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Define “Gazebo”, Please…

November 11th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Image by Martin LaBar via FlickrThis was an article that caught my eye…the village fathers of Flossmoor IL (USA) are writing regulations that explicitly define a gazebo for residential zoning purposes. Seems that the popularity of gazebos among locals has spurred some to build large and rather elaborate structures that the village board considers to be far beyond their definition.

One was a 1,200-square-foot roofed structure that would be used for roller skating. Another was a $9,000, 20-foot-by-15-foot enclosed structure with marble flooring and a hot tub, requiring electrical work.

It appears the Flossmoor village board wants to curtail the construction of what they seem to consider as oversized house additions; or small independent dwellings. The original zoning regs didn’t say exactly what a gazebo was.

The board ended up approving an amendment to its zoning ordinance that defines a gazebo as not exceeding 150 square feet, not containing enclosed areas, sleeping facilities, kitchens, bathrooms or water service.

It also needs to be a free-standing, roofed, open air structure with more than four sides. The structure may be enclosed for decorative or design purposes up to four feet above floor level.

The owners of the $9000 hot tub gazebo are protesting a recent stop work order on their gazebo. They state that the gazebo has been in their yard since 2003. They started doing repairs on it this year because it was damaged by a falling tree. Seems they’ve been cited for a few code violations since starting repairs. It’s not entirely clear from this story whether the village approved the initial 2003 construction to begin with. The village mayor says no decisions have been made regarding any existing structures.

MORAL OF THE STORY: Always check and doublecheck your local zoning regulations before building or repairing any gazebo in your yard. And know that sometimes zoning regs can change; and you need to be aware of those changes before doing any extensive repairs/renovation. Lastly, make sure you and/or your builder actually comply with the local building codes while constructing your gazebo. Don’t tick off the building inspectors!

We wrote a bit about the general definition and history of gazebos a while back. Many people today are using gazebos for not just recreation, but as pool changing houses, outdoor family rooms, even home offices. Nowdays it’s not uncommon for gazebos to be wired for the addition of fans, lights, or hot tubs and spas (which require drainage and perhaps plumbing). What do you think about the town’s gazebo definition - and their decision?

Coming to Terms With Gazebos - SouthtownStar.com

Gazebos Add Shade, Distinction To Your Landscape

June 17th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

This article in the Huntington WV Herald-Dispatch nicely outlines why you might consider building a permanent gazebo.  Can it beautify your yard? Yes. Can it increase your usable living and entertaining space? Yes. Can the gazebo make your home more inviting and enjoyable? Absolutely, yes. Will it increase your home’s market value? Real estate is in such a flux these days, it’s nigh impossible to give a definite answer; but like any home improvement project, a gazebo may add to a home’s value.The number one reason why homeowners buy gazebos according to the article is to add shade to the yard. They’re a beautiful way to create cool outdoor shelter. Check the offerings from Yardiac.com, Gazebo Creations, and Willy Goat for a wide array of options in permanent gazebos, cabanas and spa enclosures. There’s something for every price point.

Gazebos Add Shade, Landscape Distinction - HeraldDispatch.com

Hot Tub Gazebos Are THE Ultimate In Relaxation

October 12th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

A hot tub gazebo is the definitive indulgence. Hot tubs have a wondrous relaxing effect on your entire body and mind. And gazebos are made for relaxation and stress relief. Talk about utopia in the backyard…!

Consider Carefully Your Hot Tub Gazebo’s Location and Requirements

Where you place your hot tub gazebo is a matter of personal choice; but is of importance. You can locate it on or near your deck for the enjoyment of family and close friends, or off in a quiet corner of your backyard for a nature escape; or, depending on your house’s layout, perhaps make it an extension of your master bedroom for complete privacy. I’ve always fantasized about having a nice large private outdoor deck off my bedroom with a gazebo on one side…but that’s my personal preference. In any case, make sure that the location you choose is large enough to install your hot tub and gazebo. Remember that you will need enough space inside the gazebo to be able to walk around the hot tub; so be sure to take your hot tub’s size and shape into account when calculating the size of the gazebo enclosure and allow clearance for walking.

Next, think about the type of hot tub you want and whether electrical power connections and proper plumbing and drainage can be provided to your hot tub gazebo in the location you choose. Power is needed to heat the water and run those soothing Jacuzzi jets. Consider when you will use the hot tub gazebo and if you want lighting in the evenings. What’s the maximum number of people who may want to use the hot tub at one time – two, three, five? Some tubs require drainage, while others don’t. Read the hot tub’s operating manual for clarity on drainage requirements. Do you want to install the hot tub to sit above ground, so that you step up to get in, or in ground so you step down into the warm waters? An in-ground hot tub installation will require excavation and likely underground plumbing and electrical lines. You can build a gazebo spa and permanently install a full scale professional hot tub. Just recognize that professional help will likely be required to ensure good drainage and proper electrical power.

