A pergola can really change your backyard. It gives you a good spot for morning coffee or just relaxing in the evening. Valley Deck Inc has built many pergolas around Seymour, and we have seen what works and what does not work. Homeowners often make the same mistakes when they are planning or hiring for a pergola project. We will talk about the common mistakes we see so you can avoid them.
Mistake #1: Skipping the Permit and Ignoring Local Codes
This is a very big mistake, and it can cause a lot of trouble. Many people think a pergola is just a shade structure. They do not check if they need a permit for their pergola. This is a big mistake. In East Tennessee, including right here in Seymour, whether you need a permit for a pergola often depends on the size of the pergola, the height of the pergola, and if the pergola is attached to your house. Roofed structures usually need a permit. Many pergolas with footings also usually need a permit.
This matters because if you build a pergola without a permit, it can cause problems later. You might get fines for the unpermitted pergola. You could be forced to tear the pergola down. You might also have problems when you try to sell your home because of the unpermitted pergola. Unpermitted work can also make your insurance claims invalid if something goes wrong with the pergola. Sevier County, where Seymour is located, requires building permits for new construction, remodels, and additions. They will want floor plans and contractor information. You will also need inspections for things like the pergola footings and the pergola framing.
Our advice is to always check with the local building department in Seymour. Do not just assume. It is a quick call or visit that can save you a lot of trouble later on. If you are in an HOA, you should also double-check their rules for pergolas. HOA rules can be just as strict as the city or county rules for pergolas. Valley Deck Inc provides Pergola services for homes in Seymour, TN.
Mistake #2: Not Thinking About the Sun's Path
You are building a pergola for shade. This sounds obvious, but many homeowners do not really think about where the sun hits their yard throughout the day and throughout the year. You might want a shady spot in the morning. But by the afternoon, especially in the summer when the East Tennessee sun is very hot, that spot could be like an oven.
We have seen pergolas built that cast shade in the wrong places. Or worse, the pergola does not provide any shade when you need it the most. You should think about your backyard's orientation. Think about where the sun rises and sets. Also think about how those sun angles change with the seasons. Where do you plan to sit under the pergola? When will you use the pergola space? A good pergola design takes this into account. This makes sure your pergola is functional and not just decorative. For Seymour homes, Valley Deck Inc is here for all your Pergola needs.
Mistake #3: Going Too Small or Too Big for the Space
It is easy to get excited and just pick a pergola size from a picture you like. But a pergola needs to look balanced with your home and your yard. If the pergola is too small, it looks out of place. It will offer little shade or utility. If the pergola is too large, it can make your patio or yard feel too full. The space will feel cramped instead of open.
We often see people regret not making their pergola big enough for all their furniture. Or they wish they had more room for entertaining under the pergola. You should measure your space carefully. Picture how you will use the pergola. Will it be for dining, lounging, or maybe an outdoor kitchen? It is usually more cost-effective to build the pergola slightly larger at the start. It is harder to try and expand the pergola later. Also, do not forget about how people will walk around the pergola. You do not want pergola posts blocking walkways or views. The work will hold up for many years in the Seymour climate.
Mistake #4: Hiring the Wrong Contractor or Trying to DIY Too Much
We understand that everyone wants a good deal. But for construction, especially for something that needs to be strong and last through our varied Seymour weather, saving money on who you hire is a big risk. Here are some things to watch for:
- No License or Insurance: This is very important. Any real contractor should have a license. They should also carry liability insurance and worker's compensation insurance. If they do not want to show you proof, you should not hire them. You do not want to be responsible if someone gets hurt or if your property gets damaged during the pergola project.
- Demanding Full Payment Upfront: A good contractor will ask for a deposit to pay for materials. But they will never ask for the whole project cost before starting the pergola work. Usually, it is one-third to one-half of the cost. The rest is paid in parts as the work on the pergola progresses.
- Vague Contracts or Verbal Agreements: You need to get everything in writing. A detailed contract should explain the work to be done, the materials for the pergola, the timeline, and the payment schedule. If it is just a handshake or a quick note, you could have problems later.
- Unusually Low Bids: If a bid for a pergola seems too good to be true, it probably is. Good materials and skilled workers cost money. Very low bids often mean that corners will be cut, or poor materials will be used, or there will be hidden costs later.
- No References or Poor Communication: A good contractor will gladly give you references for their pergola work. If they are hard to reach or do not call you back quickly before you even hire them, think about how it will be during the project.
For those who like to do projects themselves: some smaller projects are fine. But a pergola involves how strong the structure is. It needs proper anchoring. It also needs an understanding of local codes. If you are not experienced with things like concrete footings, wind loads, or connecting the pergola to existing structures, it is best to call a professional. Weak or incorrect anchoring can cause the pergola posts to wobble. It can also lead to early damage. Or it could even cause the pergola to break in a strong East Tennessee storm.
At Valley Deck Inc, we like to do things correctly the first time. We have seen many homeowners regret their pergola choices because they did not pay attention to these details. You should take your time, do your research, and ask the right questions about your pergola. Your outdoor living space is an investment. You want to make sure it is one you will enjoy for many years to come. Call Valley Deck Inc for Pergola work in Seymour, TN.