When it comes to patio covers, Houston outdoor designer Wayne Franks says they not only should protect you from heat and the glaring sun – they should blend in naturally with the architecture of your house:
"Too often," says Franks, owner of Outdoor Homescapes of Houston, "I see what I call an ‘afterthought space' instead of a beautifully integrated patio cover. Houston residents, at least, demand roof extensions, pergolas and other patio coverings that look like they were original to the home – and that serve as an extension of their indoor style."
The key to fool-proof patio covers? In Houston, Franks always employs the following tips:
TIP 1: Do Your Homework!
"Of course, if you live in Houston, you'll want to collect references from people you know who've had Houston patio covers designed and built– and the same is true everywhere else," says Franks. "In addition to seeing what's been done around you locally, you always want to make sure the contractor you want to hire has visual evidence that they've done a similar project. But now, you can also browse image sharing sites like Houzz and Pinterest for covered patio projects that look exactly like what you want."
You'll also want to hire an outdoor designer specializing in patio covers – not just a general contractor who says they can also build you a cover for your patio. "General contractors may use your project as a way to use up unwanted extra materials and may not be knowledgeable in areas that especially pertain to patio covers – Houston residents, at least, want to maintain the pitch of their roof, the same look, color and texture of building materials and not have to sacrifice windows, doors or other functional elements."
Many of these homeowners also have to deal with stringent homeowners' association restrictions on changes to your home, or with setbacks dictating where on your property you can new structures.
TIP 2: Don't Settle On Materials!
"Patio covers have to withstand the onslaught of the elements, from sizzling sun and searing heat to high winds and torrential rains," says Frank. "Therefore, all your building materials must be of the highest quality and able to withstand a lot of abuse."
For walls and ceilings, ask for durable products like Hardie Panel (a concrete fiber). For pergolas or arbors, you'll want cedar, which holds up the best to the elements over time. For the actual roof, you can choose wood, aluminum, vinyl or steel. Wood will probably perform the best, but you'll have to give it some attention every few years. Aluminum is ideal for minimal maintenance. Vinyl can be a good alternative, but tends to be expensive. "We've done some steel roofs, too, which of course hold up well because of welding, and they give you a great modern, industrial look."
The materials should also match your existing home as closely as possible and echo elements used on the exterior of your home. For instance, if you have a certain kind of stone facing as a feature on part of your house, use the closest thing to that on the base of the pillars holding up the roof extension. If your home incorporates arches, have them incorporated into the design.
STEP 2: Get 3D plans
"A verbal agreement is definitely not enough for patio covers. Houston homeowners demand scaled drawings with dimensions," says Franks. "Also make sure the contract matches the scaled drawings."
And these days, you should really be expecting 3D graphic renderings or "flythrough" video tours that allow you to preview and edit the design from every angle before it's built. "Many of my clients can't visualize all the elements together," notes Franks. "When they see our 3D plans of the entire project, they always end up making changes. It really prevents those unwelcome surprises and gives you ultimate control over your project."
"Too often," says Franks, owner of Outdoor Homescapes of Houston, "I see what I call an ‘afterthought space' instead of a beautifully integrated patio cover. Houston residents, at least, demand roof extensions, pergolas and other patio coverings that look like they were original to the home – and that serve as an extension of their indoor style."
The key to fool-proof patio covers? In Houston, Franks always employs the following tips:
TIP 1: Do Your Homework!
"Of course, if you live in Houston, you'll want to collect references from people you know who've had Houston patio covers designed and built– and the same is true everywhere else," says Franks. "In addition to seeing what's been done around you locally, you always want to make sure the contractor you want to hire has visual evidence that they've done a similar project. But now, you can also browse image sharing sites like Houzz and Pinterest for covered patio projects that look exactly like what you want."
You'll also want to hire an outdoor designer specializing in patio covers – not just a general contractor who says they can also build you a cover for your patio. "General contractors may use your project as a way to use up unwanted extra materials and may not be knowledgeable in areas that especially pertain to patio covers – Houston residents, at least, want to maintain the pitch of their roof, the same look, color and texture of building materials and not have to sacrifice windows, doors or other functional elements."
Many of these homeowners also have to deal with stringent homeowners' association restrictions on changes to your home, or with setbacks dictating where on your property you can new structures.
TIP 2: Don't Settle On Materials!
"Patio covers have to withstand the onslaught of the elements, from sizzling sun and searing heat to high winds and torrential rains," says Frank. "Therefore, all your building materials must be of the highest quality and able to withstand a lot of abuse."
For walls and ceilings, ask for durable products like Hardie Panel (a concrete fiber). For pergolas or arbors, you'll want cedar, which holds up the best to the elements over time. For the actual roof, you can choose wood, aluminum, vinyl or steel. Wood will probably perform the best, but you'll have to give it some attention every few years. Aluminum is ideal for minimal maintenance. Vinyl can be a good alternative, but tends to be expensive. "We've done some steel roofs, too, which of course hold up well because of welding, and they give you a great modern, industrial look."
The materials should also match your existing home as closely as possible and echo elements used on the exterior of your home. For instance, if you have a certain kind of stone facing as a feature on part of your house, use the closest thing to that on the base of the pillars holding up the roof extension. If your home incorporates arches, have them incorporated into the design.
STEP 2: Get 3D plans
"A verbal agreement is definitely not enough for patio covers. Houston homeowners demand scaled drawings with dimensions," says Franks. "Also make sure the contract matches the scaled drawings."
And these days, you should really be expecting 3D graphic renderings or "flythrough" video tours that allow you to preview and edit the design from every angle before it's built. "Many of my clients can't visualize all the elements together," notes Franks. "When they see our 3D plans of the entire project, they always end up making changes. It really prevents those unwelcome surprises and gives you ultimate control over your project."
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