Adding a pergola to your Brisbane home can be an exciting time. There’s the promise of the enhanced outdoor space, relaxation and entertainment opportunities, and added value to your home. However, it’s easy enough to make mistakes that could end up costing you time and money.
In this blog, we’ll look at the common mistakes homeowners make when adding a Brisbane pergola. Most importantly, if you’re planning a pergola for your home, we’ll let you know how to avoid these mistakes.
6 mistakes homeowners make when adding a Brisbane pergola
1. Pergola size
Perhaps the most common mistake people make is not accurately assessing the size of the pergola they need. A pergola that’s too small can limit the number of people you can fit, as well as furniture and other items. It can make your new outdoor space feel cramped. Conversely, a patio that is too large can overwhelm your yard and isn’t a good use of space or money.
Avoid this mistake by considering how you want to use your Brisbane pergola. If it’s for family relaxation, a smaller pergola may suffice. If you want to entertain, you’ll likely need a bigger space. Also, make sure you consider the furniture, barbecue and other items you want to include. In addition, measure your allocated area carefully and take into consideration the scale of your home and backyard. A well-proportioned pergola will not only look better but also function better.
2. Ignoring local regulations
In Brisbane there are local regulations and council approvals that may apply when adding a new structure, such as a pergola, to your home. Ignoring these can lead to costly fines or being required to remove the pergola altogether.
Before beginning any construction, check with your local council about permits, building codes and any restrictions specific to your area. This is particularly important for attached pergolas or those near boundaries, as different rules may apply.
3. Choosing the wrong design
One mistake many people make is selecting a design that clashes with their home’s architecture. For example, adding a modern pergola to a traditional-style home can look disjointed.
A well-designed pergola should complement the style of your home and enhance the overall aesthetic of your outdoor area. Make sure you select a design that harmonises with your existing home. Whether your Brisbane house is contemporary or classic, there are pergola styles that will suit it.
4. Neglecting shade and protection
An uncovered timber deck or paved area looks inviting on a nice day, but when it’s raining or the sun is beating down it’s downright uncomfortable. One of the key purposes of most pergolas is to provide shade and protection from the elements, yet many people overlook this aspect.
To avoid this mistake, add roofing material to your Brisbane pergola to provide protection from the sun and rain. If you’d like to have an uncovered area as well, you could partly roof your pergola or choose an extendable awning or retractable roofing system that allows you to control the elements.
5. Poor pergola placement
Where you position your pergola in your yard is crucial for maximising functionality. Placing a pergola too far from your home, in a spot that gets too much sun or wind, or in an area where you have reduced privacy are common mistakes.
Think carefully about how you’ll use the space. If it’s intended for dining or entertaining, placing the pergola closer to the house for easier access to the kitchen is a smart choice. Also consider wind and sun exposure, as well as how the structure will interact with your neighbours and people passing by on the street.
6. Using the wrong Brisbane pergola builder
Some homeowners choose their pergola builder because they are a friend of a friend. Others choose the first builder that pops up in a Google search of ‘pergola builders near me’.
Avoid this mistake by choosing a Brisbane pergola builder based on careful research. Look for one with the expertise and experience to do the job well, a commitment to customer satisfaction, one who offers customised designs, who only provides quality materials and workmanship, and has the local knowledge to understand Brisbane’s weather and council regulations.
Building the perfect pergola for you
Avoiding these common mistakes can ensure that your new pergola not only looks great and is highly functional, but also stands the test of time, enhancing your Brisbane home for years to come.
Working with an experienced pergola builder like Outside Concepts can help you navigate the entire process and prevent costly mistakes. From planning, design and construction, Outside Concepts can help you to add a pergola that will enhance your lifestyle and outdoor space.
Note: If you live in the northern parts of Brisbane, the person to contact is Martin Harris from our North Brisbane Branch.
Concept to clean up. Call Outside Concepts for a free quote on 1800 601 674.
Avoid these common mistakes when designing and building a new pergola for your Brisbane home.
