To clearly define your vision, you’ve got to start by considering your lifestyle needs and how you want to use the space.

So, start by asking yourself these questions: “What, exactly do I want?” Seems obvious, yet it’s easy to forget to focus and, instead, be blinded by what you’ve got – a bare, bleak, empty small or vast balcony or terrace – but this will never lead you to plan you dream outdoor oasis. “Do I want a relaxing retreat for myself or to unwind with others, a party paradise, a minimalist outdoor room, a place for your dog, or perhaps a space for a kitchen garden with herbs?”

Get yourself a notebook and jot down everything that excites you about having your own escape hatch overlooking the city… then ask the other members of your household to do the same and then combine your lists!

Collect inspiration by browsing design magazines, websites, or social media platforms like Pinterest. Create a mood board with images, materials, colors, and styles that resonate with you. Also, consider practical factors like privacy, sun exposure, and maintenance.

The clearer your vision, the easier it will be for designers and contractors to help you bring your ideas to life.

My team and I have been transforming bare balconies and terraces for well over 14 years. Yikes… has it been that long?

Anyway, one of the most common mistakes is focusing only on aesthetics while neglecting functionality.

We see it frequently where people often choose trendy designs without considering how the space will be used or maintained. Another mistake is underestimating the impact of weather conditions or not planning for seasonal changes, which can affect the choice of outdoor materials and comfort.

Additionally, many neglect the importance of setting a realistic budget and a timeline for… project approval, purchasing of materials and installation of the various components.

These oversights can lead to delays or unexpected costs.

Failing to involve professionals early in the planning stage can also result in miscommunication in your own mind with yourself and others and that can lead to costly mistakes.

To communicate effectively with designers and contractors, be as specific as possible about your vision and expectations.

Use a mood board and any sketches or diagrams to illustrate your ideas.

Don’t hesitate to express your preferences about materials, colors, and layout.

Make sure to discuss your budget and timeline early on and ask them questions to ensure they understand your goals.

It’s also helpful to ask for regular updates during the project to make sure everything is progressing according to your vision.

If you don’t have a clear idea of what you want before starting, you risk making hasty decisions that may not align with your needs or preferences.

We call this the No-Plan Trap™.

This can lead to frustration, wasted time, and unexpected costs as changes are made mid-project.

It also makes it harder for contractors and designers to provide accurate estimates or timelines.

In some cases, lack of clarity can even result in designs that don’t function well for your lifestyle, or worse, a finished project that doesn’t reflect your original vision. Ouch!

While it’s possible to change your mind during the design process, doing so may result in delays and additional costs.

Modifying design elements, materials, or layout once the project is underway can cause contractors to adjust their work, leading to interruptions in the schedule.

Depending on how extensive the changes are, you may also incur extra charges for reordering materials or revising plans.

To minimize these impacts, it's best to finalize your vision and make adjustments only when absolutely necessary.

Having a well-defined plan upfront reduces the likelihood of needing major changes down the line.