How Much Does a Patio Structure Cost?

Just like any home improvement project, there are many factors that can affect the cost of your no-maintenance patio structure.  While we can sometimes give you a price “range” with enough information, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible to quote a firm price for a patio structure over the phone without actually looking at the project and having a face to face meeting with you.  Although the list could be endless, we’ve come up with a few of the most common reasons why estimating a price without having an in-person, detailed discussion about it with a client is so problematic.

The Size of the Structure

This is perhaps the single most important factor in determining the cost of a patio structure.  For obvious reasons, the bigger the structure, the bigger the price tag.  It’s going to require more material and labor hours to complete a bigger structure, say 300 square feet, as opposed to a 10’x10’ (100 sq. ft.) structure.

Type of Structure

This is another very important reason that a patio structure’s price will vary from one job to the next.  An insulated, solid roof patio structure will cost more than a non-insulated, single skin patio roof.  Insulated roof panels are a superior material than non-insulated roof panels.  A pergola will also cost more than a non-insulated, single skin patio roof for the same reason.

Intricacy and Degree of Difficulty

Patio structures that have custom cuts that need to be made around bay or bow windows or unusual angles will tend to cost a little more than a structure that is attached to a flat, straight eave due to the extra labor hours it takes to lay out and make these specialty cuts.

Post and Column Options

Upgrade support posts and columns will increase the price of a patio structure.  Perma-cast or aluminum columns (square or round) will cost more than our standard posts, although some of that cost will be offset because we are not having to buy the material for the standard posts.  In addition, there is quite a bit more labor involved with upgrade support posts or columns.  The upgraded posts or columns generally come unfinished.  We have to prep the surface of the post or column, and then prime and paint them on site.

Trim Style (Solid Roof Patio Structures)

There are various trim styles to choose from with our solid roof patio structures.  The basic trim option will be the most economical with standard gutter and fascia trim.  An upgrade trim package will require more material and labor, but will give your project a more custom look.

Spacing of Lattice (Pergolas)

Lattice tubes that are attached across the top of a pergola can be spaced a number of different ways depending upon the amount of shade you are trying to achieve.  The closer the lattice tubes are spaced together, the more shade the structure will provide.  This will also increase the price due to increased material and labor costs.  Or, if a client is not concerned with shade and is merely looking to have the framework of the structure (support posts, rafters and beams) installed in order to train a vine to grow up over the top of it, then the lattice tubes can sometimes be almost completely eliminated which, in turn, will decrease the price of the structure significantly.

Wiring Options (Lighting, Ceiling Fans and Audio/Visual)

Most clients elect to have wiring run for a ceiling fan or two, or perhaps some outdoor lighting on the support posts.  Wiring can also be installed for outdoor speakers or flat screen televisions depending upon your desires.  These types of upgrades will increase the cost of your patio structure due to the costs of wiring and the intensive labor required to wire a structure for electronics and fixtures.

Working Conditions and Access

Working conditions are another factor that have to be considered when pricing a patio structure.  If you are like most of our clients, you live in a home that has relatively easy access to the back yard, and the ground or concrete slab where the patio structure will be located is level, with a minimal amount of obstructions.  In some rare occasions, however, we work on homes where the conditions are less than ideal.  If you live on the side of a hill and want a patio structure built on an upstairs deck and the only way to get to the deck is either up the stairs through the inside of the house or via a spiral staircase attached to the deck on the outside of the home, that is going to be a tremendous increase in the amount of labor required to complete that job.  And obviously, we would have to assess the amount of extra labor to complete that particular project and charge the client accordingly.

City Permitting Requirements

Most towns and cities require a building permit to construct a patio structure.  All municipalities are different and fees vary from city to city.  In addition to a building permit, if you choose to have your structure wired for electrical components, then an electrical permit will be required as well.  These details are all addressed on a case by case basis and will be included in the price of a patio structure estimate.

Conclusion

As you can see, there is a good bit of complexity that goes into determining the cost of just a patio structure, not to mention a complete backyard makeover.  The folks on many of the popular DIY home improvement TV shows make it seem as if it can all be accomplished by digging some pocket change out of your sofa cushions, buying a few supplies at your local big box home improvement outlet, and spending half an afternoon in the backyard with no training and a couple of hand tools. 