Keep in mind that gazebos, spas or hot tubs can be temporarily or permanently installed. This is significant if the climate where you live won’t allow year–round enjoyment of an outdoor spa; or if finances are limited. You can choose to get a portable gazebo, and use it with a portable hot tub which may not need professional drainage as it can be filled from the outdoor tap. You will still have to account for electrical power. Read the hot tub maintenance and use instructions carefully or else you can end up flooding your gazebo and backyard. When you are done, or the season is over, you can pack it up and store it until the next time you want to enjoy your hot tub gazebo.

Lastly, check with your local zoning board and, if applicable, your homeowner’s association (HOA) to make sure your hot tub gazebo plans comply with all rules, regulations and building requirements. In some localities, having an outdoor pool or spa over a certain size or that is capable of holding so many gallons or more of water can trigger requirements for safety fencing and alarms to keep any overly curious neighborhood children out of the area. If possible, take a copy of your plans with you to the local zoning office so they have a good idea of what you want to do. Building a permanent hot tub gazebo installation, whether you do it yourself or hire a contractor, will likely require permits. You will be responsible for any necessary building permits.

Shop Wisely For Your Hot Tub and Gazebo

The best place to shop for a gazebo hot tub is in hot tub specialty stores where you can get professional advice if necessary. If you don’t know what type of hot tub you would like, visiting a local store with a large selection is best. Once you are familiar with the hot tub models and functions available, you can shop online for the best prices. There are many great hot tubs available online.

Handy do-it-yourselfers may want to consider finding gazebo plans, or using a gazebo kit, to build the hot tub enclosure. Gazebo kits come in cedar, pine or durable easy-care vinyl. Cedar wood has a wonderful scent that can enhance your stress release. Redwood, cedar and vinyl are all highly durable materials that will resist moisture from condensation. A DIY hot tub gazebo kit can be customized endlessly with screens, shutters and doors for privacy and to keep insects out; or you can plant decorative bushes and trees to screen your hot tub gazebo naturally. If you install the hot tub in ground, you can order a kit without rails or floor as in the above photo to accommodate it and enhance access. Depending on the shape of the hot tub, you might even consider a square gazebo or cabana for shelter. If you decide to install the hot tub yourself, do ensure that you comply with all local requirements and carefully follow the instructions.

If necessary, call a building professional for installation to make sure you can fully enjoy your hot tub gazebo. Insuring years of trouble free use may justify the expense.

A Gazebo Creations gazebo is the perfect place for a hot tub. You can create your own custom design using their online Gazebo Wizard. If you have questions, the staff is happy to assist you over the phone in designing the proper hot tub gazebo for your yard.

How to Build a Gazebo: With Proper Planning, You Can Do It

April 18th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

If you’re comfortable with handling tools and have the time, you can build a gazebo. You may be surprised to learn how much the market has to offer you for guidance, help and materials if you are willing to try your hand.

What You Need to Know to Build a Gazebo

First, you should do a little research. If you live in a homeowner’s association (HOA) you should confirm with them that building a gazebo is OK. Next, check with your local city or county building department.  Have your property survey handy to show the building department staff where you plan to build your gazebo. They will tell you in detail where the gazebo is allowed to be placed according to the local setback limitations; and what materials, height and size requirements, if any, need to be followed.  The building department will also tell you if any building permits will be required. Home owners are responsible for pulling all building permits.  What size gazebo you can build will depend on the size of the lot. It is preferable to research how to build a gazebo prior to buying any materials or doing construction.  You don’t want to be fined for building a gazebo that’s incapable of meeting hurricane or building code requirements.

It ’s also important to decide what your personal requirements are before you decide on an exact size and position to build a gazebo. If you plan to entertain regularly in your gazebo, you may want to place the gazebo near your kitchen and/or outdoor grill island for ease of transporting food and tableware. Entertaining large numbers of people will call for a large gazebo to enable them to mingle comfortably.  If you plan to use the gazebo for private relaxation and meditation, perhaps you want to situate it farther from your home; or locate it just off your bedroom’s deck or porch.  If you use the gazebo for a spa, you may consider having an ample amount of interior space to walk around the spa, installing screens for privacy, and ensuring that proper plumbing, drainage and electric lines are available.  Of course, the larger your gazebo, the larger the area needed to build. You may also want to consider how much sunlight the gazebo area will get during the day. If you want to maximize the amount of sun your gazebo receives, make sure you position it away from trees or other structures that could create shade.

Once you’ve measured your area, checked out the local laws and HOA agreements, determined your personal requirements, and made your final decisions, you can look at building plans for gazebos. Check your local library for books on how to build a gazebo – this is a great way to find free plans for gazebos.  Check out some of the fine books available online. Some internet sites also offer plans for free.  Don’t forget that if you don’t want to build a gazebo completely from scratch, there are many excellent gazebo kits available for sale.

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