renovations. A luxury bathroom! A pool! A sunroom! And while these upgrades seem like something anyone would enjoy, many won’t do much for the resale value of your home.

In fact, some so-called upgrades can even decrease the value of your property since not everyone wants them when they’re looking for a new house. So if you’re thinking about putting in a deck or patio, it’s smart to weigh the deck or patio resale value. How much does a deck increase the value of your home? And how does that compare to a patio? 

Check out our guide to learn if a deck or patio is better for resale value.

How Much Home Value Does a Deck Add?

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In short: A quality deck will make a valuable addition to your house. So exactly how much does a deck increase the value of your home? Experts estimate that a deck offers a resale value of at least 76%, which is higher than any other home renovation project. So you can do the math and estimate the increased value of your home. 

For example, if you can add a deck for $10,000, then on average, it will increase your home value by approximately $7,600—76% of the total. Of course, the true value varies depending on where you live. But a deck in a warm-weather climate is almost always a good idea.

The materials you use can also influence the resale value. Wood decks offer the most bang for their buck since they’re affordable and desirable in the home market. Composite decking is more expensive and doesn't provide as high of resale value, but it is higher quality than wood decking. On average, high-end decking material runs about $30 per square foot.

How Much Home Value Does a Patio Add?

 

Working from home? Add some Repose chairs and make sure that your comfort comes first. 

Outdoor patios are usually cheaper to install than a deck, yet they tout a 100% resale value. It’s reasonable to expect that you’ll recoup your investment. Wahoo! Not many home renovations have these kinds of bragging rights. 

But before you get carried away pouring concrete all over your backyard, remember that only certain patios have that much resale value. The key is to add just enough of an upgrade to your yard without going so crazy that you lose money when it’s time to sell.

Most families want a big yard with plenty of grass and other landscaping, so a small patio is usually more desirable than a large patio. Patios can be made from concrete, brick, tile, hardwood, or flagstones. But the cheapest option (concrete) is best for maximizing resale value, coming in at an impressive $5 per square foot. Outdoor lighting and pergolas can also offer a good resale value and enhance the space while you live in the home.

Does a Covered Patio Add Value?

A covered patio offers shade and privacy in your backyard. It makes a great place to grill in the summer and get some fresh air in the winter—even in stormy weather. But the ultimate question remains: Does a covered patio add value to your home?

The answer is yes! Adding a covered patio definitely adds value to your home. However, as with any upgrade, it’s important to remember that the most high-end, extravagant upgrades probably won’t increase the value significantly more than middle-range upgrades. To recoup the cost of your investment, stick with mid-level materials and finishes.

However, you can design your dream-covered patio even if you're concerned about resale value. You’ll still have years ahead of you to enjoy it, and if money is not an object, then the benefits certainly outweigh the drawbacks.

Is It Easier to Build a Deck or Patio?

At this point, you know that a patio offers a slightly better resale value than a deck. But since both patios and decks add significant value to your home, it’s usually best to go with whatever option appeals to you the most. And when you’re making that decision, you may want to consider the following: Is it easier to build a deck or a patio?

Usually, a patio is much easier to install than a deck. Essentially, you pour the concrete, let it dry, and voila! It’s ready to go. However, patios do require some extensive preparation before you get to work. The area must be flat and compacted, and the concrete must be poured on the ground. Many concrete patios call for rebar to reinforce the structure, so this is another element to consider before getting started.

In contrast, a deck can be installed on flat or sloped ground, but it does require a support system that professionals best build. The deck should be secured to the ground with deep cement holes. Decks also require waterproofing materials to ensure the foundation of the house isn’t damaged with the installation of the deck.

How Big Can a Deck Be Without a Permit?

Another consideration when building a deck is whether or not you’ll need a permit. A permit is required if your deck will be attached to the house or is 30 inches above grade. However, a few types of decks don’t require a permit. A permit isn’t necessary for freestanding less than 30 inches above grade or smaller than 200 square feet. A deck can be 199 square feet before requiring a permit.

Of course, these rules may differ depending on where you live, so check with your city building codes to ensure you’re following local regulations.

