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Do I Need a Permit to Build a Patio Cover?

Do I Need a Permit to Build a Patio Cover?

by | May 30, 2024 | Community

Do I Need a Permit to Build a Patio Cover?

With the warm weather in full swing, one question we keep hearing is:

How soon can you build me a patio cover? 

…And for good reason!

Patio covers are the missing piece to your outdoor living area, creating a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere that is equally functional. 

If you’re ready to get your patio cover construction underway and are wondering whether you need a permit to build a patio cover, you’re in good hands. We’re here to cover the generics and Albany, OR, to take the stress off your plate. 

Let’s get started!

Patio Cover with thick beam supports

Do I Need a Permit to Build a Patio Cover?

Whether you need a permit to build a patio cover depends on your location. To find out if you need a permit, talk to the contractor in charge of your patio cover construction.

As contractors, we know the necessary laws and regulations in each state, city, and county, and we will help you figure out what needs to be in place before construction begins.

At Top Form Contracting, we pride ourselves on excellent communication skills and professionalism, keeping clients like yourself in the know at all times. That includes making sure you have all the necessary information before we begin construction on your patio cover in Albany.

Is It Required to Get a Permit for Patio Cover Construction in Albany, OR?

According to the City of Albany, Oregon, it is not a requirement to get a permit for a patio cover if the patio cover is equal to or less than 200 square feet and 12 feet tall, among other criteria.

Read more about the requirements for patio cover construction in Albany, Oregon, on the City website. If your patio cover does not meet the requirements listed above, you would need to get a permit for construction to commence.

How Much Is a Permit for a Patio Cover?

The cost for a permit varies depending on where you live. Contact the City to get accurate pricing for a patio cover permit.

Do Covered Patios Add Value?

Even though you may have to go through the hassle of getting a permit if you’re building a patio cover depending on the city, patios can do wonders for your home value. In fact, reports show that most patio covers typically come with an 80% ROI and an increase in home value by as much as 8%-12%. A quality contractor is key here.

Covered outdoor patios are among the most desirable and provide the largest ROI if you ever decide to sell your home. There are many reasons for this (e.g., privacy, aesthetics, functionality, etc.).

Patio Cover in Lush Green Yard

Get Started With Patio Cover Construction Services | Albany, OR

We hope this blog about permits for patio covers helped clear up a few questions for you. If you’re interested in patio cover construction in Albany, we would be glad to work together.

Contact us online here, or call us today at (541) 926-4597 for more information about our pergola and patio cover services in Albany, OR.

How to Cover a Concrete Patio

How to Cover a Concrete Patio

by | Apr 25, 2024 | Community

How to Cover a Concrete Patio

Do you want to transform a simple concrete slab into a beautiful patio you feel proud hosting cookouts and get-togethers at? If so, you’re in the right place!

At Top Form Contracting in Albany, we specialize in residential and commercial construction, including patios, patio covers, and much more. 

Let’s talk about how to cover a concrete patio – and keep it looking aesthetically pleasing in the process. 

Pergola over Concrete Patio

How to Cover a Concrete Patio

Here’s how to cover an existing concrete patio: 

Idea #1: Add a Pergola

If you love your concrete patio but just want to add a little something, a patio cover is the way to go. We offer pergola construction services in Albany and the surrounding cities. What is a pergola exactly? It’s an outdoor structure that includes columns and rafters on the roof. 

While it’s usually used for gardens, it’s also great for patios and other outdoor living areas. It can be uncovered or covered, depending on the style you want. The outdoor covers we make include wood, and we can wrap that material upon request with fiber-cement siding to help draw the eye. We are also happy to paint or stain the wood to bring the look together and help create the outdoor living space of your dreams. 

Related: What Is the Point of a Pergola?

Idea #2: Use Decking

Another option to enhance your concrete patio is to put in a deck. You can hire a contractor to add a wood or composite deck on top of concrete as long as the current concrete is in good condition. 

