So you have decided it is time to bring in a professional to erect a patio or pergola at your home? Whether it is a small job or a huge job there are many things to consider when making this important decision.
How to research the right patio contractor:
- Check to make sure that they have a contractor’s permit.
- Ask for 2 to 3 references.
- Check how many years the supplier has been in the industry.
- Talk to a few dissimilar companies and get more than 1 price to compare the options.
- Ask them for a quote for a small job over the phone – they should be able to help you out.
- Make sure you get an all-inclusive price so you know upfront the total bill.
Before you start contacting patio and pergola suppliers and companies do a bit of research first. Find people who have had some work done and ask them about their experience, the company they used and if they would hire them again. You can also try industry contacts like hardware stores, real estate agents and contractors. Try to get as many references and recommendations as possible and make sure you record the information and also the job type that was done. Was it commercial or residential? Steel or Timber?
Some Questions to Ask 
How Long Does Council Approval Take and Will They Do This For You?
In most cases you legally need to get council approval before you can erect a strucutre like a patio or pergola. This often involves submitting drawings and technical information to the council for approval, and unless you are in the industry the process can be quite laborious and confusing. Make sure the contractor will do ALL of this for you, and ask exactly what licences and applications they do. A typical time for the submission until you get approval is about 4 weeks but this can change depending on your area.
What Is Involved In The Design/Consultation Process and Is It Part Of A No-Obligation Quote?
A new patio or pergola can cost many thousands of dollars. It is a big undertaking and can make a big difference to your house. To ensure you end up with what you actually want, the contractor needs to come to where you live to hear your plans, suggest their own ideas and draw up quote on exactly what you want. This includes some drawings of the final product to make sure you both understand each other. Ask the contractor questions about this and make sure they can provide all of this for free. If you don’t like what they offer you should be able to stop the process before you are committed to them – and you shouldn’t have to pay for anythign until you have signed a contract.
Where Do They Get Their Materials, What Guarantee Do They Provide and What Choices Do You Have?
Most companies will give you a range of materials that you can choose from. Some will be better quality than others and more expensive and some will be not as good quality and therefore cheaper. Generally you get what you pay for, but don’t get suckered into paying for the most expensive stuff if you don’t need it. The contractor should explain to you the differences between products, what situation they are best used for and the advantages and disadvantaged of each item. Also check out what manufacturer warranties apply to each item.
The author is an experienced backyard renovator in Perth and has overseen the installation of more than 50 patios and pergolas. They have created a free guide to help you choose the correct patio builder for you. To grab your copy simply go to http://www.PergolaPatioPerth.com
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