If you are shopping by price alone, then chances are whatever low-ball bidder is awarded the project will not make a profit and will not be in business long enough to service you if and when you ever have a problem in the future.  Or worse, yours may be the one job that finally breaks the back of that low-ball contractor and puts them out of business, causing them to vanish in the middle of your project never to be seen or heard from again, leaving you to try and find another contractor that is willing to come in a clean up someone else’s mess.  You’ll probably end up shelling out more money to have someone else fix the first guys disaster then what it would have cost to have originally paid a little bit more for a quality contractor to build the job in the first place.

If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of no-maintenance patio structures, take a look at some of our blog posts or give us a call at 409-779-7330.  We would love to discuss your ideas and explore whether we would be a good fit for your project.

Front Courtyard Makeover

We recently completed a project for some homeowners that were looking to makeover the front entry-way of their home into a courtyard with a flagstone patio and Alumawood pergola.  After meeting with the owners and the landscape contractor, who was the general contractor for the project, we nailed down a design and went to work.  Material for the pergola was ordered from Structall Building Systems while excavation and demo work of the old existing flower beds were done by the landscape contractor. 

Once the excavation and demo part of the project was completed, Innovative Home Solutions dug holes and set footings for the posts of what would later be a lattice pergola.  Measurements were taken and the post locations were laid out and marked with fluorescent paint.  4 holes were dug 24” deep where the posts were to be located and then structural aluminum 3x3 posts were set in concrete to form the foundation of the pergola.

The structural footings and concrete were allowed to set-up overnight before the landscape contractor returned to lay a beautiful flagstone patio, a dry river bed extending across the patio and front of the home, and new landscaping beds out front with shrubs and perennials.

The flagstone grout was allowed to dry and then Innovative Home Solutions returned to finish work on the Alumawood pergola.  The decorative posts were built and attached to the 3x3 aluminum structural footings that were set on day one of the build.  3x8 support beams and 2x6 rafters were cut to size.  The homeowners chose the scallop end cut style for the ends of beams and rafters, which were hand-cut on site and capped with color injection molded caps.

After the framework was completed, the 2x2 lattice tubes were cut to size, capped with beveled end caps and installed utilizing 2-1/2” sheet metal screws.  The end result is a structure that is color matched perfectly with the home, provides a shaded patio area for the homeowners to enjoy, and is a unique addition that sets the home apart from the other homes in the neighborhood. 

We are honored to have been a part of this project.  And with a lifetime warranty on the paint finish, the owners will be able to enjoy their new addition without the hassle of any maintenance in the years to come.

What unique area do you have on your home that could benefit from the addition of a patio structure?

4 Things to Think About When Designing a Patio Structure

Most people when thinking of having a patio cover or shade structure installed at their home are typically wanting it done for one of two reasons:  They either want some shade or they want complete shelter that not only provides shade but also protection from the rain.  But there are a few more things to think about when designing an outdoor area. 

As a homeowner, doing some soul searching and research beforehand can help the design process flow a little more smoothly when the time comes to choose a contractor to work with. It will also help you gain clarity about what it is you are trying to achieve.  And if you have a spouse, it will help both of you get on the same page about what it is that you want.  When I meet with a potential client, I will generally dig deeper and go in to greater detail, but here are 4 basic things that you as a homeowner can begin to think about before you schedule an appointment with a contractor for an estimate.

 

1.   Shade or Shelter

Do you just want some shade, or do you want an area that is completely protected from the elements?  This basic question will help you to determine what type of structure you desire.  For simply creating shade, an Alumawood™ pergola will more than likely do the trick.  For an area that provides not only shade, but also shelter from the rain and elements, you may want an insulated or non-insulated patio cover. 

If you decide on a solid roof structure, what you plan to use the cover for will determine whether it should be insulated or non-insulated.  If it is just to shelter your property (a boat, automobile or recreational vehicle), a non-insulated patio cover will probably work just fine.  But if it is going to be an area that you use as a patio for relaxing or entertaining, you will certainly want to look at an insulated cover that is going to provide greater comfort for you and your guests.

2.  Form, Function or Both

Once you have decided what type of structure you need, it’s time to go a little deeper in thinking about your project.  This second point covers some of the same ground as the first point, but in greater detail.  Some things that might influence your decision making at this point may include your personality and style, the architectural style of your home, and  what you plan to use the structure for (which you have already determined in point 1).  During this part of the process, you will want to also start thinking about the budget for your project. 