There’s a good chance you won’t have to take out the existing concrete if the condition is good. What your contractor can do is enter the slab and put in a footer and post to get your deck set up as envisioned. 

Other Ideas to Cover a Concrete Patio 

  • Add rugs.
  • Set up plants. 
  • Use pavers.
  • Put in wood over the top. 
Concrete Patio

Contact Top Form Contracting Today | Albany, OR

Now that you have a few ideas on how to cover a concrete patio, we hope you are excited as your dream outdoor living area could be just around the corner. If you’re looking for help bringing your patio vision to life, we would love to assist you. 

Contact us online here, or call us today at (541) 926-4597 to ask about our pergola and patio cover services in Albany, OR.

What Is the Point of a Pergola?

What Is the Point of a Pergola?

by | Apr 3, 2024 | Community

What Is the Point of a Pergola?

Spring is here, and we’re getting calls left and right for pergolas.

What is a pergola, you might be wondering?

A pergola is a popular outdoor structure with columns and rafters on the roof. It’s often used to enhance your garden or outdoor living space.

Today, we’re going to dive into what the point of a pergola is so that you can decide if pergola construction is worth it for you. Let’s get right into it!

Dual Pergolas

What Is the Point of a Pergola?

There are many benefits of a pergola, including but not limited to:

Curb Appeal

Lots can be done to create curb appeal for your home, and pergolas are among the top of the list – especially when it concerns your outdoor space. They add an intricate touch to your backyard, drawing the eye and helping increase your home value in the process.

Shade

When you need shade outdoors, you can count on a pergola. Pergolas can be uncovered or covered depending on your request. All you have to do is ask, and we’ll add a beautiful cover that will protect you from the sun and the elements. Not to mention, it can protect your furniture and grill from fading by providing the right amount of shade.

Cover

If you want to cover your outdoor living area to give it a polished look and provide some obvious benefits (shade and weather protection), we’ve got your back. Not only does it look aesthetically pleasing, but it is also practical, providing a touch of shade for when you want to be outdoors but not right under the sun.

Lounging Area

Nothing says spring and summer like a place to lounge in your own backyard. Pergolas can make that happen. They give you a special place in the comfort of your home so that you can feel at ease and relax in peace outside when you feel like it.

Pool House

Take full advantage of your outdoor space, and get that pool you’ve always wanted. A pergola can be made into a pool house, giving your backyard a luxurious feel. Plus, it is fun and practical, giving you a place to hang your towels, sunbathe, or supervise your kids while they play in the water without being directly in the sun.

Slatted Roof Pergola

Talk to Top Form Contracting Today About Pergola Construction | Albany, OR

With the water weather coming on fast, we encourage you to reach out if you’re interested in a pergola in Albany, OR. Now that you know what the point of a pergola is, we know you’ll find this outdoor structure especially useful as BBQ and pool season come to say hello!

At Top Form Contracting, we primarily build pergolas with wood. We can also paint or stain the wood, as well as wrap it with fiber-cement siding to draw the eye. Let us know your vision, and we’ll make it happen!

Contact us online here, or call us today at (541) 926-4597 to ask about our pergola and patio cover services in Albany, OR.

What Is a Pergola?

What Is a Pergola?

by | Feb 29, 2024 | Community

What Is a Pergola?

As spring nears, one question we hear a lot is, “How can I make my backyard more inviting?” If you’ve been wondering that yourself, you’ve come to the right place! 

At Top Form Contracting, we’re premier contractors in Albany, Oregon, and we strive to help homeowners love their yards more by making them more aesthetically pleasing and functional. One outdoor feature that looks great and makes your backyard more usable is a pergola.

So, what exactly is a pergola? Let’s talk about it!

Pergola

What Is a Pergola?

A pergola is an outdoor structure for gardens and outdoor living areas that features columns and rafters on the roof. Pergolas are generally uncovered. However, we can create a cover upon request.

