Plan Your Patio: Should You Hire a Patio Cover Contractor
Measure twice, cut once. Words to live by for any contractor or DIYer. In this guide, I'll help you decide whether a DIY patio cover is in the cards, or if it’s time to bring in a contractor.
What's involved in DIY Patio Cover Installation?
Footings in progress
If you’re handy and looking to save money, building a patio cover yourself can seem like a great project. But for many homeowners, even a simple kit might be more than they bargained for. Before you break out the power tools, let's take a look at what you'll need.
Tools & Skills Required
Most DIY aluminum patio cover kits include the materials, but you'll need to provide the following:
Standard tools specified by your dealer (if they can't tell you, find a different one!)
Intermediate level construction knowledge (power tools, ladder work, sloped cuts)
Larger tools like ladders, chop saws, saw horses, hammer drills, and potentially even a core drilling machine (for footings beneath a slab)
Permit Headaches and Inspection Issues
In most California cities, a covered patio requires a building permit. As a homeowner, you’re allowed to pull your own permit, but you’ll be responsible for:
Site plans and structural drawings
Scheduling inspections
Meeting code requirements
How many people does it take to build a patio cover?
Most installation crews will use 2-3 people. While it's possible to build a patio cover independently, it requires using stands & ingenuity in order to do so safely.
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make
Undersized Footings - Posts that aren't properly secured can cause the structure to collapse in the wind.
Improper Pitch - Water pools or backs-up on the patio roof, leading to leaks.
Imprecise Measurements - holes, gaps, and other marks of novice craftsmanship that your significant other will be sure to bring up.
What are some limits of DIY kits?
Design Flexibility - Off the shelf products don't offer the customized design you may want.
HOA Approvals - Not all kits will be approved by your HOA. Always check before you buy!
Durability - Many kits are made from cheap materials that break easily. This allows them to be sold for cheap, but they may not last.
When it Makes Sense to Hire a Patio Cover Contractor
Even if you're handy, there are plenty of situations where hiring a licensed patio cover contractor in Southern California is the smarter move.
Slopes, Angles, and Other Tricky Considerations
Uneven concrete, sloped yards, or changing rooflines often require judgement calls. A good contractor can make those adjustments on the fly.
A DIYer, on the other hand, might be scratching their heads why the post still isn't tall enough after three trips to the chop saw.
You're Dealing With Permits or an HOA
Permits are easier when a contractor handles them. At Valley Patios, for example, we prepare the site plans, handle the paperwork, and schedule the inspections so you don’t have to.
And if you live in an HOA community, we'll provide everything the association needs (drawings, materials, colors, and more ) to get fast approval.
You Want It Done Quickly
Most crews will complete a patio cover in 1 to 3 days once the material arrives. For instance, our Coachella Valley patio covers team recently installed three Alumawood pergolas in Rancho Mirage, CA — each in under a day.
If you’re going the DIY route, expect to dedicate a few weekends on the project.
You Want Something Custom
A 4K Aluminum cantilevered patio cover with misters, fan, and lights
DIY kits are usually basic rectangular designs. But what if you're looking for integrated lighting, multi-level roofs, or an architectural flair? That's where the pros come in. We just wrapped up a stunning cantilevered 4K Aluminum patio cover in San Diego. That's not something you can get from a kit!
You Want Peace of Mind
What should you do if you're digging a footing and you start to smell natural gas? Or if you're attaching the fascia board water suddenly sprays out?
A lot can go wrong on a project like this. And when it does, it can cost you.
For many people, letting the professionals handle things can save a lot of headache, and a lot of money. A good contractor will build it right and handle any unexpected issues that might occur.
Knowing that your cover is built right will let you sit back, relax, and enjoy the Southern California weather.
How Much More does a Contractor Cost?
As I wrote in the last article, the installation cost of a covered patio is generally between $7 to $11 per square foot for a professional crew.
That price includes more than just labor. It gets you:
Expert craftsmanship
Accountability for any issues
Code-compliant construction
Continued Support if your structure needs service later on
How to Choose the Right Patio Cover Contractor
Not all contractors are created equal. If you decide to hire someone to build your patio cover, it’s worth taking a little extra time to make sure you’re working with a professional who’s experienced, licensed, and reliable.
Look for These Key Qualifications:
California Contractor License
Experience with Patio Covers (Not just general construction)
Local Knowledge like HOAs and local code
Photos, References, and Reviews
Warranty and Service
Warning Signs to Avoid:
Unlicensed or Uninsured
Unwilling to provide references
Vague quotes
High-pressure sales tactics
Working With Valley Patios
At Valley Patios, we specialize in building custom aluminum patio covers in Southern California. Whether you’re looking for an Equinox louvered roof contractor in San Diego, or a trusted Alumawood installer in San Bernardino, we have the expertise and track record to get your patio covered. Contact us today for a free aluminum patio cover estimate!