Porch, deck and patio renos offer big payback when it comes to creating livable space this season.
BY DANIELLE POPE
It’s hard to think of summer in Victoria without picturing that perfect patio experience — a good book, a glass of sangria, a pair of Adirondack chairs and an expansive deck to enjoy the outdoors, right at home.
If it’s on your to-do list, now is the perfect time to finish your exterior space and enjoy Island weather through to the fall. Whether you have goals for a deck expansion, new patio or an upgrade to that wrap-around porch, Spruce searched out the best approaches, from logistics to materials and permitting, to create a structure that will remain beautiful, year round.
Esthetic priorities
“Our summers are getting nicer and longer, and we’re seeing people enjoying their outdoor spaces from May to October — having dinners outside, lounging and using it as an extra area when people come over,” says Srdjo Djurkovic, project leader with MAC Renovations.
When Djurkovic works with clients to expand their exteriors, his first question is always: What are your priorities?
“I always jump back to how you use the space and how do you want to be using it?” he says. “Maybe you cook a lot and really want a sink on the back deck for meal prep, but getting water lines out there will be an extra investment. It’s important to think about these things going in.”
MAC Renovations recently completed one reno in Cadboro Bay for a couple who wanted an expansive patio to host poker nights. An area was left open for a fire pit, while the redo created better flow by moving back the doors that opened onto the patio. The shift reclaimed about 150 square feet of deck space, and included an extended roofline to make the space usable for three full seasons.
Djurkovic says the general esthetic of the exterior is important to consider. It’s ideal to suit this modification to the existing property, rather than trying to overdo it. He’s seen some projects supersede their homes.
“It’s valuable to work with a designer who can get creative with your vision so you don’t risk having a Rolls-Royce of patios in your backyard, while your house is a Toyota,” says Djurkovic.
Material world
Because of the range in cost — from the tens to the hundreds of thousands — projects can stretch from 10 x 10 cement slabs to fully landscaped backyards with gathering areas. Materials are a top deciding factor in cost.
While wood remains a popular choice for its natural weathering and west coast charm, composite materials are becoming the premium selection on the Island, offering a plank appearance while remaining more durable, long-lasting and fade proof, so the look you install is the look you’ll have. Composite rings in at almost two and a half times the price of wood, however, and can heat up significantly — meaning sunny decks will need strategic shade if bare feet hope to hit these planks.
Vinyl is a more cost-effective material to choose, specifically for decks looking to perform double duty with undercover storage. Concrete is a typical choice when it comes to patio slabs, bringing with it promises of low maintenance and options around tile inlays or other finishings.
Finances aren’t the only factor to consider when selecting materials, however. Location is a game changer. If your deck is under a forested area, cleaning needles through wood slats can become a nightmare. South-facing sun locations should be a red flag for heat-absorbing composite, and spots exposed to heavy coastal weather would be better served by something more durable than vinyl.
Permit for success
When a new deck is on the horizon, feasibility analyses are useful before moving ahead. Hardpan, bedrock or clay substrate is required for a base. To hit load-bearing ground, builders may have to dig down anywhere from two to
12 feet.
These builds often require extensive permitting, based on the height of the deck or porch, though rebuilding on an existing footprint can sometimes sidestep this issue. Patios under 18 inches high, however, are more nuanced when it comes to bylaws and are often considered landscaping, with no permits needed. Setbacks aside, these structures can present a sturdy and attractive ground-level alternative for summer fun.
To create a permanent outdoor space with coverage, altering the roofline often makes sense. Extending an awning or adding an overhang may be necessary, but Djurkovic says it’s best to make those decisions early on in the build process, rather than retroactively — especially if the new deck or patio will have to accommodate the load.
“It comes back to what is important to you,” he says. “There are many ways to accomplish something, but if a patio umbrella isn’t going to cut it, decide that as early as you can.”
Above all, Djurkovic suggests choosing elements that reflect the reality of the climate.
“Remember, you’re dealing with the West Coast so you have to plan for rain,” he says. “Waterproofing is a real asset, but there’s also something to be said for the rustic beauty of a cedar deck. It changes as it ages, but it looks great for years to come.”