DIY vs. Pro Built Patio: Pros and Cons to Help You Decide

June 1, 2022

Should you build your patio yourself or should you hire someone to build it? For some, the convenience and security of having a professional contractor are worth it. For others, the satisfaction of building something with their own two hands is better. Which is right for you? There are plenty of other factors to consider.  

1. Costs  

When you do the job yourself, you don’t have to pay for labour. In theory, this makes the DIY route cheaper every time. You’ll spend a weekend or two making the patio, but you’ll only have to pay for the materials.  

Of course, this is just theory. If you make mistakes, waste materials, create a patio that needs to be repaired next year or otherwise damage your property, then the DIY route can end up being more expensive. If you want to DIY, you’ll want to be careful to keep your costs under control by ensuring that the build is done right the first time.  

2. Warranties and Guarantees  

When you work with professionals you can get multiple warranties or guarantees for your patio. When pavers are professionally installed, many manufacturers offer warranties on the product. Then, the company that installed them can also offer a warranty or a guarantee on top of that for the installation. If something goes wrong, you have two recourses. If you built it yourself, you may be on your own if something goes wrong.  

3. Complexity  

Those who have chosen a simpler pattern for their patio may find that it is within their skill to install it well. That is assuming you also have a handle on the other aspects of patio installation including foundation, tamping and sealing.  

However, for those who want to create intricate, large patios and especially those who want the most professional results, trusting a team of technicians is wise. Professionals can pull off amazing patterns and if you find a mistake somewhere, then the professional will fix it.  

Interested in learning how Breakaway Landscaping can help with your patio build? Contact us today to speak to a member of our team!

4. Speed  

Have you ever started a home project that you thought would be a single day out of your weekend and instead you didn’t finish it up for a month? When installing patios isn’t your job, it makes sense that you’d be slower than the professionals, especially when you want great results. If you’re on a deadline and you want to enjoy your patio by a certain date, then it may be best to go with the professionals.  

Satisfaction  

Are you the type of person who likes to survey their yard and think “I did that?” Then it may be worth it for you to invest the time and energy in installing your patio yourself. Plus, if you have skills in a similar area, perhaps you’re a contractor or you’ve worked with pavers before, then you can be more confident that you will be proud of the results that you achieve.      

If you decide that you want professional help with your patio build, the team at Breakaway Landscaping can help. Reach out to us today, we would love to help.  

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