Does A Pergola Need Planning Permission

Does A Pergola Need Planning Permission - What used to be called an outdoor roof is now commonly referred to as a pergola--it offers shelter from sun as well as wind, rain and sun and also extends your living space. A major architectural structure pergolas are made up of rafters, beams, and posts. They can be attached or removed from a home. While opinions vary on what makes it different from a gazebo, usually it is freestanding and has a pitched roof, while a pergola's roof is flat. Arbor and pergola are often used interchangeably, however an arbor is an structure that is used to support vines or to facilitate foot traffic in the garden. If you've got an outdoor deck or patio or roof, a rooflike structure can prolong the time you can spend outside having fun with guests or simply relaxing. With the rising popularity of outdoor living spaces, it can boost the value of a house. Before you begin an pergola project, think about the followingfactors: Orientation: North, south, east, or west-facing. Materials: These can include plywood to hardwood, metals, prefabricated materials fabrics, glass, and fabric. Budget: The two biggest expenses are materials and labor. If your budget is limited (and this is the case for most of us), this is the point where resourcefulness, clever planning as well as DIY skills and imagination come into play. The contractor vs. DIY: Who is going to build it? Is it a DIY project or do you want to hire a contractor? A prefab pergola kit is an alternative. Building codes: Also, who is going to develop it? The majority of outdoor structures require the permission of a building inspector or planning commissioner. The local government office will have guidelines on setback and height limits. The zoning law: Will you require city or county zoning regulations and permits? Depending on where you live, this process can take a lot of time, so be aware of it if you want your project completed within the next few months, or even a year. Sometimes, committees meet on a regular basis and applications may slip into the wrong hands. We've uncovered 9 pergolas that reflect different styles, sizes as well as materials and budgets certain to impress you! Homeowners who are enjoying relaxing and entertaining in their gardens have a tendency to be open-minded about what they can do next. Every improvement brings beauty, visual appeal, and enjoyment to backyards. Landscape enhancements create a sense of personality and warmth for your home. You might consider adding a pergola as your next landscape enhancement. Here's why: Pergolas are a great way to extend your living space . You may have an existing deck or patio and added it to expand your living space. A pergola may be right for you if you have discovered that you love your outdoor living spaces but don't find it useful in hot weather or if there are other reasons. A pergola will increase the size of your living space and allow you to spend more time outdoors. A pergola, when placed correctly on your lot will provide enough shade to make any afternoon pleasant. If you need more protection, you can also install a retractable shade covering. Some shade covers will even protect you from a light rain, perfect for those unpredictable summer storms. Pergolas Offer a Wide Range of Design Options When adding a pergola into your landscape, the first thing that you should decide on is "custom" or "kit". A local landscape pro can help you design the pergola from scratch. Materials will be your next decision. There are a variety of materials to consider and all come with advantages and disadvantages: Pressure-treated wood: A pressure-treated wood pergola is often your least expensive option. Although they will last a long time, pressure-treated lumber may crack, warp, or become damaged over time. This pergola is best if stained or painted. Cedar wood is popular for pergolas. It's naturally insect resistant and looks beautiful right from the sawmill. It can be left untreated to make it a soft silver grey, or stained and sealed to keep its color. A cedar pergola is more expensive than a pressure-treated pergola, but you'll typically get a longer serviceable lifespan from cedar. Vinyl: Vinyl is an excellent choice if you want a pergola that needs very little maintenance. Vinyl pergolas can not be painted, so there are only a few color options. Fiberglass: Although they are more expensive than other options, fiberglass pergolas have significant advantages. Fiberglass is extremely strong so you can span more distances without the need for posts. In some cases, it can even reach 20 feet. This will give you a cleaner look. Fiberglass can easily be painted any color, and will hold up better to paint than wood. A fiberglass pergola is a great addition to any deck or patio. Fiberglass pergolas require less footing than other materials due to their light weight.