If you build a deck that requires a permit, you’ll need to apply for a permit by filling out a form and including the details of your deck plans. This includes details like height, stairs and width, spacing of joists, materials used, and more.

Will Adding a Deck Increase My Taxes?

Adding a patio or deck will probably increase the resale value of your property—so does it increase your taxes, too? It depends.

Cities have varying laws regarding taxes, so you’ll want to consult your local authorities to find out for sure. In general, adding a deck will slightly increase your taxes since it boosts your property’s value. In fact, almost any changes to the structure of the home will increase taxes, including the installation of a pool or gazebo.

This doesn’t need to be a deal-breaker since the tax increase may not outweigh the resale value added. Ultimately, if you think you’ll enjoy your deck and get a lot of use out of it over the years, it is probably worth the investment. Make sure to do your research so you know what to expect when it comes to local tax increases.

Does a Deck or Patio Add More Value?

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Both a deck and a patio offer an impressive resale value. However, patios are usually less expensive, and their resale value is 100%—slightly higher than a deck's 76% resale value. Can’t argue with that! Concrete patio resale value is the show's real star, offering the lowest price point to install and the highest returns.

But the numbers will show you that if you’re doing this solely as a financial investment, the best you can reasonably hope for is to break even on the cost of completing the project. 

If you’ve got a few years left in your current home, we recommend going for whichever addition most excites you. Go for the option you want to spend time in. Whether you recoup your entire financial investment, those hours will be worth it.

Tour of the Clock House in Novosibirsk, the most interesting houses in Novosibirsk, photos and address of the Clock House in Novosibirsk - October 16, 2021

The Clock House has a rich past and an interesting future

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The Clock House on Krasny Prospekt is one of the most famous buildings in Novosibirsk. And although the gray seven-story building with large galleries seems unattractive and rather ordinary to the townspeople, the architects do not agree with this: Novosibirsk did not see such a game with space and volumes in the 30s (and it was then that this famous building grew among merchants' mansions and the private sector). NGS correspondents visited the House with a Clock in 2015 and after 6 years they came here on an excursion again - the thing is that during this time the monument building managed to reveal some of its secrets. Ksenia Lysenko talks about the dark secrets hidden in the basement of the house and what the future holds for the most avant-garde building in the city.

The Clock House was designed by architects Boris Gordeev and Sergei Turgenev by order of Kraisnabsbyt. The building was built in 1931-1934, and the clock on this building appeared three years later - in 1937. This is the first and only gallery-type house in Novosibirsk. In the 2010s, the world society DOCOMOMO, which protects architectural monuments, recognized the "House with a Clock" as one of the 800 best avant-garde architectural creations in the world.

The gray facade of the building at 11 Krasny Prospekt was once peach, and on the first floor, next to the entrance to the entrance, there was a place for storing firewood - now a well-known sex shop has been operating in this basement for a decade. In the apartments of the “House with a Clock” there were separate rooms for heating stoves, but there were no kitchens. Such was the idea of ​​the first social and cultural house for Novosibirsk: an autonomous, independent building with its own dining room and laundries - all so that Soviet people would be less immersed in everyday life. Therefore, after connecting the building to heating, the residents converted the stove rooms into kitchens.

Glass galleries are a feature of the building. There is nothing like it in any other building in Novosibirsk

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The windows from the residents’ apartments overlook these galleries

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The historian of architecture Oleg Viktorovich, a resident of seven floors, tells us all this and one of the ideologists of creating a museum of constructivism on the basis of the House with a Clock. He settled here about 20 years ago and, as he himself says, never regretted it: the gallery-type house, unique in terms of architecture and cultural component of pre-war Novosibirsk, seemed to him close in spirit.

- I grew up on New Year's Eve, I liked everything there. Then I got a car, and twice a day I had to stand in traffic jams, back then, 20 years ago, can you imagine? We began to look at options where we could buy an apartment. I’ll say right away: I’m a Soviet child and watched Stalin in the first place. But when I got here, this feeling immediately arose: I was at the base, I was at home. Although, of course, then the house did not shine with its appearance, now, with the HOA, our situation is better, it has become at least a little neater, it looks better, ”says Oleg Viktorovich, leading us to the turret where the famous clockwork is hidden.