If you have a spouse, this process may require some give and take.  If you are not in agreement with some of the details of the project, it is very important that you work together in achieving a compromise that both of you can live with and be happy about.  You should both be on the same page and both be a part of the design process. 

I have seen too many potential projects fall apart because neither spouse were on the same page or only one of the spouses dominated the decision making process, leaving the other spouse unhappy with the finished project.  This is not a good situation for anyone involved, including the contractor who is caught in the middle.

3.  Finishing Touches

At this point in the process, you have covered quite a bit of ground and have made substantial progress in moving toward choosing a contractor to turn your ideas into a reality.  This part should be the fun part:  adding accessories.  If you have decided that you only need a basic, economical structure with no bells and whistles, you may find that you can skip over this section altogether.  But a lot of the time, there is a need and/or desire for some extra touches to finalize a project. 

For instance, you may have decided on an area for relaxing with family and entertaining guests.  If this is the case, you will most certainly want to make this area as comfortable and inviting as possible.  This may include having your structure wired for outdoor lighting, ceiling fans, 110V power outlets, or speakers for listening to your favorite music.  Or maybe you decide that you don’t need any electrical fixtures, and instead you need a privacy screen or partition due to the close proximity of your next door neighbors.  There is also beam and rafter end cut styles, as well as color options to consider.   

It is important to review exactly what your structure will be used for.  And once you have chosen one, your contractor should also be able to help you incorporate some or all of these design elements in to your project.

4.  Putting It All Together

You have made some good progress up to this point in deciding on the type, function and design elements of your structure.  This last part has a lot to do with the contractor that you choose to build your project.  Make sure and do your due diligence before deciding on which contractor you choose.  If you make the mistake of basing your decision upon price alone, there is a good chance that you will regret it after it is too late.  Rest assured, if you choose a contractor with the lowest price, they will be cutting corners somewhere.  How else can they justify their low-ball price? 

Make sure that your contractor presents you with a win-win Construction Agreement.  It protects not only the contractor, but also you as a homeowner.  Also, make sure that the proper permits will be secured for your project.  Most jobs require a building and/or electrical permit and your contractor should be able to handle the permitting process for you.  If you run across someone that tries to talk you out of a building permit, I would think twice about using that contractor. 

The point here is to make sure that you do your homework before ultimately choosing who you will do business with.  Find someone who answers the phone professionally, asks questions and shows a genuine interest in helping you solve your problem, has an informative website with examples of their work, shows up on time for scheduled appointments and is clean cut and dressed nicely.

 

These are but a few things that contractors can do that go a long way in conveying a feeling of honesty and trustworthiness, which most contractors don't do a good job of.  In fact, if there is one thing that I would recommend in choosing a contractor, it would be to listen to your gut instinct.  Find a contractor who conveys to you that feeling of honesty and trustworthiness, and do business with that person.

As a homeowner, what are some things that you would add to this list to help yourself and others have a positive and memorable experience with a contractor?  We would love to hear them!

Quaint Side-Yard Patio

Sometimes small and simple, yet dramatic, is the perfect solution to an otherwise drab and boring area.  Not every project requires a one-of-a-kind custom design.  Some folks just want something simple and elegant.  This job ended up being just that – a basic, uncomplicated design and installation that performs beautifully for what the homeowners had in mind.    

The Lay of the Land:

Our clients property was approximately 2 acres in size with the home situated about 50 yards off of the street.  A local concrete contractor had poured a new driveway which led from the street all the way up the side of the home to the detached garage which was located toward the back of the home.  A new sidewalk was also poured which connected the driveway to a side door off of the kitchen.

   

The Problem:

The homeowners wanted an area off the kitchen where they could enjoy a cup of coffee outdoors in the morning before starting their day.  They wanted a pergola to add some interest and define the space, and to also protect the side entrance in to the kitchen from the brutal west sun in the evenings.

 

The Solution:

Innovative Home Solutions was contracted to design and build a small, yet stylish Alumawood® patio arbor that was 12’ wide and projected out from the house 8’.  The side door off the kitchen where the clients wanted the structure faced west, so it would end up being a nicely shaded area perfectly suited for enjoying their coffee in the morning.  The patio structure would also be a welcome addition during the evenings when the setting sun would be shining on that side of the home, providing shade to the side entrance and the kitchen.  They chose the white Alumashield™ paint finish to match the siding of their home and scalloped end cut rafters and beams for the finishing touch.  It was a relatively straightforward project which was completed in less than a day.  It ties in beautifully with the home and the color is a perfect match, demonstrating that not all projects have to cost an arm and a leg to transform a patio area. 

