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| | | Whether it's simple or lavish, adding a patio expands a home's living and entertaining space into the outdoors. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Having a contractor level and prepare the area then pour a concrete slab ranges from $1,000 -$2,000 for a 10x20-feet; $4,000 -$6,000 for 80x20-feet; and $5,000 -$10,000 for 100x100-feet. Smaller projects cost more per square yard because of minimum travel, labor and equipment costs. Concrete can be plain or have added color, texture or patterns--options that move a project to the higher end of the price ranges.
- Converting a side lawn into a charming brick patio runs about $3,500 for a professional installation or $700 for do-it-yourself materials, according to HGTV.com.
- Having a bluestone or flagstone patio installed runs about $15 -$18 a square foot, or $3,000 -$3,600 for 10x20-feet, and $24,000 -$29,000 for an 80x20-foot area.
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| What should be included: | |
| Additional costs: | - Building a patio is just the beginning; furniture, plants, a barbecue, an electric outdoor heater and other accessories can add $200 -$5,000 or more to the total cost.
- Patio covers can be large outdoor umbrellas for $50; awnings for $300 -$800 or $1,000 -$2,000 for mechanized models; metal-and-canvas canopies or gazebos for $50 -$350; a wood lattice roof or gazebo for $500 -$10,000; and low-maintenance wood-patterned aluminum roofs for about $6,000 -$8,000 for a 20x20-foot area, with screening added for an additional $3,000 -$4,000.
- Decide exactly how and when the new patio will be used. Gather information about potential materials and designs and collect images of patios that appeal. ConcreteNetwork.com displays ideas for concrete patios while ThisOldHouse.com provides step-by-step photos of building a stunning native stone patio in Massachusetts
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| Shopping for a patio: | - Get several estimates, making sure what is (and isn't) in each quote; understand whether all prep and clean-up work is included. Request and check references. Ask about the contractor's length and type of experience; and be sure they're properly bonded, insured and licensed in your state. Check if there are any complaints with the Better Business Bureau.
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Article updated July 2007 |
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