Blogs - CPR Outdoor Centre

How to make your patio appear larger?

Do you have a small patio space?

Worried that your patio would look too small, that it will create an uninviting feel towards your guests or even yourself? Your patio, no matter what its size, deserves your attention. With the right tools and proper planning, you can get the most out of your space!

Small patio – no problem!

The idea of having a patio is to create an outdoor space where you can enjoy and relax. It can be small or large – it doesn’t matter at all. However, if you feel that having a larger patio can make your outdoor space more livable, here are a few tricks you could try:

Avoid using glaring colours
Keep your fences low
Create an illusion of bigger space
Use Mirrors

Avoid using glaring colours

You might want to incorporate colours into your patio. A couple of bright rugs and warm tone furniture may look great, but it can make your patio appear smaller. If your patio is small, try using neutral or light coloured items. It can make your patio look less cluttered and more organised.

Keep your fences low

This will carry the eye beyond the property line – creating an illusion that your patio looks larger than it is.Are you worried about your security with a low fence? No worries, you can always install patio lighting to ward off any unwanted guests at your home at night.

Create an illusion of bigger space

You can’t extend your patio anymore, so the solution to make it bigger is to create an illusion of it. You can leave the door open to create an unconfined feeling. Create variety with new levels, raised planters and steps that can lead the eyes upward. It can increase the illusion of space, therefore making your patio appear larger.

Use mirrors

Use mirrors to bring in the borrowed landscape from further down your garden, the neighbouring areas of repeat your own patio area. By removing the exact edges your patio will look and feel larger.

How to make your patio appear larger?

Your patio can be a great space to relax and enjoy with family and friends, no matter what the size. Small can be cosy and intimate. If you need to upgrade or are still not happy with your current patio, contact CPR Outdoor Centre for all your patio needs. We offer installation services that include patios, garages and carports. Ring us today for a free quote. Call our Bunbury office on 9726 2311 or phone Busselton on 9754 2657 and speak to the professionals.

Important questions to ask before you install a garage

Garages built by CPR Outdoor Centre Do you need to build a garage? It is important that you know what you want in a garage.

Will it house 1 or more car?
Where will you put it?
How big will it be?

When it comes to garage installation, planning is the key. It can save you a lot of your time, money and effort. A properly designed garage makes all the difference, so you need to plan carefully.

Get it right the first time

When planned and done correctly, you can maximise the use of your garage. You don’t have to go through the process and then be worried about the quality of your garage. Before you start installing or even choosing a garage design, ask yourself a few important questions that include the following:

Why are you building a garage?

Do you really just want to store cars inside or are you looking for a space to store some of your prized possessions? When deciding, remember to think about your lifestyle. Do you exercise? Your garage might just be a good place to do your workouts. This way, you can find a garage design and utilise it the way you want it.

How big your garage does needs to be?

If you think that your garage will not be just a place for your cars and other vehicles, perhaps you can consider building a larger garage? Do you need a small workshop or area for your man cave?

When your garage is installed, you don’t have to do any more repairs or upgrade in the near future. A larger sized garage makes a world of difference!

What is your budget and how much will it cost you?

When building a garage, think about the cost and how much you are willing to spend. Pricing will vary and there are many factors to consider when installing a garage. Make sure you receive the right price for the job at hand and contact a professional garage builder for an estimation.

Important questions to ask before you install a garage

When you need specialist advice to install your garage, contact CPR Outdoor Centre. We are your patio people in Bunbury, Busselton and the surrounding area plus we build sheds and garages. We will provide an obligation free onsite quote. Ring us today to discuss your needs.

Contact CPR Outdoor Centre for all your garage needs.

Will I Need A Building Permit for A Storage Shed?

Choosing to have a storage shed built is a great decision to be made and you need to make sure you have the correct approvals and permits from the relevant shire or council in your area. When it comes to council approvals there could be a restrictions on size and location of where your shed can be built, depending on the area you live in.

Please check with your relevant authority or your shed builder before proceeding, building without the correct permits could be heart breaking when you are made to remove it later.

Reasons for Permit Approvals

Electricity & Gas
Business Use
Local Codes
Size and Height
Covenants

Electricity & Gas

If your shed is going to need wiring for electricity or fittings for gas installations you will need to source permits for your shed.

Business Use

Using the shed for conducting a business or living area is classified in a zoning area and will require to be inspected and permitted through for council approval.

