Pergolas today are hugely desired additions to outdoor living spaces, and they only seem to be increasing in popularity. With so many styles, colors, and materials to choose from now, it’s little surprise. There truly seems to be a pergola for just about any home and aesthetic preference. If you’re thinking about adding one to your space,

Here are three key things to keep in mind:

If you’ve decided to add a pergola to your outdoor living space, congratulations!

These structures add utility, beauty, elegance, and resale value to any home. With so many options, though, the actual process of choosing the right pergola can be daunting. If your head is spinning with materials and styles and sizes, here’s a surefire way to get the right pergola for your home.

A Decking Contractor Should Be Well-Versed in Pulling Permits

If you’re going to have a deck built in your backyard, regardless of whether it’s attached to the house or a standalone deck, you’re going to have to get a deck permit. This is something required by law, and if you build without one and get caught, you’ll likely have to pay a big fine and may even be required to tear your new deck down, whether it’s partially built or completed. Basically, it’s not something that you want to have to go through.

If you live in the Washington, DC; Virginia; or Maryland region or any area afflicted by pesky insects, you know how quickly something small can ruin an outdoor living space! There’s nothing worse than trying to sit and relax outside on a warm summer night only to find yourself swatting away biting, buzzing insects. While you might not think of an open-air pergola as a great deterrent to insects, this one simple addition can help greatly: a fan.

Why Having a Permit is so Important When Building a Deck

We get this at least once a week.  "I spoke to a contractor who can start in 2 weeks and says I don't need a permit."

So why do you need a permit ?

In a nutshell: it’s the law.

All deck projects must be reviewed by your local jurisdiction to ensure they comply with the current International Residential Code (IRC). The IRC sets out minimum regulations for construction projects related to residences, including provisions for building, plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas, energy, and electrical. The goal is to ensure that all construction is safe, built correctly, and up to the current building standards.