The clock under the roof is the few things that have remained unchanged in the house on Krasny Prospekt. They appeared a few years after the completion of the house and became its highlight. Although this was not always the case - in 2017, the clock stopped running.

The clock in this unique house runs almost flawlessly, although in 2017 the hands suddenly stopped

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— In a sense, this is the heart of our city, which beats — and everything seems to be fine. But yes, there was a time when the heart did not beat. Former watchmaker (Anatoly Olshanovsky. - Note ed. ) was very old, it was already hard for him to walk here. For about two years I somehow looked after them, but very soon it became clear that it couldn’t continue like this, I’m not a professional and I understand everything very remotely in such mechanisms, - explains Oleg Viktorovich, pointing to an impressive clockwork, consisting of weights and gears.

It took about a year to find a master. They even searched for the right person abroad, but they found it in Novosibirsk - watchmakers Sergey and Evgeny Konotoptsev, father and son, became them. Now Evgeny regularly climbs the tower, Oleg Viktorovich calls him a real time keeper.

When the former watchmaker stopped climbing the turret, Oleg Viktorovich tried to watch the mechanism for some time, but the watch required the hand of a real master

Share father. Twice a week, and especially in frosty or too hot weather, he goes up to the turret to check the mechanism

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— I come here two or three times a week. Depending on the weather. The mechanism is in good condition, but sometimes the hands can slightly diverge. The clock is adjusted from here, you don’t have to look out of the window, especially since I’m afraid of heights, - Eugene laughs. - In general, the watch has no resource, it is eternal. If you follow them, then they will not be demolished.

The origin of the clock under the roof of the house is another story covered in legends. Since the movement is unique, it is difficult to determine where the watch was made. Both Evgeny Konotoptsev and Oleg Viktorovich agree that the parts were manufactured at the local Trud plant. But the version about the German origin of the watch is also not rejected.

- Look, the bed on which the mechanism stands, honing (processing of conical and cylindrical surfaces, which allows you to eliminate roughness, correct the geometric shape of workpieces. - Note ed. ) - all this was not done by us. Mounted, customized - yes, we have. I think that the clock was brought from somewhere. The fact is that we do not use such metric sizes as here. Here the bolts are 8.5 cm, and in Russia they are usually 7, 9, 11 cm,” the watchmaker notes.

The mystery of the clock's origin has not yet been solved

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The clock has to be constantly adjusted, because the tower, where the massive mechanism is located, walks. Therefore, now a special support bar has been installed in the tower. But it still does not save from snow blowing through the cracks. The mechanism freezes, but the clock can still be maintained.

— Why else is the issue of restoration so acute? Because there are constant advances, that is, the whole structure was not designed for this. There are suggestions on how to strengthen the building from external influences in order to avoid further destruction, - adds Oleg Viktorovich, leading us from the turret along a fragile wooden staircase through another room from where you can climb to the roof.

An old wooden staircase (on the left) leads to the turret, from where, according to Oleg Viktorovich, one can go to the roof. But it’s better not to do this - the structures need to be repaired for a long time

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But they try not to go up there, although the view from the “House with a Clock”, according to the architectural historian, is magnificent. The fact is that in this room under the roof in 1984-1985 there was a fire - its traces can be seen now:

- A lot of time has passed. All that we see now is something that simply did not have time to burn out. The structure was temporary. But, as is usually the case with us, there is nothing more permanent than temporary. Therefore, reconstruction must be done immediately.

"House with a clock" appeared on the site of the foundation of the mansion of the merchant Fyodor Mashtakov - patron of the arts and one of the richest people in Novonikolaevsk. Therefore, the basement of a seven-story building looks so atmospheric and uncharacteristic for a house built in the style of constructivism: brickwork, a ceiling with arches. For a long time, this room was littered with all sorts of rubbish, but when the rubble was cleared away, something interesting was found.

