You’ve decided to add a pergola to your outdoor space. Congratulations! A pergola can provide shade, shelter, and a beautiful focal point for your yard or garden.
Now it’s time to prepare for the pergola’s arrival. Proper site preparation is essential for a successful pergola installation. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Choose Your Material
There are myriad pergola materials from which to choose when it comes to outdoor living. The main choices include wood, metal, fibreglass, and vinyl. The material you choose will be determined by your budget and the intended purpose of your pergola. A metal or fibreglass option will be best if you need a pergola that can withstand heavy snowfall or high winds.
These materials are also easy to clean and maintain. A wood pergola is a great option if you’re looking for a more natural look.
Wood pergolas can also be stained or painted to coordinate with the rest of your backyard. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance option, a vinyl pergola will be best for you. Vinyl pergolas can be cleaned with just a little soap and water and won’t fade or crack in the sun.
Check Local Building Requirements
Before you start planning the perfect pergola, it’s important to check local building requirements. Some areas require a permit for any backyard structure that’s bigger than 10 square feet. Other areas require a permit for any backyard structure that’s taller than 8 feet.
If you’re planning to build your own pergola, you’ll need to follow the correct building code requirements. If you’re hiring a contractor, ask about their experience with building permits for pergolas.
Review Body Corporate Regulations
If your property is strata titled, before starting a construction project, you should check the regulations your body corporate sets forth. Some body corporates have strict guidelines on what can be done to your property and how those changes should be made.
Select Pergola Installation Site With Care
When you’re choosing a spot to install your pergola, make sure to keep the following in mind:
- Your pergola should be installed in a spot that gets plenty of sunlight.
- Make sure the spot you choose is level and has good drainage.
- Check to see if there are any power lines or other obstructions in the way.
Investigate Impediments
Before you finalise the location of your pergola, make sure that there are no obstacles in the way from your house to the pergola. This way, you can avoid people accidentally trampling your flowers.
Make sure you have enough space to walk around your pergola easily. You should be able to walk around it comfortably on all sides.
Look Out for Landscaping
Do you have a beautiful backyard that you want to improve? Regarding landscaping, it is important to consider the height of your plants. Do not choose too tall plants, as they will block your light. The best plants to choose are those that grow close to the ground. These plants will allow you to enjoy your garden while providing you with plenty of light.
Inspect Site Lines
When landscaping, you should always check to see if there are any site lines. If there are any, you should make sure that you do not block them. These site lines are important because they will allow you to see your home from different angles. If you block them, you will not be able to see your home from different angles. This will make it difficult to determine how to improve your landscaping.
Consider Hiring a Pergola Installation Professional
If you are looking to improve the look of your home, you may want to consider hiring a pergola installation professional. These professionals can help you with selecting the right pergola, as well as installing it. Hiring a professional can be expensive, but it will save you time and money in the long run.
The Bottomline
In conclusion, following these tips will help ensure a successful pergola installation. By taking the time to prepare the site properly and selecting the right pergola for your needs, you can create a beautiful and functional outdoor space that will be enjoyed for years to come.
Are you looking for pergolas on the Sunshine Coast? Excelfit is a design and construction firm that can help you have the best pergolas for your property. Get in touch with us.
