From the ArcaMax Publishing, Home and Consumer Newsletter:
http://www.arcamax.com/news/home/s-364482-744293
Adding a pergola to your home is a great way to add value to your
home, and it is also a nice place to relax and entertain. Before
starting, here are some tips you will want to consider.
If you have been thinking of building a pergola, you have probably
been looking around and seen kits available online. Some of these kits
can be expensive, and you will still need to put them together. If you
have set a budget, and a pergola kit exceeds it, build your own, it
can save you money, and more than likely meet your budget.
If you are handy with tools, and you enjoy building your own projects,
this will not be very difficult to build. The first step will be to
get some plans. There are many sites online offering free pergola
plans, you can also buy plans online for a good price. Having plans is
very important step you must take to build a great looking pergola.
Building your own pergola is not difficult, and can usually be done
during one or two weekend. Once you get your pergola plans that will
work for the location you have chosen, you will want to go to your
building department. Weather you will be building your own pergola
from plans, or using a pergola kit, you will need to check with your
building department for any permits you will need for this project.
If you don't feel capable of taking on this project, consider hiring a
handyman. Once you have the pergola plans you want, and the material,
you can show them to different handyman to get some estimates for this
project. All pergola plans will come with a material list, this will
give you an idea how much this project will cost. Adding the price of
the material and the handyman's price to build, you will be able to
compare to pergola kits, this will give you a good idea of the
savings. This is another option you might want to think about to get
the pergola you want, and save some money.
To finish off the project add climbing roses or vines to your pergola.
Once your pergola is completed it will make a great focal point to
your patio, garden, or backyard. It will also be a great place to
relax and entertain. Having a pergola will not only increase the value
of your home, you will have your special retreat for many, many years.
========
Free woodworking plans including pergola
plans visit my site at www.mybackyardplans.com