To get to the basement, you need to go to the patio. Now it is lined with cars and other buildings, but once there was a fountain

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— We didn't have a permit here for a long time. Everything was boarded up, there was garbage everywhere, there was water, that is, the basement was flooded. When we organized our HOA, we came here to put things in order, and, roughly speaking, we were very surprised. You see, in a constructivist object, this, by definition, cannot be, - Oleg Viktorovich points to a low arched ceiling. - These are the technologies of pre-revolutionary Novonikolaevsk. It became clear that the builders of the house did not fool around with brick merchant masonry, which was very strong, bearing supports were broken somewhere. So it turned out that under the modern house they buried the basement of the first Mashtakov storehouse, where they sold, among other things, alcoholic drinks.

As the architectural historian explains, the entire cultural life of Novonikolaevsk was connected with this quarter: at first there was a cinema in the mansion, then the People's Public Theater moved in here, for some time the Extraordinary Commission and several institutions of power sat here. And in these rooms, under the care of the merchant Mashtakov, lectures were held for the poor - they were taught to read and write.

"House with a clock" appeared on the site of the mansion of the merchant Mashtakov - once this place played a huge role in the development of the cultural life of Novonikolaevsk

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The basement has a darker story. A few years ago, when the basement was cleared of debris, traces of bullets were found in the brickwork. The find prompted certain considerations, because next to the “House with a Clock” there is a brick mansion that once housed the NKVD.

— We found the pellet, gave it to the specialists of the Novosibirsk Museum and did an analysis. It turned out that this was most likely shrapnel, which was cast for the head part of the Ferdinand projectile, which was produced somewhere before 1916 years old. Probably, when there was construction here, the children lit a fire and threw a shell that they somehow got. Because the traces of shrapnel lay too heaped up, - says Oleg Viktorovich next to the wall dotted with potholes.

A wall hit by shrapnel

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A little further from the wall with shrapnel traces there is an old merchant's boiler - it was integrated into a more modern boiler room. And it was here, according to the historian, that the famous Baron von Ungern-Sternberg, a monarchist, lieutenant general of the White Army, who liberated Mongolia, but betrayed by his soldiers, was executed by the Bolsheviks. Its at 19In the year 21, he captured a partisan detachment led by Shchetinkin and delivered it to Novonikolaevsk:

- The man was so cruel that his own officers expelled him, and when Shchetinkin's detachment came across him, the fate of the baron was sealed. There are several versions of his execution. I was told a story that he was allegedly taken to the Ob River and shot in the back of the head, but this, by definition, could not be - the person had such political weight and was very dangerous for the newly established Soviet power. Naturally, the trial was held on the same day and he was executed at night. There are no documents left, evidence and burial places cannot be found. But, according to local historian Vadim Kapustin, and I agree with him, the baron was most likely executed here, and in the cauldron that I showed, he was burned and the ashes were destroyed so that there would be no cult worship of his like-minded people.

Old merchant's cauldron. In it, according to Oleg Viktorovich, the body of the executed Baron von Ungern was burned. Oleg Viktorovich himself did not notice anything mystical for the long 20 years of his life in the “House with a Clock”, but he is calm and even ironic about talking about ghosts - it is these tales that help instill interest in the unique building and its history.

Despite the rich history of building No. 11 on Krasny Prospekt and its importance in the history of the city, the building has not been renovated for a long time. The plaster is falling off in the entrance, the steps of the stairs are worn out in places, and those same galleries, due to unsuccessful glazing, create a greenhouse effect in the heat.

The only new thing in the house is the elevator, which looks like an alien element among the old stairs, wooden handrails and wide corridors. Oleg Viktorovich dreams of replacing it and recreating an old-style elevator in the building - with a grate and an open cabin.

— I want people to see the potential of this building with their own eyes. Some say: "This is a gray, unattractive building, some kind of barn." But this is not a barn, this is a unique building, a real gold mine for Novosibirsk. In the sense that the era of the Russian avant-garde and constructivism will always attract, and the Museum of Novosibirsk is unlikely to pull in such a direction, since there is already a large multi-directional activity collected there. But it would be possible to make a separate museum dedicated to this period, such an educational space based on the “House with a Clock,” he argues. “The building was built in such a way that now we are in one hall, there is another one above us, and another one above us. These are three unique spaces that are suitable for the creation of a museum with both areas and opportunities for exposition.