At Top Form Contracting, we primarily build our outdoor covers with wood and sometimes wrap that material with fiber-cement siding for visual appeal. The wood can also be painted or stained upon request, helping the pergola mesh with your home yet still stand out.

What Is the Point of a Pergola?

Pergolas can be used in many ways.

  • They can be used to draw the eye and create curb appeal.
  • Pergolas can provide much-needed shade outdoors.
  • They can be an economical way to cover your outdoor living area.
  • Pergolas can create a lounging area outdoors.
  • They can be made into a pool house.
Pergola Rafters

What Are the Benefits of Pergolas?

Pergolas have many benefits, including but not limited to:

Shade

Pergolas provide a shady getaway when you need some reprieve from the harsh rays of the sun. That will allow you to sit back and relax during the warm season.

Extension of Your Outdoor Living Area

If you enjoy BBQing or hosting gatherings outside, pergolas are a great choice. They add a charming look to your outdoor living space, providing a semi-covered area where your guests can spend time and enjoy their visit.

Covering for Your Garden

You can’t go wrong with a pergola if you have a garden. Pergolas provide a wall and cover for your plants to grow around, which can be inviting and beautiful. In addition, they provide a little shade for plants underneath the rafters.

Is a Pergola a Patio Cover?

Pergolas are a type of patio cover in the sense that they can go over your patio to provide shade. However, patio covers are generally fully covered and don’t let in the elements. A pergola, on the other hand, features lattice beams with openings (unless you decide to add a cover on top).

Both pergolas and covered patios are wonderful options to enhance your outdoor space. Why would you get a pergola over a covered patio?

Here are a few reasons:

  • Pergolas are more affordable.
  • Pergolas work great for gardens, allowing sunshine and rain to enter through the rafters.
  • Pergolas don’t need to be attached to the home.
Shade Pergola

Contact Top Form Contracting Today | Albany, OR

Now that you know what a pergola is, you can probably imagine all the ways it could bring life back to your yard. If you’re ready to start pergola construction, we’ve got you covered.

Not only are we a local contractor who takes pride in our work, but we’re also competitively priced and known for our great customer service.

Contact us online here, or call us today at (541) 926-4597 to ask about our pergola and patio cover services in Albany, OR.

Cost of a Patio Cover

Cost of a Patio Cover

by | Jan 30, 2024 | Community

How Much Does a Patio Cover Cost?

Ever sat on your patio under the harsh glare of direct sunlight, longing for a bit of shade? A well-placed patio cover could be the answer. But with that thought comes another – how much does a patio cover cost?

The price tag isn’t just about materials and labor costs. It’s also about the ambiance you want to create in your backyard oasis.

Today, we’ll dive into everything you need to know. Let’s get started!

Patio Cover

Understanding Patio Cover Costs

The cost of a patio cover is influenced by various factors. These include the size, complexity, materials used, and any added features you might want. The cost of a patio cover can vary depending on the type of patio cover and features you’re looking for. For instance, the average cost for a pergola in Albany, OR, is $5,000, give or take.

Patio covers are available in many styles. Each comes with its unique aesthetic appeal and set of benefits, which directly affect their costs.

In addition to style variations, the material type plays a significant role. Each material choice has cost implications since it requires different amounts of labor costs to install properly.

Covering your patio may seem like an expensive project at first glance due to these varying factors, including materials required and labor needed, but think about this: you’re adding value to your home’s exterior while also creating additional living space protected from weather extremes. It’s all about weighing up what matters most (e.g., aesthetics, durability, budget, etc.).

Materials Matter – Costs by Material Type

Selecting the correct material for your patio cover can have a considerable impact on its expense and life expectancy. If you’re after that timeless look, wood patio covers are a great option. They provide an unparalleled aesthetic appeal and add value to any home’s exterior.

