While much of life is a case of “hurry up and wait,” your Renaissance Patio build is more likely to force you to wait, than hurry up. Thanks to Renaissance’s precision-engineered design and high-strength-to-weight extruded aluminum components, the actual construction of a Renaissance Patio roof, translucent cover, gazebo, or pergola, can be completed in well under a week. Screen rooms and sunrooms take a bit longer, of course. The preparation and red tape, however, often require exponentially longer periods. We have prepared this guide to help you minimize the lag time between dreaming of your backyard paradise and actually spending time in it.
Off-season Patio To-do’s
It’s a good idea to start preparing for your backyard construction several months before you plan to send out invitations to your first barbecue of the season. While away a few cold winter nights choosing the type and style of patio cover that will make you happy. An insulated roof is a great choice, and Renaissance has a Contempo, Classico, or Moderno design to match your home.
We advise you to keep track of your pre-construction prerequisites so you don’t overlook any details:
- Check out your jurisdiction’s building regulations to make sure yours stays in compliance.
- If you have a homeowners association look through the CCRs for any other building restrictions regarding size or placement. Renaissance Patio covers can be attached to your home or freestanding.
- If you do not have an existing patio slab, make arrangements to have one poured so it will be fully cured before time to build your patio cover.
Pre-game Patio To-do’s
- Consult with your authorized Renaissance Patio installer. We can put you in touch with a licensed, bonded, and insured contractor in your area who can help you design and budget for your new outdoor living space. He or she will help you with your final design, sketch it out, and prepare an estimate. Then you can sign the contract.
- Fill out the paperwork. Most jurisdictions require a building permit, and your HOA will need to approve an application before construction begins. Your contractor is responsible for filing the building permit and may be able to help you with the HOA form, as much of the same information will be required on both.
Warm-up – Before your Patio Project
HOAs and government bureaucrats work on their schedules, not yours. There’s no real way to determine when your permit and application will be approved, but it’s a safe bet that it will be longer than you hope. Spend the time internet browsing for patio furniture you like and deciding how to decorate your new space.
Your contractor will collect a down payment – probably enough to cover the materials. Make sure payment terms, due dates, and exact amounts are covered in your contract.
Once everything is okayed, there’s still a bit of a wait as your contractor orders the material for your patio. Renaissance will deliver it either to your home or to the contractor who can transport the components in a pickup truck.
As you await delivery of your building materials, clear some space in your yard where they can be stored. It’s also a good idea to let your neighbors know your plans so they can prepare for construction noise. And explain to young children what’s going on and to stay away from the staged materials and work area. If you work remotely, you might want to see about reserving a study room at the local library for a couple of days.
Game Time – Building your Patio
No more waiting! Construction will progress so fast as to be almost anti-climactic. During a couple of days, your contractor is on the job, you are welcome to ask questions and inspect the work. It may be best to do this before the day’s work begins so you’re not hovering over the crew. After the crew leaves for the night, check out the job so far. You can take cell phone pictures of areas that don’t look right and use adhesive dots on areas you want to discuss with the installer.
Rain Delays
Not only rain, but high winds, illness, personal emergencies, and other contingencies may delay your project. Chances are these inconveniences will only set you back a day or two. It’s not like a global pandemic will force your installer off the job for an extended time.
After the buzzer – Enjoying your Patio
When the project is complete and you have signed off, take a few days or weeks to enjoy your new setting. You can also spend some time furnishing it with the decor that will really make the space your own. There is no end to the accessories you can buy to customize your outdoor haven.
Renaissance Patios can be used for much more than merely shooting the breeze. They can accommodate dining tables, barbecue grills, and firepits, of course, but you can always add a full outdoor kitchen. And whether screened, glassed, or open-air, you can even install ceiling fans, lights, and televisions.
The sooner you start, the sooner you can be taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature under your weather-protecting Renaissance Patio. Contact us today to get the ball rolling.