The building still retains the signs of that time

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Unusual location of apartments

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regarding current possibilities. But the group of architects, which included Gordeev, Turgenev and Nikitin (the author of the Ostankino tower), thought broadly and voluminously. They created unique structures and frameworks that did not exist at that time. In particular, a monolithic reinforced concrete frame with external and internal walls is a real revolution of that era. And also - the scale: the building was huge and made a deep impression on the townspeople, accustomed to completely different scales.

- Why did I sound the alarm? Before my very eyes, in a short period of time we have already lost five constructivist objects. We will continue to lose them if we do not do something, if there is no institution that will help preserve them, raise them and educate the youth. After all, a terrible thing happened, if even the older generation, even if they were not versed in constructivism and architects, understood the value of this architecture, then the modern generation has no understanding. For example, my father, when he was still a boy, spoke very well about his impression of this building during the war years. He said that it made a completely cosmic impression. At that time, there was a two-story merchant city around here, if you walk a quarter to Kamenka, it was Shanghai, a little beyond Factory, go - there is a private sector, a nakhalovka, where people literally lived in dugouts. Can you imagine? But this house is an autonomous space station on planet Earth. The entire social and cultural life was collected here. I understand that this memory is unprofitable for our developers, because if we talk about this phenomenon in its entirety, then the developers will look very pale compared to our predecessors. Therefore, it is probably better for them to forget, bury, roll into asphalt.

Despite the fact that the building has the status of a monument, restoration will not happen anyway

to carry out in the house not a major overhaul, which, he is sure, can harm the constructivist object, but a full-fledged reconstruction. Last month, governor Andrei Travnikov looked into the small clock tower, and this, as the historian hopes, will also help in preserving the house and creating a museum on its basis.

Read our story about how watchmaker Yevgeny Konotoptsev several years ago took up the clock from the turret on Krasny Prospekt, repaired the mechanism and now watches, perhaps, the main clock of the city.

How beautiful to equip the patio with your own hands? All stages

A country house in Russia is more than just 4 walls. This is a place for a comfortable countryside holiday. And you can have a good rest only if you use all the possibilities, including outdoor recreation, in nature. That is why competent arrangement of the patio is a must have for any country house.

Landscaping is a question that everyone who is going to build or buy a country house faces. And the comfort and good mood of all residents and vacationers in your country residence depends on how well this issue is thought out.

So, how to create a cozy and well-organized courtyard inside the site, where you could gather in the evening with family and friends for a barbecue, next to the fire bowl, sitting on elegant rattan chairs? And is it possible to do this at minimal cost, with your own hands? Let's figure it out.

Step 1: Preparation

The first step is to decide on the location of your yard, as well as its area. Usually the territory is 20-30 sq. meters is sufficient.

As for the location, it all depends on the terrain and your personal preferences. A courtyard located on a small elevation (if any) or in the corner of the site will look especially good.

Stage 2. Landscaping near the house

Arrangement of the yard starts from the site next to the house. As a rule, the area adjacent to the building is fenced off, leaving only one part of it (usually the southern one) open.

If the courtyard is adjacent to the facade of the house, then steps must be brought to it from the side of the street. They can be decorated with flowers or decorative tiles. Do not forget also that if you decide to concrete the site, then drainage pipes must be laid under it.

Before starting the paving of the site, it is necessary to carry out preparatory work - creating a cushion for the tile material. Don't forget about drainage. The drainage device is usually made as follows:

  1. To do this, a trench is dug about 10 cm deep;
  2. The bottom and sides of the resulting trench are covered with geotextile, which will protect the base from roots. To strengthen the sides, a curb tape is used;
  3. The excavated depression is filled up to the level of the soil with crushed stone, pebbles or screenings;
  4. Then tiles or stone of the desired shape are laid.

The inner space of the patio involves paving a certain part of it with tiles. The rest of the area can be landscaped. An additional attractiveness to platforms and paths in your yard will be given by a beautiful border, which at the same time prevents shedding of materials.

Step 3: Garden paths

Experts advise starting garden paths with the shape of your garden. As a rule, it is rectangular, having a ratio of 1:3 or 1:5.

This should be taken into account when planning lanes so that they are as functional as possible, that is, one lane should lead to as many focal points as possible, that is, the destinations of your route. It can be a rock garden, flower beds, gazebos and other elements.