At Top Form Contracting, we build patio covers with wood and can wrap that material with fiber-cement siding for a different look upon request. For roofing, we can do polycarbonate or architectural shingles. We can also style the covers with decorative faces, etc., and paint or stain the wood material upon request.

In the end, remember that each material type has its own cost implications. It’s about finding a balance between aesthetics and practicality that suits your home best.

Metal Patio Cover

Additional Features and Their Impact on Costs

Patio covers can be more than just a simple roof structure. Patio covers can be transformed into an extension of your living space with the addition of certain features, but these come at a cost (e.g., lighting).

Adding outdoor lighting lets you use your patio even after sunset, but it increases the cover cost, too. Similarly, appliances like outdoor heaters or fans provide comfort but add to the final cost.

Schedule Your Patio Cover Installation Today | Albany, OR

Now you know, the answer to “how much does a patio cover cost” isn’t as simple as it seems. From materials to styles, each factor plays its part.

That means: plan wisely, and choose according to your style preference and budget limits. By working with patio cover contractors like ourselves, you can make things easier on yourself.

Contact us online here, or call us today at (541) 926-4597 to ask about our patio cover services in Albany, OR.

Where to Get James Hardie Plank Siding in Albany, OR

Where to Get James Hardie Plank Siding in Albany, OR

by | Feb 8, 2023 | Community, Siding

Where Can You Get James Hardie Plank Siding in Albany, OR?

If you’re going to get new siding for your house, you deserve the absolute best. That’s where James Hardie plank siding comes in. James Hardie is a well-known name in the siding market, with the brand adorning millions of homes throughout the U.S. 

Not only does James Hardie have cutting-edge fiber cement siding that is designed to perform, but it also features exclusive Baked-On ColorPlus® Technology that helps your siding fight back against things that quickly wear down other types of siding, including fading from the sunshine, cracking from the weather, and much more. (Being in the Pacific Northwest, we all know how that pesky rain can be on a house!)

So, that all sounds great, but where do you get James Hardie plank siding in Albany, Oregon? We’re here to help!

home siding

Where to Find James Hardie Plank Siding in Albany, OR

You can get James Hardie plank siding and other James Hardie products right here at your local Top Form Contracting in Albany, Oregon. We realize there are many options on the table for siding. However, we know what works and what doesn’t in the Pacific Northwest, and when it comes to James Hardie plank siding in Albany, OR, there’s not much that’s better.

To request new home siding or a siding repair, all you have to do is give us a call.
We’ll send out an estimator who can assess the cost of your James Hardie siding or another type of siding. Then, we’ll happily install, repair, or replace the siding on a day and time that works best for you.

What Is the Average Cost to Install Hardie Plank Siding?

A lot goes into pricing out siding projects. That’s why we have a professional estimator go to your location and give you an estimate before starting any work. If you’re curious, you can divide the outside of your home into a series of triangles and squares. 

Then, multiply the height by the length for the square footage. To get the square footage for the triangles, you can multiply the height by the length, then divide that number by 2, subtracting the windows, of course. Then, you combine those numbers to calculate the amount of square footage you need for siding. 

You’ll also need to figure out the cost of labor, materials, and more. (As you can tell, it’s a lot easier having an estimator come up with those numbers!)

Is James Hardie Siding Worth the Cost?

Absolutely! James Hardie siding is known for being high quality, weather resistant, pest resistant, fire resistant, and more. That means that when you go the siding route, you can help your siding last longer, perform weather, and stand up against hazardous weather, fire, termites, and the works.

siding contractor

Contact One of the Best James Hardie Siding Contractors Near Me Today

At Top Form Contracting, we’re proud to be a James Hardie contractor you can count on. We pride ourselves on setting up some of the best types of siding, including James Hardie plank siding, in Albany, OR, and the surrounding cities. 

Ready to schedule? Contact us now at (541) 926-4597 for a free estimate. We look forward to serving you.

Top Form Construction