How to Create Features for an Open Atrium

Measure the size of the atrium using a tape measure. Transfer the measurements to 1/4-inch graph paper. Draw in the location of any fixed hardscape items such as patio flooring, a pond, fountain or other water feature, statuary, benches and any other fixtures that you intend to permanently attach to the floor or walls of the atrium.

Note the locations of all windows, doors, niches, greenery walls, wall fountains or other features that are part of the adjoining walls that border the atrium. Draw in the skylight or open roof and indicate the compass direction on the plans. How the sun fills the atrium through the day will help to guide you in choosing plants that will flourish in the atrium environment.

Determine any pathways through the atrium that you may wish to create or remove. Some atria serve as sanctuaries for meditating or for simply enjoying nature; others are for viewing purposes only so they have no walking paths or seating. Place your floor plan drawing on a smooth table and tape it down. Cover your floor plan with tracing paper and tape that down.

Create a list of the types of features you wish to incorporate in your new atrium design. Organize your list with items of highest priority at the top and lowest priority at the bottom. Decide the budget you wish to set aside for your design. Deduct 10 percent from that total. Most renovations include a cushion amount of 10 percent for unexpected problems or overages. The remaining 90 percent is your actual budget.

Sketch your new floor plan onto tracing paper, adding or deleting existing features to conform with your wish list. Note alongside the drawing which fixtures must be demolished or changed, as the demolition and removal must be included in the budget amounts.

Take your new floor plan and wish list to a garden store, a water feature store, a home improvement store, and outdoor furniture and fixture stores. Select items that are on your wish list and note their prices. Don't purchase yet.

Complete your plans by identifying unseen costs such as plumbing, electrical work, foundation work, window and door upgrades, and other contingencies. It is likely you will need to consult various contractors to determine the extent of your needs and their costs. Depending on how extensive your atrium renovation is, the new atrium may require a permit and approval from your local planning authority. These services often have fees. Other charges may include a contractor to oversee the work, a landscape architect to produce working drawings, or other professionals.

Interview various contractors to pin down as many of your costs as possible. Compare your working budget with your estimated costs and determine if you need to modify your plans to fit your budget. If you are doing the labor yourself you can save considerable money. Often renovation costs are close to 50 percent materials and 50 percent labor.