A pergola or patio cover is a great addition to your home. Not only does it offer shade and help define a space for gathering, dining, and relaxing, it can add value to your home too. There are virtually endless options for pergolas and patio covers in terms of materials, sizes, and shapes. But what about DIY pergola kits versus bringing in a professional contractor? Are DIY pergola projects a good idea? It really depends.
What to Expect from a Pergola Kit
“Pergola” is used to define a huge range of structures, and the kits you can buy online or in stores can vary wildly in quality, complexity, and cost. You can find basic, small wooden structures for around $1,000, or spend upwards of $10,000 on larger, more complicated builds. They’ll come with assembly instructions, and success will depend directly on the quality of the materials and your own craftsman skills. You should expect to dig and pour the concrete footings, position and square the large main posts, hoist the support beams and slats into place during frame assembly, and juggle all of the hardware. You’ll definitely be up and down a ladder the whole time.
And don’t forget the permitting. Here in Reno and Sparks, you’ll need a permit for certain kinds of pergolas and patio covers, which means supplying drawings and plans. Those won’t come with your DIY kit, so factor for that additional expense and time if your particular project warrants it.
Before you add to cart, take a minute to really consider your own skill set. And be honest with yourself! If you don’t have the experience or expertise for this kind of work, you may be getting in over your head. And once you’ve opened a pergola kit, it may be very difficult to return.
Working with a Professional
Another option is bringing in a professional. There are benefits to working with an experienced contractor. In Reno, Golden Eagle Builders specializes in this type of installation. We’ll work with you to create a custom pergola or patio cover that complements your home’s architecture. We’ll handle the design, permitting, installation, and any troubleshooting along the way. At the very least, it can be helpful to discuss your options before opting for the DIY route. If you have questions about what a pergola or patio cover project might involve, contact the Golden Eagle team today.