The paths must be wide enough for a wheelbarrow to pass. In this case, there is no need to look for the shortest distances, that is, to lay direct routes. One of the best options is the main path encircling the site and several dividing the site into sectors. Naturally, the path should correspond to the route that you will take guests, showing the beauty and landscape design of your site. But they should not be made too confusing and tortuous either.

To create paths, it is absolutely not necessary to resort to the help of construction professionals, there are no secrets of skill here, you can not hire a landscape designer, but do everything on your own, that is, for free. If you use some simple tips, you can make decorative tracks yourself.

In order to create a sidewalk path with your own hands, you need to determine some aspects that will be connected before you complete your plan:

  1. with site topography;
  2. with the general style of the territory, features of architectural design;
  3. with track requirements that will take into account the highest load, operating conditions, etc. ;
  4. with the peculiarities of the local climate and soil characteristics on the site;
  5. with the necessary amount that will be needed for the arrangement of tracks.

Considering all these aspects, it will be clear what material to use, how and where to place the tracks.

How to pave?

Paths in the garden should preferably be divided according to their functional purpose. For example:

It is likely that one of the tracks should be capital, designed for the movement of motor vehicles. Accordingly, when planning what your courtyard should eventually turn into, you need to determine the location for the main road. The material used is asphalt or gravel. A more elegant solution would be decorative stone, paving slabs or geogrid.

Other walkways can be made using less solid materials. The cheapest solutions are paths made of sand, gravel or brick chips. But keep in mind that sand is prone to washing out and requires annual renewal, while crumbs and gravel are unpleasant when walking barefoot.

Stronger solutions include bricks laid flat or on edge. However, this material is quite fragile. The concrete from which the paths with the flood base are made is stronger.

For the construction of such a path, a drainage layer of sand about 5 cm thick is required. The base itself, in order to avoid ruptures, concrete is reinforced or thermal seams are arranged every 1.5 - 2 meters. Reinforcement is the best option, as it eliminates the rise of the slabs due to the spring subsidence of the soil. For reinforcement, a rod with a diameter of 5 to 8 mm or a mesh measuring 0. 5 by 2 meters is required. The reinforcement must be laid on stands, for which you can use fragments of bricks.

Stage 4. Laying the patio cover

So, the patio boundaries have been finalized, the laying material has been selected, and the top layer of turf has been removed. The area is ready for leveling.

Before you start laying any kind of covering, you should take care of the organization of a drain over the entire area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe courtyard. If your choice fell on the tile, then when laying it, observe at least a slight slope towards the gutter.

It is advisable to start laying tiles from the highest point of your site. At the same time, gutters should already be equipped and located in the lowest parts of the courtyard. They can be well camouflaged with beautiful borders or shrubs.

First, the foundation embankment is made, after which it is rammed strictly along the exposed beacons. After organizing the base, a layer of mortar is poured onto it for laying slabs in the required amount. The concrete mortar is leveled with a board, after which the tiles are laid directly. The width of the joint during laying should be about 1.2 cm. Paving slabs are also popular solutions. Thanks to the huge variety of colors and shapes, you can freely choose exactly the tile that will decorate the landscaping of your garden to the maximum. And finally, if you like the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, then you can use paving stones.

Paths and platforms made of concrete will be optimal in almost any conditions. Resistance to sudden changes in temperature and moisture, and in addition, the ability to withstand severe loads depends on proper installation. You don't have to be a construction professional to do this. It will be enough to know the basic requirements for the process of creating concrete paths, which consist of:

  1. digging a trench up to 15 cm deep for a future path and installing timber or plastic formwork;
  2. preparation of the base: compaction and placement of a sand or gravel pad;
  3. pouring concrete.

In order to avoid cracks in the canvas, some rules must be observed. So that the base does not absorb moisture from the solution, it is necessary to slightly moisten it. The poured concrete, previously covered with a tarpaulin, should be periodically moistened in places of intense exposure to the sun's rays.

The last step in the construction of the path is their decoration. If, along with functionality, you want to give the paths an aesthetic look, decorate them with your own hands in accordance with the general style of the territory.

