Hardscaping, News & Updates
Outdoor Patio in Overland Park: To DIY or Not to DIY
To DIY or not to DIY; that is the question, isn’t it? Avoiding the costs of hiring a hardscaper is tempting. And the idea of strangers working outside of your home doesn’t sound ideal, but will skipping out on expertise be worth it? That’s what the experts at GD Services are here to discuss. We’ll fill you in on the best plan for building your outdoor patio in Overland Park.
Sourcing Quality Materials
Using high-quality materials and first-rate tools is key to achieving a good-looking, durable hardscape. Building a patio yourself means finding and purchasing these construction materials on your own. From excavation equipment to patio pavers, this can be a daunting task.
To make it more challenging, manufacturers only make certain products available to the general public. The pavers and stones you can purchase are often a lesser grade of quality than what is available to professional contractors. So, as a DIY-er, you start at a disadvantage.
Example of poor workmanship we’ve seen as a result of non-professionals building their own structure.
Building Reliable Structures
When you’re doing it yourself, you’ll find yourself incentivized to cut corners. Laying an 8-inch gravel base? Waiting on rainy weather? These are tough choices to make that often have you choosing between cheap and fast or expensive and slow. If you’re likely to choose the former, your build might come out wonky.
We often see DIY projects that look great at first but deteriorate within the year. Even if you’re not one to take shortcuts, you might not always know when you’re taking them. The experience a specialized hardscaper has is an education in procedure. It will teach you when a shortcut is smart and, more importantly, when it’s not.
Addressing Safety Concerns
If durability isn’t your priority, DIY might be right up your alley. But one concern remains: safety. Uneven pavers, sinking patios, and fallen retaining walls create a number of threats to you and your family. For instance, using wood as the structure of your outdoor kitchen can be economical and easy, but it creates a major fire hazard.
Get in Touch With GD Services About Your Outdoor Patio in Overland Park
When it comes to hardscaping, doing it yourself is overrated. Experience and education should not be underestimated, especially when building an environment your loved ones will use. To learn how to hire the right expert, check out our recent blog, Hardscape in Leadwood: Red Flags to Watch for When Hiring.
Or get started right away, and get in touch with us using the button below.