Our clients couldn’t be happier with the finished product and we are honored to have been allowed to help them resolve a problem area on their home, while staying within their tight budget.  We hope they enjoy many mornings of good conversation and coffee on their quaint side-yard patio!

The Remarkable, Recyclable, Aluminum Panel

The Remarkable, Recyclable, Aluminum Panel

1. Aluminum can be recycled repeatedly, using only 5% of the energy, and generating 5% of the emissions associated with primary production.
2. The metal’s natural aluminum oxide coating provides highly effective protection against degradation from water, salt, air, and temperature variation.
3. Two-thirds of the aluminum ever produced is still in use today.
4. Aluminum is tough enough to withstand both the rigors of spaceflight and challenging climatic conditions such as those found in the Arctic and seaside environments.
5. Aluminum is the third most common element in the Earth’s crust and the most abundantly available metal on Earth.
6. One pound of aluminum can replace twice that weight in steel in most applications.
7. Aluminum is light, strong, corrosion-resistant, nonmagnetic, and nontoxic.

Things to Look for When Choosing a Contractor

As the old adage goes, “your home is your biggest investment”, so it only makes sense to choose carefully when considering having someone work on your home. 

The very word “contractor” strikes fear in the heart of most people that have ever had the displeasure of working with some of the more unsavory characters that litter the construction industry.  And honestly, there is a lot of truth to the stereotypical views and opinions that people have of contractors in general.  There is an abundance of bozos that have done their level best to trash the reputation of our industry, making it more and more difficult for those of us who take pride in our work and try to operate our businesses with honesty and integrity.

I would like to take a few minutes to discuss what you as a homeowner should look for when choosing a contractor to do business with.  This is not meant to be an exhaustive list.  You can add to it if there are other questions that you feel are important in helping you decide what contractor to choose.

Do they answer the phone?  This is just about as basic as it gets.  People want to talk to someone when they call.  If a contractor won’t make the time to speak with you when you call to request information or an estimate for their services, then what are the chances they will call you back when there is a problem?  If you leave a voice mail, do they call you back within a couple of hours, or at least by the close of business that day?  Find a contractor who takes you serious and answers the phone.  If you left a voice mail, they should be returning your call within a couple of hours, but no later than by the close of business that day.

Appearance.  If you have called and set an appointment to visit with a contractor, what is the salespersons appearance when they arrive at your home?  Are they clean cut and dressed nicely including a shirt with company name or logo?  Someone who is unkempt or has a disheveled appearance more than likely will take the same approach when it comes to the quality of their work.  If they can’t get it together enough to care about their own personal hygiene, then it’s doubtful that they can get it together enough to work on a home that doesn’t belong to them.

Insurance.  Do they have General Liability insurance?  If so, ask to see a copy of the policy.  If they can’t provide a copy of their insurance policy, then walk away.  You do not want to get involved with a contractor that is not insured to perform the type of work required to complete your project.

Do they use employees or sub-contractors?  If a company uses its own employees, they should be carrying Workers Compensation insurance on each of them.  If they don’t, and one of their employees gets hurt on your property, you could be held liable for their medical expenses, not to mention the potential for a lawsuit.  Ask to see a copy of their Workers Compensation insurance policy.  If the company uses sub-contractors to do their work, then those sub-contractors should carry their own General Liability insurance.  Ask to see a copy of the subs’ insurance policy.  This opens you up to a whole range of problems if they don’t carry the proper insurance.  Again, if they can’t or won’t provide you a copy of what you are asking for, then walk away. 

Get it in writing.  Does the contractor write up a proposal or estimate that serves as the price quote, contract, invoice and labor warranty all on one sheet of paper, with no signatures by either party?  Make sure the contractor provides you with a firm written price quotation and a win-win detailed Construction Agreement, signed by both parties, before any work begins.  This not only protects the contractor, but it also protects you.  Also, make sure that you will be getting a written product and/or labor warranty for the work performed.  Some contractors like to do everything by “word of mouth”.  Do not fall for this nonsense.  Be certain that you have a firm price quotation with a Construction Agreement detailing everything about the project and signed by both you and the contractor.  It protects you both.  Remember, if it’s not in writing, it never happened.