For example, you can use paving slabs, granite slabs or artificial stone. You can also lay out a mosaic of tile fragments on concrete or frame the path from natural stones of an unusual shape and color. Also, from natural stone, you can lay out solid paths throughout the entire length of the site, which will always look harmonious in any landscape.

It is important that, in addition to their beauty, platforms and sidewalks can withstand the necessary loads and serve you for many years, thanks to their resistance to adverse environmental influences.

Step 5: Patio Fencing

Fencing is an important part of your patio, so it needs to be carefully constructed. It is important to consider that the fence should perform not only its main function, but also decorative.

A patio fence should not be built with heavy materials such as concrete slabs or bricks. Decorative fencing should be breathable and light, not monumental and impregnable. A good material for fencing a patio is a picket fence made of thin boards. In some cases, you can also use thin brushwood.

If you use wicker material when building a fence, then it is better to paint all its elements in the same color as the material itself. This way you will maintain a consistent color scheme and your fence will not look gaudy.

Don't forget the top cover of your patio to protect you from the weather. Such a shelter can be made from awnings. You can also use awnings, wooden pergolas or umbrellas. The third option is vertical gardening of the yard with the help of climbing plants. However, use all methods wisely - completely covering the entire space of the courtyard is not recommended.

Stage 6. Vertical landscaping of the garden

Vertical landscaping is a very popular technique in the design of courtyards of country houses. In landscape design, climbing plants are as common as flower beds and lawns. The main advantage of this design of the courtyard is the short time for obtaining the result and low financial costs.

The decorative qualities of climbing plants include the variety of their colors and shapes, the richness of leaves and fruits. Even in winter and early spring, before the leaves appear, such plants delight with their amazing weaves of branches.

Creepers and vines are generally divided into three types:

Clinging plants have special tendrils, thanks to which they are hooked onto a support. An example of such plants is grapes. Some grape varieties, such as Vicha or Engelmann's ampelopsis, have special suction cups with which they rise up.

Climbing plants lack special clinging organs. They travel up a nearby tree or along a support, such as a fence rail. Climbing plants include:

Climbing plants reach out and grab onto the support, constantly wrapping around it clockwise or counterclockwise. Such plants include:

The range of plants suitable for this technique of landscape design is very large today. There are both woody, and annual and perennial herbaceous plants.

Some vines are most notable for their colorful blooms. These include:

Other climbing plants are attractive when they bear fruit. Among them:

Some creepers are especially beautiful in autumn - their color becomes especially bright and amazing. Such plants include:

Certain types of climbing plants, such as aristolochia large-leaved and parthenocissus tripointed, aconitophylla vineyard, are valued mainly for a very unusual mosaic of foliage.

Some types of lianas are used as ground cover for slopes. Among them:

Climbing plants with suction cups are also widely used in vertical gardening - they often cover the walls of buildings because they do not need special reinforcements to grow. These plants are:

Vertical gardening can be useful for you not only for arranging the courtyard of a country house. In this way, you can decorate the house itself by placing pots or boxes with plants on the outer sills of windows and balconies. Green screens of climbing plants can give you coolness if your balcony is located on the sunny side. In other cases, such landscaping can play a mainly decorative role.

Special boxes are used to decorate balconies and windows with creepers. New residential buildings are already rented with similar structures built into the balcony. Wide balconies allow you to install boxes inside, otherwise it is done on the outside using special metal brackets.

There are many special growing boxes and designs on the market today. For example, there are flower boxes with a tank attached to them to drain excess water, and there are specially made pergolas for climbing plants and installation in the right place on the site.

The value of vines is due not only to their excellent decorative properties. These plants can hide building defects and disguise unsightly buildings on the site. They can also be used to isolate places for recreation, for example in the construction of small garden recreation areas, cour d'honneur, playgrounds. Also, with the help of vines, you can create the necessary shade, increase relative humidity and reduce radiation from solar UV rays.

Conclusion

So, now you already know how you can beautifully equip the patio with your own hands. All you need to do is to choose the right place for the recreation area, pave it, make a fence, lay beautiful paths to it, and make it green and bright with vertical gardening and climbing plants. We wish you a pleasant stay in your new place!


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