How to Build a Veranda – 5 handy hints for success

Before taking the plunge and adding a veranda to your backyard, spending time on thoughtful planning can save you dollars and years of regret. Here are our handy hints for how to build a veranda:

1. Choose the right part of your outdoor area to cover
This might seem like a no-brainer, but there’s nothing worse than an addition that looks as if it’s been tacked on as an after thought or is out of keeping with the rest of the area.

While the back of the house may be the first choice for outdoor entertaining, if you have a great view from the front this might be a better option. You might even want to consider the side of the house if it has a bit more room. Take a walk round the boundary to determine what the best place to install a veranda would be.

2. Design the veranda layout

Homes used to be built with a traditional veranda that wrapped around the house, and if you can afford it and have the space, there’s no reason why this can’t be your veranda design. However, as lots of houses have gotten bigger, most homeowners will choose a design that is restricted to a particular side of the house.

If you have the budget, getting in an expert designer is a worthwhile investment. However, if you’re going for the DIY approach, start with a sheet of graph paper and mark down your existing structures. Measure out from the wall to decide how much of the yard you’re willing to lose. Be creative and literally think outside the box for your veranda design. Consider if an ‘L’ shape will work better or consider working in curved edges to blend in with the landscaping.

3. Get the necessary veranda design approvals

As with any building project, your veranda project will need to be in line with local building regulations. You can find out more from your local council. Remember that approvals and permissions can vary from one suburb to the next so just because the neighbours know someone who built a veranda close to the boundary fence line doesn’t mean your council will allow it.

Be wary of how high your veranda design is, because this is also controlled under the regulations. Make sure you do your homework before ordering the materials.

4. Set and work with a budget

Whether the plan is to build veranda, pergola or extend your patio area, you’ll need to know how much money you’re willing to spend beforehand.

When doing your budgeting and sums, be sure take every minor little detail into account. A bag of nails may not seem like a big budget item but if you need hundreds of them and you haven’t budgeted for them, the sheets of iron and timber packs will just end up sitting in your backyard.

Do your research online and get some initial estimates for the final cost of your project so that you can effectively budget for all of the costs over the duration of the project. This way you won’t get caught short! This is also a great way to reduce the amount of trips you might need to make when buying the materials you need.

5. Choose high quality materials

When choosing your materials, you’ll want to visit local experts and talk to friends and neighbours about their experiences. Because of Australia’s unique climate and conditions, it’s a good idea so to go with a brand that has a strong and proven reputation in the local market.Stratco Outback verandas are some of the more well-known options; their complete kits are known for high quality materials, durability and great looks.

Finally, factor your long term plans into your project as well. A veranda can just be a starting point for reworking your outdoor space – you might want to add a pergola or alter the landscape in the near future.

When it comes down to it, the key to a successful home improvement project is good planning. Dedicate some time into the preparation before buying the materials or committing to a contractor.

Have you built a successful veranda for the summer, if so please let us know in the comments box below?