Summer is a time for relaxing, so why spend long days in the yard building the perfect pergola? Get the same results with half the hassle when you hire an expert to complete your outdoor retreat.
1. Find Inspiration and a Location
Research is the best way to start any new project. Pick up some landscaping magazines or look online for different types of pergolas. Pergola styles can vary greatly, so having a general sense of what you like helps when interviewing contractors. Think about what you’re trying to accomplish — is it privacy, intimacy or just good looks? — and pick a design that matches that goal. Here are some styles to consider:
- Colonnade
- Freestanding
- Asian
- Pool-side
- Roman
- Rooftop
- Patio
Choosing a location goes hand-in-hand with picking the type of pergola you want. Survey your yard and view any areas you’re considering from all angles. Note any vistas a new pergola might obstruct and how it could affect existing landscaping.
2. Contact a Contractor
Once you have an idea of where you want your pergola and what you want it to look like, it’s time to find a professional. See if any neighbors can recommend a contractor, or check with the National Association of the Remodeling Industry for a list of pros in your city. You can also visit home improvement stores and ask around. Once you’ve compiled a list of contractor names, be sure to:
- Contact more than one, to ensure you get a competitive price.
- Check references for each.
- Inquire about current workload.
- Visit a current job site.
- Check each contractor's history of disputes with your local Better Business Bureau.
- Ask about their insurance coverage.
3. Plan Your Pergola
Once you narrow down your list of contractors, compare their designs and pricing. Each contractor should provide complete plans that meet your requirements. Be sure price quotes include labor, materials and potential prep work, including clearing weeds and leveling the ground where the pergola will be built. At this stage, consider:
- How much payment is due before work begins
- Why one contractor costs less than another
- Whether the contractor can work within your timeframe
4. Secure Your Contractor
When you make your final decision, write a contract that details payments, start and completion dates, project materials and overall design. Once the contract is signed, your part of the hard work is done.
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