7 Considerations

When building an outdoor entertaining area

1. Purpose

Define what you want from your area, is it for shade, protection from the rain, entertaining or a personal retreat. Do you want to incorporate a BBQ or kitchen, maybe a spa. Visualise how you, your friends and family will use the area, then write down what's important to you.

Solatec solution
We want you to daydream, It's turning your vision into reality that's our specialty. When we design your outdoor space we'll ask you what you imagine for yourself and then suggest ways on how best to incorporate your ideas.

2. Design

Design aspect - Where does the weather come from? Where do you need to have the protective elements of the structure? Where is the sun so that you get the required shade or sunlight during both winter and summer. You need to know these things so that you'll be able to get full practical use of your patio or pergola, even though the weather may be against you.

Solatec solution
Our design will take into consideration the location of your outdoor area in relation to prevailing weather so you will have an area that gives you the maximum amount of enjoyment no matter what the weather.

Design aesthetics - Your area should be designed taking into consideration existing architectural styles and the environment. A professional designer is able to produce a unique design that will compliment your property.

Solatec solution
Every outdoor living area built by Solatec is individually designed to best compliment the property that it is built on. Giving consideration as to link the garden and the house with your outdoor living area.

3. Materials

Everything looks the same under a good coat of paint but timbers of different grades are available. Unless you intend having a 'budget' construction always insist on using the best grade of timber available. Anything less means you are risking early deterioration of your investment.

Solatec solution
Solatec design your outdoor area using grades of timber, paint and other materials with specifications that will ensure a solid, well protected structure that will last for years to come. In fact, there are substantial guarantees on all materials used by Solatec, just ask us for details.

4. Roofing

Will it be covered or open roof? Do you want maximum light or reduced light and heat transmission? What type of covering should you use? Should it be translucent, clear or opaque?

Solatec solution
We carry a wide range of quality products to suit all requirements. For example: you may want to use a roofing material that filters light and reduces harmful UV rays and reflects approximately two thirds of the sun's heat or perhaps you might prefer our solar battens that allow warmth in winter while providing cool shade in summer.

5. Workmanship

There are many different ways to erect pergolas and other structures, some are quicker than others. The strength of your structure is enhanced by the use of better joining techniques, some of of which may take a little longer to erect.

Solatec solution
Our tradesmen are licensed carpenters who know and use the joins and construction techniques that are the strongest and best suited for the job at hand. A Solatec structure is designed and engineered, it's built to last.

6. Council & Statutory approvals

Most additions to homes require local council and often other statutory approval. This normally requires submitting a plan to the council or appropriate authority with an application for planning and building development. Restrictions apply on things such as how high you can build, how far from an adjoining property or fence line and more importantly, how much floor space is being covered along with a myriad of other issues.

Because restrictions vary from council to council, it is important that you find out from your local council, or Solatec, what requirements will apply to you. Building without Council approval is not recommended. Firstly, you stand the risk of being asked to pull the structure down and secondly if you decide to sell your home there may be problem with insurances and warranties, possibly reducing the value of your sale.

Solatec solution
We design taking into consideration your local council requirements and obtain approvals for you.

7. Budget

How much is an outdoor living area? It's a pretty tough question. What you really want top do is create the best possible living area you can in the space available. Without an upper limit to a budget a designer would say "What do you you want to use the area for" and then go wild.

In practice most of us have a limit to what we are able to spend. So the question becomes "How do we get the best possible outdoor living area built within the space available and within our budget?".

Solatec solution
We ask you what you want the area for, what your budget is and then we design the best possible area to suit your budget and your requirements. You will be impressed by what we can achieve.