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.