A gazebo enjoys a wide-ranging definition, essentially working as any structure that is separate from the main house on the property.
In that respect, a gazebo will come in all manners of sizes, styles, colours and designs where the architecture can take on whatever is complimentary to the surrounding area.
It is therefore paramount that the creation of a gazebo be installed by a trained and educated professional.
Homeowners have a habit of venturing down the DIY path, yet it is strongly advised that a builder take over construction duties to ensure that the project does not fall into short-term or long-term problems that would have otherwise been easily avoided.
Permits
Residents in rural and suburban areas often overlook the need to check for permits, seeing council regulations as nothing more than unnecessary red tape.
Despite the advice that you may have received from a friend or neighbour, it is always in your best interests to have a builder on hand who knows the local area and has dealt with the development of similar structures in the region before.
Planning permits can be needed to ensure a gazebo does not go beyond certain boundaries and building permits check the necessary Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards are maintained. A professional builder should have this expertise as a matter of course, whereas DIY operators can fall foul of the law.
Functionality
Most gazebos can be broken down into three categories:
- Metal – heavy construction for long-term use
- Timber – compliment the garden best by blending into the natural landscape
- Vinyl – can be erected and taken down when necessary
There is no real limit to what characteristic a gazebo can take on. From old style Victorian to new age double-decker artisanal designs, these ornamental features work to provide an indoor safety for an outdoor setting by offering the requisite shade and shelter from natural conditions.
Those new to their surrounds though can be naïve to the environment when rushing into a project like this, overlooking where the sun hits in the morning or afternoon, whether large trees are at risk of collapsing on the structure, if electricity is running between the gazebo and a power source etc.
All of these issues fall under the banner of functionality and a builder will be able to advise on placement and features that compliment the garden correctly.
Cost
This all boils down to what the gazebo is, determining the type and amount of materials used to ratifying permits and additional costs that would arise during construction.
While the hiring of a builder does not come for free, what you are purchasing is efficiency in their expertise. In the event of a DIY development, a wrong decision or an oversight here or there can cost thousands of dollars that would have been negated.
A standard gazebo will usually cost in the region of $5,000 – $10,000 for those expecting a structure that can be multipurpose or specific to one type of event, such as:
- Wedding
- Family gathering
- Outdoor entertainment
- Lounge room
- Exercise/yoga
- Artist’s office
- Barbeque
- Bar
- Music
- Parties
Any of these will carry unique requirements with additional costs. A trusted builder will have the knowledge of implementing a structure that only includes those that are deemed necessary without overinflating.
Materials
Whether it be a pergola, kiosk or pavilion, your gazebo will need to tick a number of crucial boxes that determines the materials used. This includes ventilation for warm and cool air, shade, glass and potential drainage.
The builder will take into account the surrounding geography and then make an assessment on the materials for the roof and flooring. The top might need to be constructed of lattice to allow for airflow, polycarbonate to block out strong UV rays or steel to eliminate maintenance concerns.
So get online and find yourself a great local gazebo builder!