Do you want to spend more time outside but hate being held to the whims of the weather? Sometimes, the sun is just too hot, or the rain is just too annoying to deal with, even though everything else is perfect for being outside. Fortunately, there is a solution: custom patio cover construction. By adding a patio cover to your home, you, as a homeowner, gain protection from the elements, enhanced property value, and a way to expand your outdoor living spaces all year long. If a patio cover construction project has been on your to-do list, we at Patio Covers Unlimited NW are here to introduce you to what you can expect.
Keep reading to learn the patio cover construction project process, covering everything from initial planning and material selection to the installation timeline and post-construction care.
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Planning
The design process is the first and most exciting part of patio cover construction! After you have connected with your design team, you will give them a brief explanation of what you are thinking in terms of design preferences, materials, and budget.
Next, your design team will make a visit to your home for a property assessment. During this time, they will thoroughly evaluate your property to determine patio size, coverage area, sun exposure, and local weather conditions. These elements will set the parameters of your project.
Afterward, you get to sit down with your design team to craft your custom patio cover construction design. From column types to color preferences, you will review every detail to ensure you get the ideal structure for your property. During this time, your team may also offer recommendations for additional accessories like lighting, fans, or sound systems to help you make your space more functional and enjoyable.
Lastly, you will go over the nitty-gritty factors, like whether you will need to pour foundational concrete, what building permits will need to be acquired, and if you need to meet any HOA regulations.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Materials
After you have completed your initial consultation and determined the base of your design, it is time to select the materials. The most common patio cover construction materials are aluminum, wood, or composite. Let us give you a quick assessment of each material regarding durability, maintenance, and aesthetics.
Aluminum Patio Covers:
Our top recommendation for homeowners looking to invest in a long-term outdoor structure is aluminum patio covers. Aluminum is highly durable and resistant to rust, corrosion, and termites. Not only can it withstand harsh weather conditions without warping or fading, but it requires minimal maintenance to keep it looking nice.
Aesthetically, aluminum offers a sleek, modern appearance and is available in a variety of colors and finishes. For example, at Patio Covers Unlimited NW, our patio covers consist of high-grade aluminum and are embossed with a wood grain texture. It gives the appearance of real wood without the maintenance requirements.
Wood Patio Covers:
Wood patio covers are a classic home choice that has been used for decades. While natural wood is sturdy, it is susceptible to weathering, rot, and pest infestations if not properly treated. Its high maintenance needs require staining, painting, and treatment to prevent rot and pest damage.
Aesthetically, real wood provides a classic and natural look that many find appealing. It can be customized through carving or with a variety of decorative elements to create a warm, inviting ambiance that pairs well with eco-centered designs.
Composite Patio Covers
Made from a blend of wood fibers and plastic, composite materials are similar in durability and maintenance to aluminum. They are resistant to rot, mold, fading, warping, and splintering while also having minimal maintenance requirements.
While composite materials can mimic the look of real wood, they are more uniform in their colors and textures, so it is easy to see that they are not authentic wood. However, it offers various designs and will maintain a consistent appearance over the years.
Which Material is Right for Me?
When selecting the material for your custom patio cover construction, it really is up the homeowner’s preference, needs, and maintenance ability.
For example, we typically recommend aluminum patio cover construction for our Tri-Cities residents because of its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions and its long lifespan. With aluminum patio covers often lasting 30+ years, homeowners get incredible value for their purchase and improve their property’s curb appeal and value in the long run while providing years of satisfaction with minimal maintenance requirements.
Therefore, when determining what’s best for your property, we suggest considering your particular property conditions, your long-term goals for the structure, when you plan to sell your property, and how much effort you plan to put in to maintain your structure.
Step 3: Understanding the Construction Timeline
After the final details have been confirmed, your patio cover construction project manager will be able to provide you with an expected timeframe from start to finish, including preparation and assembly.
Of course, it is vital to keep in mind that they can’t control everything. There is always a chance for delays due to weather, permit approvals, or material availability. However, if this does happen, your point of contact will keep you updated with any changes to the plan.
Additionally, homeowners can prepare their outdoor space before construction begins if they want to speed up their construction timeline and lower labor costs. We suggest talking with your project manager about what you could do ahead of time and any parameters you need to work within to minimize site disruption.
Step 4: The Installation Process
What often surprises homeowners is how quick custom patio cover construction is once we break ground. Essentially, it works like this:
Site Preparation:
With any necessary permits in hand, your construction team will start by preparing your site for construction. While this will range dramatically by property, it can include clearing the area, marking out the structure’s location, and setting up any safety requirements.
Laying the Foundation:
If your property does not already have an adequate foundation in place, one will need to be laid. This process involves marking the dimensions, leveling the ground, pouring the concrete, and then waiting for it to dry.
Building the Frame:
Next, the construction team will build the frame, including erecting the posts, beams, and rafters according to the chosen design plan. At this time, they will address any internal components for add-on elements, like running wires for fans or lights.
Installing the Roof:
After setting the frame, it is time to add the roof. Depending on your roofing type, style, and capability preference, this will vary in time requirements.
Final Touches:
The last step of your custom patio cover construction will be adding the final elements, such as installing fans, lights, retractable screens, or any other element you selected during the initial design phase. Then, it is ready for the quality checks and final walkthrough with the contractor.
What to Expect as a Homeowner:
As with any construction project, homeowners should anticipate there to be some level of temporary inconvenience, such as noise, dust, and everything else that goes with having workers on your property.
While your construction team will be polite, clean up after themselves, and do everything possible to minimize disruption, we recommend you prepare your family and neighbors. If you work from home or have small children or pets, you may want to find an alternative location to spend your days while the project is under construction. Additionally, we advise letting your neighbors know your plans and timeline so they can prepare themselves.
Step 5: Post-Installation Care & Maintenance
After completing your patio cover construction and signing off on the project, your crew will go over post-installation care and maintenance with you. As we mentioned above, care and maintenance will depend heavily on your material type, so your team will go over what you need to do to keep your patio cover in top condition, including cleaning and seasonal maintenance.
Finally, they will remind you of any warranty and service options provided by Patio Covers Unlimited NW so that you know and understand the full extent of your benefits. Should you have any questions, your team will happily provide you with answers and explanations.
Why Choose Patio Covers Unlimited NW?
Are you ready to start your custom patio cover construction process? To begin, you need a reputable design and installation company! We at Patio Covers Unlimited NW have years of experience designing and installing high-quality patio covers. Our professional installation team is committed to precision and efficiency, and we offer a large array of customization options to match different styles and budgets.
So whether you know exactly what you want or have a vague idea of your overall patio cover goals, we are here to help you every step of the way! Contact Patio Covers Unlimited NW today for expert guidance and a seamless installation process!
