If you’re considering adding a patio to your backyard in Perth, you’ve probably wondered whether you should tackle the project yourself or hire a professional. Both options come with advantages and challenges, and making the right choice depends on several factors, including budget, experience, time, and the difficulty of the design. 

At One Stop Patio Shop, we specialise in providing high-quality patios and helping homeowners make informed decisions about their outdoor spaces. In this blog, we’ll compare DIY vs. professional patio installation, outlining the key things you need to know to ensure your patio is built to last.

What to Consider Before Making a Decision

Before deciding whether to take the DIY route or hire a professional, there are some key factors to keep in mind:

• Budget: The total cost of a project should be considered. It may be higher than expected if you don’t have the right tools or need to correct mistakes. Professionals often have fixed prices or finance options. 
• Time: Installing a patio requires significant time and effort. 
• Skills and Experience: Installing a patio involves several steps, and you may face difficulties if you don’t have the necessary skills or experience. While basic patios can be manageable, intricate designs or challenging installations may require more expertise.

The DIY Approach

Here are some of the advantages and challenges of a DIY approach:

• Cost Savings: The most obvious advantage of going the DIY route is the potential to save money on labour costs. You only pay for materials, which can be budget-friendly, especially for simple patio designs.
• Personal Satisfaction: Completing a patio gives you a sense of accomplishment and pride in your work. It’s a great way to personalise your space and add a touch of your style to your backyard.
• Control Over the Design: With DIY installation, you have complete control over the design, layout, and materials. This allows you to create a patio that perfectly matches your vision.
• Flexible Timeline: DIY gives you flexibility if you prefer to work on weekends or at your own convenience. You can take your time and work at your own pace, which may be ideal if you have a busy schedule.
• Limited Expertise: Without prior experience, installing a patio can be a big challenge. You might face issues down the road if you’re unfamiliar with proper site preparation, drainage solutions, or the right techniques for laying pavers or constructing a deck.
• Hidden Costs: What starts as a budget-friendly project can quickly become expensive if you need to purchase tools, equipment, or materials due to mistakes made during installation. You might also need to buy additional supplies if you don’t have the proper knowledge or experience to anticipate your needs.
• Time and Effort: DIY projects often take longer than expected. Patio installation involves detailed work, and the process could be more time-consuming than you planned if you don’t have the right tools or experience.
• Quality and Durability: Without professional expertise, there’s a risk of compromising the quality of your patio. A poorly installed patio may face issues like uneven surfaces, water pooling, or cracks that develop over time.

Hiring a Professional

Here are some of the advantages and challenges of hiring a professional:

• Expertise and Experience: Professional patio installers have the knowledge and skills to ensure your patio is built correctly, from proper site preparation to choosing materials. We’re trained to handle all aspects of the installation, ensuring that your patio is built to last. However, if there are any issues, our 12-month workmanship guarantee covers you for any problems that may occur post-installation. 
• Faster Completion Time: Professionals can complete your patio project quickly and efficiently. What might take a DIYer several weekends could be finished in a few days, minimising disruption to your outdoor space.
• Quality Materials and Design Recommendations: Patio experts can access high-quality materials such as Colorbond or Solarspan roofing. We can provide expert advice on what will work best for your space, ensuring your patio is beautiful and functional.
• Long-Term Value: A professionally installed patio can add significant value to your home. Not only will it look great, but it will also be built to last, saving you from costly repairs or replacements in the future.
• Peace of Mind: With professionals handling your patio installation, you can relax knowing that the job is being done right. We have a Shire Approval Officer who will prepare your permit, submit it to the council with engineered specifications, and obtain approval from the Water Corporation. 
• Higher Initial Costs: Due to labour fees, professional installation comes with a higher upfront cost. 
• Limited Control Over the Process: When hiring a professional, you rely on their expertise and schedule. While they’ll work with you on the design, you might have less control over the exact process or timeline than doing it yourself.
• Potential for Miscommunication: If you’re unclear on your vision, there may be a gap between what you want and what the professional provides.  It’s important to communicate your expectations and needs clearly from the start. Then you will be a happy customer, like our customer Tony Conroy- “ Everything was undertaken as agreed. The installer used by One Stop was terrific, very friendly, and open with all information.”

Which Is Right for You?

Ultimately, the decision to go DIY or hire a professional for your patio installation depends on your specific needs, skills, and budget. 

DIY Installation might be ideal if you have basic construction or landscaping skills and enjoy hands-on projects. It will also allow more freedom if you want to personalise your patio. You’ll also need to be willing to work with a tight budget and to put in the time and effort.

Professional installation might be the right choice if you want assurance that you’ll get a high-quality, durable patio that will stand the test of time. It’s also a good choice if you prefer to avoid the hassle of doing it yourself and need expert advice on materials and layout.

Conclusion

At One Stop Patio Shop, we understand that deciding between DIY and professional patio installation is a big decision. Whether you’re building a simple flat patio or a custom-designed outdoor oasis, we’re here to help you with all your patio needs.

If you’d like to explore our range of patios, get expert advice, or schedule a consultation with our team of professionals, contact us today.