Pergolas: What You Should Know
First and foremost, what exactly is a pergola? A pergola is typically found in an outdoor garden and its function serves to shade walkways and sitting areas. They are typically constructed of wooden or aluminum posts which support cross beams and are then decorated with certain plants such as vines or roses providing a natural canopy.
Having a pergola in your yard brings along some benefits, such as adding aesthetic appeal, providing a place of shade from the sun and raising the value of your property. Pergolas which are big enough and strategically placed can also serve to provide a great outdoor space for relaxation, enjoying dinner or as a gathering spot for social events.
Pergolas come in many different shapes and sizes. Here are a few popular design choices and a little information about each one so you can choose the style that suits your space.
Traditional Pergola
Modern Pergola
Mediterranean Pergola
DIY Pergola: Advantages and Considerations
The most obvious advantage to building your own pergola is the money you will save by not paying for labor. If you have a very limited budget, a DIY pergola will help save you some costs.
Alongside saving money, constructing your own pergola will give you the highest level of personal customization possible, as you will be building everything exactly to your own specifications. The satisfaction that comes from completing a project yourself start to finish is also a nice cherry on top.
While these benefits sound nice, there are a few things to keep in mind as well. For starters, think honestly about the skill level you possess in relation to construction. How handy are you with tools? Depending on the scope of your project you will need to have certain tools available as well as the construction knowledge to pull it all off.
Another consideration is the time required to complete your DIY pergola. Again, this all varies on your experience level, access to materials and the size and complexity of your project. Expect to spend at least 2-3 days gathering materials and constructing the most basic of pergolas and up to or over a week if you plan to build something extravagant.
Don’t forget too, that building permits may be necessary, always check your local ordinance to ensure that you pull any required building permits to avoid unexpected fines!
Hiring a Professional: When is it worth it?
If you don’t plan to DIY your pergola, the other option is to hire a professional. Hiring a professional can bring you peace of mind that your pergola will be constructed by someone who has done this work before and knows exactly what they are doing.
Professionals will have all of the equipment and manpower necessary to bring your pergola design to life and even provide you with a finished product better than you had imagined.
The quality and durability of your pergola will be top notch if left in the hands of a seasoned craftsman, and you can expect the project to be completed quicker than if you were to work alone.
Another great thing about letting an expert do all the work is that you don’t have to set aside time nor energy to receive your finished product. This means that you can rest easy and stress free knowing that you are being taken care of by someone who knows exactly what they are doing.
If you choose the route of hiring a professional, keep in mind that you will end up paying more, but it’s up to you to decide if saving some money is worth the effort and hassle of doing the project yourself.
Professional or DIY: Which Do I Choose?
Ultimately, the decision is yours to make. If you possess the skill set and required tools to complete the project yourself, you can save some money and feel good about yourself constructing a DIY pergola.
On the other hand, if you have doubts about your abilities or lack the time to dedicate to doing the job well, we advise that you seek the services of a professional who can take care of everything for you.
Of course, it’s important to make sure that you hire the right contractor! Here at Precision Design & Build, we work hand in hand with our clients to exceed their expectations.
