Plainsboro is different from most of Middlesex County. Much of it was built from the 1970s onward as planned communities, with apartments, townhomes and condos clustered around open space, and single family neighborhoods filled in later. The land is mostly flat and green. A large share of homes are governed by homeowner or condominium associations, which shapes what you can build and how it gets approved.
Working with your association
Before any exterior project, most Plainsboro homeowners need sign off from their association. The process usually goes like this:
- we visit, measure and talk about what you want
- we prepare a sketch with dimensions, materials and colors
- you submit it to the association for review
- once approved, we confirm township permit needs and schedule
We are used to designing within guidelines on size, material and color, so the plan you submit is realistic from the start.
Patios that make the most of a small yard
Townhome yards are often a fenced square behind the slider with a small concrete pad. Replacing that pad with a paver patio that fills the space, or linking two seating areas with stepping stones in gravel, can double the usable area. On single family lots, we build larger patios and walkways that connect the driveway, side gate and back door.
Flat land and drainage
On very flat ground, a patio has to be pitched away from the house on purpose, or water will puddle at the slider. We also watch where neighboring downspouts discharge in attached housing, since one unit’s runoff can end up on the next unit’s patio.
Steps and concrete repair
Builder grade concrete stoops and walks from the original construction may be cracking or scaling. If a slab is still solid, resurfacing gives it a new surface. If it has settled, we replace it. Front steps can be rebuilt in concrete or faced in brick or stone where association rules allow.
Nearby
We also serve Cranbury, South Brunswick and the rest of Middlesex County. Thinking about a new patio for your Plainsboro home? Schedule a free estimate and we will help you put a plan together for approval.
