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!