What to Know Before Hiring a Patio Cover Builder in St. Tammany Parish

Adding a patio cover may seem like a straightforward home improvement project, but there is much more to consider than simply choosing a roof and installing a few posts.

A well-built patio cover needs to work with your home’s structure, provide proper drainage, withstand outdoor conditions, and create the type of space you actually want to use.

For homeowners in Covington, Mandeville, and throughout St. Tammany Parish, choosing an experienced patio cover builder is an important part of getting those details right.

Before beginning your project, here are some of the most important things to consider.

Decide How Much Coverage You Need

A patio cover should be proportionate to both the outdoor area and the house.

A cover that is too small may not provide enough useful shade, while an oversized structure can overwhelm the home or reduce natural light inside adjacent rooms.

Consider where the sun hits your patio during different parts of the day and where rain typically enters the space.

Your contractor can also help determine how the roofline and placement will affect:

• Nearby windows
• Exterior doors
• Existing gutters
• Walkways
• Landscaping
• Drainage
• Outdoor furniture placement



Thinking beyond the square footage can lead to a much more functional finished space.

Compare Patio Cover Materials

There is no single patio-cover material that is right for every home. Different materials offer different appearances, maintenance requirements, and design possibilities.

Aluminum Patio Covers

An aluminum patio cover can be a good option for homeowners looking for durable outdoor coverage with relatively low maintenance. Aluminum does not rot and is well suited to outdoor environments where moisture and humidity are common concerns. Depending on the system selected, aluminum patio covers can provide a clean, finished appearance while offering dependable shade and weather protection.

Metal Patio Covers

A metal patio cover may incorporate aluminum, steel, or other metal roofing components. Metal roofing can provide long-lasting overhead protection and may complement both traditional and contemporary homes when designed correctly. Ask your contractor exactly what material is being proposed and how it will be finished and maintained.

Solid Roof Patio Covers

A solid roof patio cover provides continuous protection over the patio. This is often a good choice for homeowners who want to create a more substantial outdoor living area. A solid patio cover may also make it easier to incorporate features such as fans, lighting, televisions, and other amenities depending on the design.

Make Sure the Patio Cover Fits the Architecture

A new patio cover should look like it belongs with the home. This is especially important when the structure is attached to the house.

Your contractor should consider:

• Existing roof pitch
• Roof materials
• Exterior colors
• Trim
• Columns
• Fascia
• Ceiling treatment
• Architectural style

Homes throughout Covington, Mandeville, and the surrounding Northshore have a wide variety of architectural styles. A patio covering that looks appropriate on one house may not be the best design for another.

Good design considers the entire home rather than treating the patio as an isolated project.

Ask How the Patio Cover Will Attach to the House

This is one of the most important questions to discuss with your contractor. An attached patio cover has to integrate properly with the existing structure. Improper attachment can create problems with water intrusion, drainage, or structural stability.

Your contractor should evaluate the existing home and determine the appropriate method based on the roofline and proposed patio design. Do not assume that every patio can use the same construction approach.

Pay Attention to Drainage

Water has to go somewhere. A new patio roof changes the way rainwater moves around your home, which means drainage should be considered during the planning process.

Depending on the design, the project may include:

• Gutters
• Downspouts
• Roof flashing
• Drainage extensions
• Grading considerations

The goal is to direct water away from the patio and home rather than creating new drainage problems. This is particularly important in South Louisiana, where heavy rainfall can occur throughout the year.

Think About Fans & Lighting Before Construction

If you are considering a solid roof patio cover, decide early whether you want ceiling fans, lighting, outlets, or entertainment equipment. It is much easier to incorporate these features into the project during construction than to add them later.

Possible additions include:

• Ceiling fans
• Recessed lighting
• Pendant lighting
• Exterior outlets
• Television connections
• Outdoor kitchen electrical service
• Accent lighting

Planning ahead can also help hide wiring and create a cleaner finished appearance.

Ask About Permits and Local Requirements

Patio-cover projects may be subject to building requirements depending on the location and scope of construction. Before work begins, determine whether the project requires permits or other approvals. Requirements may differ based on the property and municipality, so homeowners in St. Tammany Parish should verify what applies to their specific project.

If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners association, architectural approval may also be required. Discuss these responsibilities with your contractor before construction begins.

Ask the Patio Cover Builder the Right Questions

Choosing the right patio cover builder can make a significant difference in both the construction process and the final result.

Before hiring a contractor, ask questions such as:

Are you licensed and insured?

A professional contractor should be able to explain the licensing and insurance applicable to the work being performed.

Have you built similar patio covers?

Experience with attached roof structures, aluminum systems, and outdoor living construction can be particularly valuable.

What material are you recommending?

Ask whether the project will use aluminum, another type of metal, shingles, or another roofing system.

How will the patio roof attach to my home?

The contractor should evaluate the home rather than offering a one-size-fits-all answer.

How will rainwater be managed?

Discuss roof slope, gutters, downspouts, and drainage before the project starts.

Who handles permit requirements?

Make sure you understand who is responsible for determining and obtaining any required approvals.

What is included in the estimate?

A detailed estimate should help you understand what work and materials are included in the proposed project.

Be Careful About Choosing Based Only on Price

It can be tempting to select the lowest estimate, but patio construction involves more than the visible roofing material. Two estimates that appear to describe the same patio cover may include very different materials, structural components, finishing details, and scopes of work.

When comparing estimates, look at:

• Materials
• Structural work
• Roofing
• Electrical work
• Gutters and drainage
• Ceiling finishes
• Painting or finishing
• Cleanup
• Permit responsibilities

Understanding what is actually included can help you make a more meaningful comparison.

Consider the Patio as Part of a Larger Outdoor Living Plan

If you eventually want an outdoor kitchen, expanded concrete area, screened enclosure, or other backyard improvements, tell your contractor before construction begins. Even if you are not completing everything at once, knowing your future plans may influence how the patio cover is designed today.

For example, a future outdoor kitchen may affect:

• Roof size
• Electrical placement
• Lighting
• Ventilation
• Furniture layout
• Walkways

Planning the overall space can prevent having to undo completed work later.

A Patio Cover Can Transform an Existing Outdoor Area

Many homes already have a patio that simply does not get as much use as the homeowner expected. Adding a solid patio cover can make the space more practical by providing consistent shade and protection from passing rain. When combined with comfortable furniture, lighting, fans, and thoughtful design, an ordinary patio can become an outdoor gathering area that feels connected to the rest of the home.

Work With a Northshore Patio Cover Builder

A patio cover is an investment in both your home and the way you use your outdoor space. Taking the time to plan the structure, materials, drainage, and amenities before construction can help you create a finished area that is comfortable, functional, and appropriate for your home.

RS Builders & Remodeling provides patio-cover and outdoor-living construction services for homeowners in Covington, Mandeville, and communities throughout St. Tammany Parish and Louisiana’s Northshore.

Whether you are considering an aluminum patio cover, metal patio cover, solid roof patio cover, or another custom patio covering, contact RS Builders & Remodeling to discuss your project and explore the options available for your home.