A question of ethics.  Does the contractor cut corners or operate in an unethical manner?  What I mean by this is, if you hear something they say that doesn't sound right, or if their estimate is substantially lower than other estimates you have received, then rest assured, they will be cutting corners when they work on your home to make up for their low-ball price.  Some contractors will tell you that you don’t need a building permit and that “we will give you your money back if the project is red flagged by the city any time in the future.”  I have personally heard this comment from a contractor.  This behavior is beyond unethical.  Are we really to believe that this company is going give you a full refund if the city red flags the job 2 or 3 years from now because the proper permits were not obtained before the construction phase of the project began?  If the company is trying to talk you out of a building permit, then will the job even be built according to current building code standards?  Will the company even be in business tomorrow to give you that “full refund” they so proudly talk about?   Don’t be fooled.

The list could go on and on, but these are just a few things to think about before choosing a contractor to complete your project.
What are some things that you as a homeowner would add to this list if you were searching for a reputable contractor?  We would love to hear them!

Ordinary to Extraordinary

Patio structures are one of the easiest ways to transform an outdoor space.  They can turn an otherwise dull and boring area in to a place that beckons us to come out from the indoors; to sit, relax, and unwind.

Our family recently sold our first home that we built in Fort Worth in 1999.  As someone who builds patio structures and hardscapes for a living, you can imagine how anxious I was to do something with our tiny 8’x8’ “builder” patio when we moved into the home.  The back of the house where the patio was situated had a southern exposure, so the sun literally beat down across the back of the house, running the utility bills up due to the transfer of heat through the back wall of the home. Not until late in the evening when the sun finally retreated below the rooftops of the homes adjacent to us, would we get a reprieve and actually be able to enjoy the backyard.  The summer months were brutal, while we welcomed the sunshine on the back of the home during the winter.  The goal in designing the patio area was to build a structure that would shade the back of the home during the summer months, but still allow some sun on the patio during the winter months, making it a space that we could enjoy for more than just one season of the year.

The first step was to tear out the 8’x8’ “builder” patio and pour a 24'x13' concrete slab with an adjoining 18’x7’ concrete slab.  This new patio extended literally across the entire back of the home, making it almost 7 times the size of what we started with.  After the slab was poured, we designed a multi-level lattice pergola to cover it.  The idea was that the two distinct heights of the structures would break up the large area and add some interest.  We used cedar embossed roll formed aluminum material from Alumawood™ to build the two structures.  Alumawood™ is coated with DuPont Teflon®  surface protector which resists chalking and fading, is virtually maintenance free, and carries a lifetime warranty.   To add some detail to the structure, we chose a scallop end cut style for all of the rafters and beams and spaced the 1-1/2 x 1-1/2” square lattice tubes 1” apart to create about 65-70% shade across the patio, about the amount of shade you would expect if your were sitting under a shade tree.  The white color that we chose provided a nice contrast to the dark trim color of our home.  We also wired the structure for two outdoor lights, one on each corner post of the larger structure, which added a nice ambiance to the patio area on warm summer nights. 

During the summer months when the sun is more directly overhead, our Alumawood™  shade structure provided a nice shady area for our family to enjoy, while also shading the wall across the back of the home, which meant a cooler home and lower utility bills.  During the winter months when the sun is lower on the horizon, the patio area was bathed in sunshine, and the lattice across the top of the structure provided a combination of shade and sunlight across the back wall of the home which was ideal in the cold winter. 

We enjoyed many hours on our patio because it was an area that was inviting and comfortable.  The Alumawood™ structure completely transformed the space from an otherwise un-usable area, into a beautiful backyard oasis.  And there was virtually no maintenance to speak of.  Once every year, usually as spring approached and I knew we would be spending more time outdoors, I would take a garden hose and spray the structure down from one end to the other to remove any cobwebs or dirt that may have accumulated from the previous year.  When we sold the home after having lived there for almost 15 years, the Alumawood™ patio structure looked virtually as good as the day it was built.  I truly believe that the patio structure helped sell our home because it set our home apart from the other homes on the market.  It was a good investment that added value to our home when it came time to sell, and value to our lives while we were living there. 

If you would like to learn more about Alumawood™  and the other no-maintenance products that we offer, please visit us at www.myinnovativehome.com and find out why Innovative Home Solutions is the contractor of choice when it comes to no-maintenance patio products. 

Let us help you turn your backyard dreams in to a reality!