Local Codes

Depending on how close a shed will be built to fences, trees, properties or other buildings may require approval and zoning and there may not allow for extensions from homes and buildings.

Size, Height and Foundations

When building a shed there could be height and size restrictions and with this the right shed foundation needs to be sorted before the build is going to commence. Drainage of the shed needs to be allowed to minimise water or moisture collecting into the shed space.

Covenants

Certain areas could have restrictions on outdoor buildings of sheds, best to source and community rules prior to purchasing your shed.

Build your shed right the first time

When knowledge and expertise is what you are after when it comes to supplying and installing your shed contact the team at CPR Outdoor Centre. Permits, engineer drawings and all other paper work can be sorted for you for the appropriate places. For a free quote, contact CPR Outdoor Centre Bunbury on 9726 2311 or CPR Outdoor Centre Busselton on 9754 2657.

Should you go for a DIY Patio Kit?

flat patio When you are about to start a home improvement or renovation project, you are always faced with the question of whether you should do the project yourself or hire a professional.

DIY Kit or Not?

Today most building projects can be DIY, which means you can start from scratch yourself and not have to worry about the installation fees. However, is a DIY kit right for you or should you hire a professional? There is no definite answer to this question.

Why? This is because the answer depends on your capability. If you are handy and understand the fundamentals of building and you have access to construction tools, go for it. You can build your own patio, after all, DIY patio kits are designed for DIY people – you should be able to handle it easily.

Go DIY or Not?

When considering a DIY project there are a few important factors you must remember:

Do you have the time?
Do you have the skills?
Do you have mates that can help?

Do You Have The Time?

Remember DIY projects take longer because you have to do everything yourself, from getting the building approval to ordering the concrete and picking up the DIY kit.

Then there is the actual building or your new patio which will try up all your weekends or use up your holidays.

Do You Have The Skills?

Near enough is not good enough because you have to build your new patio to the council regulations, your patio will be inspected to finish your building permit.

DIY patios take longer to build and in some parts of the building process you may need help to maneuver the large sections.

Do You Have Mates That Can Help?

Do you have suitably skilled mates that can help you lift the large sheets of roofing into place?

If you answered yes to the above questions then a DIY kits for your new patio might be for you.

If not then consider ordering a completely installed patio where everything is done for you.

What About Hiring a Pro?

Should you choose to hire a professional builder to erect your patio, go for it! A professional patio builder will do a better and faster job than you can. This isn’t about who’s better and who’s not, but a professional has been trained and will have their skills down pat.

An experienced patio builder is your best bet if you want the project to get finished in a short span of time. If you go with the fully installed option then your patio installer will do everything for you from creating the perfect design to building approval, organizing the concrete or decking right through to the final inspection.

DIY or Fully Installed

Whichever way you choose to go for your new patio CPR Outdoor are the people to see. CPR Outdoor Centre supply DIY kits cut to size ready to install as well as full installation options.

For your patio needs, contact CPR Outdoor Centre Bunbury at 08 9726 2311 or
our Busselton office at 08 9754 2657. We are your professional patio builders and provide free onsite quotes, call and discuss your needs today.

Reasons to Install A Carport on Your Property

A carport is a fantastic investment for your home and offers great protection. Having a carport built doesn’t just need to be for your car, they’re range of options you can use a carport for is only the length of the imagination, boats, caravans, extra space to party and more. Depending on your budget or the requirements that you need the space for will dictate your requirements. You don’t have to compromise on the quality when dealing with professional suppliers who will help your work out the right carport space and dimensions. Having a carport build will add value to your home and may even make it easier to sell in the future.

Why A Carport Has So Many Benefits

Protection
Versatility
Weather Protection

Protection

Offers protection for cars, caravans, boats and other things. Carports can provide an open area around the side of your home which gives protection from the sun and wet weather another big plus.

Versatility

A carport can be changed to a variety of different options, you can enclose the space or keep it open giving adequate ventilation, use the shading areas for garden protection. Use it as an extra entertainment space with a pool table or table tennis or occasion party area.

Weather Protection

When you have vehicles, caravans, boats or other large items that get subjected to the weather elements, it is definitely a beneficial choice to have a covering built to protect from the heat or wild weather that will beat down on them.

Who Can Supply and Install A Carport for Me?

CPR Outdoor Centre with council, water and any other permits needed. Exclusively using the BlueScope steel and COLORBOND® products you know you have a fantastic product. Contact CPR Outdoor Centre at Bunbury on 9726 2311 or CPR Outdoor Centre Busselton 9754 2657.

