hawkinsexteriors
When undertaking a big project like installing a new patio cover, there’s a decision to be made on whether you should do it yourself or hire a professional to build it for you. There are a few major things to consider, which have been covered in detail for you below. These generally come down to the type of patio cover you plan to install, how much time you have, and your budget. A patio cover can be a significant project to take on yourself and can make your garden look amazing during the summer, but they are an investment in one way or another.
There are a few major types of patio covers. The simplest is a large umbrella, moving to an awning, to a solid patio cover. The cost and time to install these increases as the patio cover becomes more complex. An umbrella can most likely be installed with relative ease. There will be several parts to fit together, but most people will be able to achieve this with minimal DIY experience. An awning will take some more effort and needs to be installed on the wall. If you don’t feel confident in your abilities, then your patio cover supplier will be able to install it for you in a short period and for a reasonable cost. If you’d like a solid patio cover, this is when you’ll have to flex your DIY muscles…or your wallet. A solid patio cover is essentially a mini extension to your house and will be made from large beams of wood or aluminum. If you have the time and skills needed to erect one, then the only factor is the time it will take.
Working with a professional
If your patio cover is somewhat complex, then we recommend that you choose to use a professional unless you have previous experience. This will ensure that the installation goes smoothly and will maximize how long it will last. Also, if something does go wrong, then you may have a warranty or other cover to bring them back for maintenance jobs. There are a few key reasons why selecting to use a professional is a good idea. There are some great companies to choose from, and alumawood patio cover phoenix is a great example you can check out.
Installing patio covers is complex.
You may feel like you’re good with your hands, and that you have all the tools needed, but there’s a big difference between putting up some shelves and installing a patio cover. It may be true that you can install the patio cover yourself, but if it’s your first time, then you’ll find yourself having to troubleshoot for the whole project, and may accidentally make mistakes that will cost you time and more money. A professional will spend all of their time installing similar patio covers to what you’ve chosen and has had both training and experience that will minimize the risk of error.
You need the correct tools and equipment.
Some people will have all the tools needed to install a patio cover, but for many, this won’t be the case. If you do have the equipment you need in a workshop, there’s a better chance that you’ll be able to take on this task yourself, but if you’re buying equipment for this project, then be careful as you’ll be using it for the first time on something that will be on show and expected to last for years. In addition, buying the equipment yourself will be costly, and if you aren’t going to use them again, they may not be worth it. If you work with a professional, then they will have all the equipment to hand, including special tools made for this exact job. They will also spend all day using these tools, so there’s a much lower risk of any accidents or mistakes happening due to inexperience.
Mistakes can be costly.
When choosing between DIYing a project and hiring someone, the main things to think about are time, money, and skill set. If you have the skillset, time, and want to save money, then taking on the project yourself is a great idea. If you don’t have the time or skills, though, it’s probably worth it to save the extra cash you need to get it installed by a professional. If you try to do the project yourself and make a mistake, this will end up costing you in the long run, in both time and money, as you need to replace materials and start again. To minimize the risk of any mistakes happening, hiring a professional is going to be your best option.
How to Find a Quality Patio Installer
Finding a patio installer that’s reliable and has an excellent portfolio is where you’ll want to spend most of your time. There will probably be a lot of installers around you, so shop around to find the best one for you.
The first thing you can do to find an installer that’s going to work for you is to ask around. A referral is the simplest, but effective tactic you can use to find a great patio cover professional. If you know someone that has had a similar job done, ask them how their experience was and take a look at the work they did. If it’s up to scratch, then this could be a good option to consider.
You can also do your research online, use directories, and check in the phone book. If they have reviews online, take the time to read them, and then call them up for some more details. As you go through your list, avoid any that takes too long to get back to you, as well as any that can’t give references.
