Do I Need Planning Permission For A Wooden Pergola

Do I Need Planning Permission For A Wooden Pergola - What used to be called the patio roof is now commonly referred to as a pergola--it provides shelter from the sun, rain, and wind while extending your home's living space. A significant architectural feature pergolas are made up of beams, rafters and posts, and can be attached or detached from a home. While opinions vary on what makes it different from the gazebo, generally a gazebo is freestanding and has a pitched roof while a pergola's roof is flat. Both the terms "arbor" and pergola are often utilized interchangeably, but an arbor is more of an structure that is used to support vines or to direct foot traffic within a garden. If you own an outdoor deck or patio or roof, a rooflike structure can extend the amount of time you can spend outside having fun with guests or simply relaxing. With the rising popularization of living areas outdoors, this is a great way to enhance the value of your home. Before you start an pergola project, think about the followingfactors: Orientation: North or south, east or west-facing. Materials: This could include plywood to hardwood metals, prefabricated material as well as glass, fabric and. Budgeting: Two of the largest costs will be for materials and labor. If you're on a tight budget (and this is the case for most of us) that's where resourcefulness, smart planning as well as DIY skills and creativity come into play. Contractor vs. DIY: Who's planning to build the project? Will it be a do-it-yourself project or do you want to hire an expert? A prefabricated pergola kit can be a good alternative. Building codes: Also, who is going to develop it? Most outdoor structures require the permission of the building inspector or the planning commissioner. Your local government office must have guidelines on setback and height limitations. Zone laws: Are require city, county, or regional zoning regulations and approvals? Depending on where you live, this process can take a long time and you must be on top of it if you wish to get your project completed within the next couple of months or even year. The committees may meet occasionally and applicants can slip between the cracks. We've found 9 different pergolas that reflect different styles, sizes as well as materials and budgets sure to be awe-inspiring! Homeowners who have discovered the merits of relaxing and entertaining in their backyards are often considering the next enhancement they can add to their outdoor space. Because each addition adds beauty and visual appeal to the backyard, it is a place where people can enjoy their garden. Landscape enhancements help create a mood or personality for your home and they extend your family's warmth and hospitality. Consider adding a pergola to your landscape. Here's why: Pergolas (further). Expand Your Living Space . If you've already built a patio or deck, you probably added it as an extension of your living space. A pergola might be the right choice for you if your outdoor space is not as useful in summer heat or you want to protect it from inclimate weather. A pergola expands your living space, and can be used to extend the time you spend outdoors. Properly positioned on your lot, the pergola will offer enough shade to keep even hot summer afternoons enjoyable. Retractable shade covers can be added for additional protection. Some shade covers can protect you from light rain, making them ideal for unpredictable summer storms. Pergolas are a wide range of design options If you are considering adding a pergola or pergola to your landscape, the first thing you need to decide on is whether you want it custom or a kit. A local landscape designer can help you design a pergola and then build it in your yard. Materials will be the next thing you need to consider. There are a variety of materials to consider and all come with advantages and disadvantages: Wood pergolas made of pressure-treated timber: This is the most affordable option. While they have a good life expectancy, pressure-treated lumber is susceptible to cracking, warping, and checking over time. This type pergola looks best when painted or stained. Cedar wood: Cedar (typically Western Red Cedar), is a popular choice to make pergolas. It's naturally insect resistant and looks beautiful right from the sawmill. It can be left as-is to turn a soft grayish silver, or you can stain it and seal it to preserve its color. Cedar pergolas are typically more expensive that pressure-treated pergolas but will have a longer useful life span. Vinyl: Vinyl pergolas require very little maintenance. You cannot easily paint a vinyl pergola, however, so your color choices are limited. Fiberglass Pergolas: While they are the most expensive, fiberglass pergolas offer significant benefits. Fiberglass is stronger than wood and allows you to span greater distances with no posts. Fiberglass can be painted any color you want, and the paint will hold up better than on wood. The fiberglass pergolas are great for adding beauty to an existing deck or patio. Fiberglass pergolas are light in weight and therefore don't require deep footers like other materials.