Do You Need to Insulate A Shed?

Your backyard shed can be a storage solution for many things or an added extension to the family home so depending on what is being stored having some added protection added to your shed could be very beneficial especially if the shed space is used for entertainment value.

Insulation can be great for a sound barrier and helping with the temperatures of the outside this can all make the inside environment that little bit more comfortable. If an insulated shed is something of interest it is best to set a plan on what you would like to store in the shed as well as the use for the space which could determine exactly how much insulation to go with.

Areas for Insulation

Roofing
Flooring
Doors and Windows
Walls

Roofing

Insulation in roofing needs adequate ventilation space, especially in a shed that has heating, as condensation can form with the temperature changes, causing rusting or mould growth. Having a gap above insulation will allow air flow during the moisture exchange.

Flooring

If the shed is not directly flat on the ground surface, insulation could be fixed to the underneath, otherwise insulation from the inside is just as good. Giving a vapour or air barrier will have an added protection.

Doors and Windows

Having a door insulated on the shed could involve reinforcing with extra frame work, depending on the design. As the door is a main entry point and gets used the most so having the right structure is important. When it comes to the windows an option could be having double pane windows installed or covering the area with insulated plastic.

Walls

Common type of wall insulation is the use of an air barrier which keeps the air outside and the warmth or cooling temperatures inside. Another option would be pink bats installed in between studded walls or foam boarding, although this option could be tempting to animals if livestock are housed in there.

Would Like to Look at Some Options for A Shed?

CPR Outdoor Centre can supply, install your shed with all Council and Water Corporation approvals. The use of BlueScope Steel and the Colorbond range will give you the shed you are looking for.

Contact CPR Outdoor Centre at Bunbury on 9726 2311 or CPR Outdoor Centre Busselton on 9754 2657.

Who Can Assist Me With My Patio Questions?

Flat - Raised Flat Are you looking to install a patio at your place but have a few questions before you make a decision? Do you know the basics but need to be better informed before deciding whether a patio is for you? Australians love to entertain outdoors and summer time is the perfect motivator for kicking up the outdoor renovations, but being informed is important when it comes to many aspects of patio design and installation.

CPR Outdoor Bunbury and CPR Outdoor Busselton have years of experience designing, manufacturing and installing patios in the South West and can assist with any enquiry regarding this process. They boast a skilled trade team and extensive expertise in the field and can help you find the right patio for your unique needs.

Some things to consider when starting the patio process include:

How Big Can I Go?
Shire Approval
Location

How Big Can I Go?

The size of your patio is not only limited by your imagination, the size of your block and existing space to install it. You may find that your local shire or estate building regulations may have restrictions on patio sizes and whether they need to be attached to your existing home, as well as stipulations from your insurance company as to the structural integrity, materials to be used and impact on your existing home. Before you start designing and dreaming of a Taj Mahal patio for your place, it’s best to check with a professional.

Shire Approval

Generally speaking, any structure attached to a dwelling or any free-standing structure that is 10sqm and over requires local council approval as well as complying with clearance from fences and boundaries. CPR Outdoor Bunbury and CPR Outdoor Busselton take care of all shire approvals and paperwork with all fully supplied and installed patios purchased.

Location

Beth Fields - Ext Flat & Gable Unfortunately, you cannot simply erect a patio wherever you would like it on your property. Fence lines, frontages and boundaries need to be cleared for consideration of neighbours as well as safety reasons and for cost effective installation. Gutters and downpipes also need to be installed in specific locations to aid in efficient water runoff and drainage.

Who Can Assist Me With My Patio Questions?

CPR Outdoor Bunbury and CPR Outdoor Busselton are your experts in the patio installation industry. Their years of servicing the South West ensure you get accurate information and knowledge when it comes to installing a patio in your area. Call the team on 9726 2311 Bunbury or 9754 2657 Busselton today for a free quote and friendly advice.

Is A Building Permit Required for a Carport?

If you have a vehicle, caravan or other possessions that require protection, consider investing in a carport. This will offer coverage from the elements similar to a garage and with the right design you may even be able to store items of gardening tools or some outdoor equipment for storage space.

Building Permits are required for constructions of a carport and a professional builder will be able to ensure that your carport meets the needs of the government guidelines and laws to avoid legal problems in the future. Abiding by the neighbouring rules also need to be taken into consideration as this could have issues before the construction has taken place.

