How to prepare a patio for spring and summer

Q: Who can I hire to make sure my patio's ready to use, and what should it cost?

A: It's definitely high time to enjoy the great outdoors from the comfort of your own backyard.

But before you set out your furnishings, plants and accessories, you'll want to be sure everything's spic and span. And before you start any spring cleaning, check that your concrete, stone or brick paver patio is in good shape.

Look it over, noting unevenness, broken pavers or stones, or sunken areas where water may have collected.

If the patio requires repair, consider hiring a landscaping service or other company that offers hardscaping, which is the name for non-living outdoor components made of concrete, brick and stone, such as patios, driveways and retaining walls. The cost for minor patio repairs, along with resanding joints and resealing pavers, should be around $2 per square foot.

"Wavy" or uneven pavers may point to more serious structural problems that could mean your patio should be regraded and replaced. The approximate cost to install a new patio ranges from $11.50 per square foot for concrete to $15 per square foot for pavers.

If your patio is in good shape, you can clean it with the help of a garden hose. For more stubborn dirt or moss, use a pressure washer, but avoid potential damage by using the lowest setting first and then working up. Expect to pay about $50 to $60 to rent a pressure washer for a day.

If you don't want to clean your patio yourself, consider hiring a handyman or pressure washing service or landscaping company. On average, it will cost about $1 per square foot to have your patio professionally cleaned.

When hiring help, consider contractors who have positive reviews on a trusted site. Make sure they're appropriately licensed for where you live and that they're properly insured and bonded, and consider the extra step of contacting references.