Adding a pergola to your backyard? It feels like a dream in the making. A perfect oasis for sipping coffee. Hosting BBQs. Or just catching a quiet moment outdoors. 

But don’t hire the first pergola builder you find online. Hold up! Asking the right questions is important. It ensures your pergola project doesn’t turn into a Pinterest fail. So, grab your notepad. And jot down these 10 questions to ask before hiring a pergola builder.

1. What’s Your Experience with Pergola Projects?

Experience matters—a lot. Ask how long they’ve been building pergolas. Not every contractor knows the difference between building a pergola. And, say, a gazebo. Yes, there’s a difference! A seasoned builder will have tackled various designs. Materials. And layouts. They’ll know how to handle tricky situations. Like uneven ground or funky backyard layouts.

And if they say. “This is my first pergola.” Politely show them the door.

2. Can I See Your Portfolio and Talk to Past Clients?

A good pergola builder should proudly show off their work. Ask for photos of completed projects. Or, better yet, if you can visit one in person. Talking to previous clients? It can be a goldmine of insight. Ask these: Did the builder finish on time? Were they easy to work with? Did the pergola look as amazing as promised?

Bonus tip: Look for builders who showcase creative designs. Cookie-cutter pergolas are so last year.

3. Are You Licensed and Insured?

Never, ever skip this question. A licensed builder knows their craft and follows local regulations. Insurance? That’s your safety net. Suppose something goes wrong. Like a worker accidentally knocking over your garden gnome. You won’t be stuck footing the bill.

Pro tip: Ask for proof. “Oh, trust me.” That doesn’t cut it here.

4. Do You Offer Custom Designs or Just Pre-Fab Options?

Your pergola should be unique. As unique as your backyard. Ask if they can design something custom. Or if you’ll need to pick from pre-made options. Custom designs give you the flexibility. You choose size, shape, and style. But if pre-fab fits your budget and vision, go for it. Just make sure the builder helps you adapt it to your space.

5. What Materials Do You Recommend?

Pergolas can be made from various materials. Wood. Vinyl. Aluminum. Or even steel. Each material has its pros and cons. For example, wood is classic and beautiful. But it needs more maintenance. Aluminum? Lightweight. And rust-resistant. But it might lack the natural charm of wood.

A good builder will explain the options. Based on your budget, climate, and style preferences. If they try to push one material without explanation? Red flag.

6. Can You Provide a Detailed Estimate?

Money matters. Ask for a written estimate that includes: Labor. Materials. Permits. And any extras. Beware of vague quotes. Those can lead to unexpected costs later. Cheaper isn’t always better. But you don’t need to overpay either.

Compare estimates from a few builders to get a fair deal. Transparency is key here.

7. What’s the Timeline?

“How long will this take?” It’s a simple question. But the answer tells you a lot. A good builder will give you a realistic timeline. And stick to it. Pergolas aren’t built overnight. But they also shouldn’t take months. Unless you’re building something straight out of an architectural magazine.

Ask how they handle delays. Weather happens, but good communication can keep you in the loop.

8. Do You Handle Permits and Local Regulations?

Permits are such a headache. Luckily, an experienced builder can handle it. Including all the ins and outs of local building codes. Ask if they’ll handle this for you. Or if you’ll need to deal with it yourself.

Skip this step. And you might end up tearing down your pergola. Because it didn’t meet city requirements. Ouch.

9. Do You Offer a Warranty?

Pergolas are an investment. A warranty ensures you won’t be stuck. Like paying for shoddy work or defective materials. Most reputable builders offer warranties. On both labor and materials.

Make sure to ask what’s covered. And for how long? Is the builder hesitating or offering vague answers? It’s time to move on.

10. How Do You Handle Changes or Problems?

No project goes 100% as planned. Maybe you change your mind about the design halfway through. Or an unexpected issue pops up. Ask how the builder handles these situations.

Good builders are flexible and solution-focused. They’ll communicate clearly and find ways to adapt without blowing up the budget.

Final Thoughts:

Hiring a pergola builder? It doesn’t have to be stressful. Ask these 10 questions. And you’ll find someone skilled. Trustworthy. And capable of bringing your vision to life. Your backyard deserves the best. And so do you. Happy pergola building!