What to Keep in Mind when Building a Carport?

Structure and Design
Building Regulations
Location

Structure and Design

Set yourself a plan for what the purpose of your carport is going to be used for. This will give you an idea of what size you will need too. If you are wanting to use this space for some storage space too this can add to the design. The pitch of the roof on the carport will illuminate leaves and twigs and other debris that may fall and settle on the roof giving easier cleaning for guttering.

Building Regulations

Whenever new structures are wanting to get built onto a home or on the property it is always best to find out what the building regulations are, and any permits required. This will ensure there is no disappoint on how the construction needs to take place.

Location

Looking at the space that you require for your carport or what items you would like to have stored will give you a good idea on how it will all work. Is the ground area flat or does it need to be levelled? Footings and drainage is another area that should be considered.

When you would like the construction of a Carport

The team at CPR Outdoor Centre have a range of choices to choose from and will keep you informed through each stage. Contact the office today at Bunbury 9726 2311 or Busselton 9754 2657.

How Much Does It Cost for A Man Cave?

A man cave is quite a generic name for that extra getaway from the home. Depending on the purpose for the “Man Cave” it is a good idea to make a general plan of what items you would like setup in the cave and or the purpose of using the cave. Would the space be for a bar games area, theatre room, kids toy room area or generally another purpose, half games room/storage room.

A “man cave” is to the imagination of the individual, so there is no wrong or right to how you decorate the space.

Choosing the right shed for your “Man Cave”

Placement of the Shed
Blending to Housing Features
Budget
Foundations

Placement of the Shed

Where your shed is placed will depend on the size of the backyard space. Your local council or shire may also have regulations on what size, place and construction your shed can be. Access areas to the shed too play an important role as do a door, windows and toilets facilities, especially if the shed is a fair distance from the home itself. Any plumbing works also need to be taken into consideration.

Blending to Housing Features

If the shed is an additional feature to your backyard space you would like it to blend in with other structures as closely as possible. If you are building on a larger block or acreage this will not be as important.

Budget

Size does make a difference to the cost and when adding other items to your shed space such as shelving, furniture and the likes this will all add up. Setup a budget to follow to help keep things on track.

Foundations

Where you might be placing your shed could need extra support, sand for fill or leveling especially if you are building on a slope. Consideration needs to be taken into account if your man cave is going to double as a workshop, will you need reinforced concrete too?

When you want that extra space for your “Man Cave”

CPR Outdoor Centre have a great range of colours and styles for your “Man Cave”, lots of shed options for you to choose from. Contact the team at CPR Outdoor Centre Bunbury on 9726 2311 or Busselton on 9754 2657.

How to Windproof a Patio Space

As some patios are built as an extension to your home depending on what side of the house they are attached to, you might need to have added protection from the sun and wind at certain times of the day. Giving your patio some protection will make your patio space more enjoyable and this means you can spend more time enjoying your patio area.

There are quite a few options you can go with for wind proofing and this can also add extra appeal to the space too. If you are into DIY options, there are products on the market that can be cost effective but may not suit the style or fit to your patio so measuring the area is a good idea.

Options for Wind proofing

Plant Lattices or Large Pots
Canvas Awnings
PVC Blinds
Fixed Screens
Bamboo, Wood or Metal Panels

Plant Lattices or Large Pots

An economical way to offer some protection is grow vines or certain creeper plants on latticework. This makes for a lovely shaded area and if fragrant flowers are part of the plant the perfume will waft throughout your patio space. Large pots with palms give a great look and make a good decoration piece for tropical themes.

Canvas Awnings

Extremely tough and durable material, canvas awnings can be a great barrier from a windy patio area, costs and designs will vary.

PVC Blinds

Blinds can be installed professionally or often available as DIY to instal yourself. Clear PVC blinds till allows the view to be kept and can come with zips to connect the blinds to block out the weather elements completely.

Fixed Glass Screens

Great for a modern look, permanent structure and complete wind proofing that won’t affect your view.

Bamboo, Wood and Metal Panels

Panel or slats made from bamboo or wood are another way to provide protection from the elements and offers a great decoration piece under patio space.

Looking for A Great Patio Space?

When it comes to Patios, CPR Outdoor Centre will have the right patio for you. CPR Outdoor Centre can supply and install your new patio for you plus handle all the paperwork, make the whole process easy for you. Contact at
CPR Outdoor Centre Bunbury 9726 2311 or Busselton 9754 2657.