We don’t leave anything to chance–Cypress Patio Covers will handle every aspect of your project. And after completion when you are enjoying your new outdoor space, you can be confident that besides having a well-built structure that exceeds building codes, you also have improved the value of what is likely your largest asset. To be sure you are always informed and there will never be any surprises, here is a summary of our construction process:
Planning and Design
Within 24 hours of receiving your request for information, we will contact you and agree on a date to visit in person. After reviewing your home, yard and any existing structures (like concrete pads), we will discuss your vision for the space and offer several solutions to achieve your goals. Virtually everything can be customized (brick or stone column finishes, tongue and groove ceilings, paint/stain colors and fixtures like lights and ceiling fans). We will review which type of roof system will work best (open or closed gable, a hip or shed style or a combination). And of course, we will answer all your questions.
Homeowners Association Application
Once we understand your goals and which design you would like, we provide a FREE ESTIMATE for your review. If the terms are agreeable, we will ask for the most recent survey of your property when we sign the construction agreement. The survey is required by your homeowners association (HOA), and we will submit this with any illustrations they require to obtain approval for your home improvement. HOAs typically take a few weeks to review the package and grant approval for construction.
Project Meeting
Once approval is granted, Cypress Patio Covers will sit down with you for the pre-construction meeting. At this time, we will introduce you to the construction manager for your project. The purpose of this meeting is to review the details of the work (including timetable, logistics, colors, finishes, etc.) and be sure everyone is in agreement before we schedule the start date.
Demolition and Rebar Work
Once your start date is scheduled, we will order materials for delivery to your home, and have our crew of professionals begin any demolition work (such as removing the eves of your roof where the new structure will be secured). At the same time, the concrete footings needed to support the new structure will be dug (typically a few feet deep). We also use tied-in rebar for added strength. As noted earlier, our projects exceed code so we use 5000-psi concrete with rebar. This provides a solid base so your new patio meets or exceeds windstorm specifications.
Wiring and Electrical Work
After the frame is built our roofing experts install the shingles. This is also the time when our electrician meets with you to discuss the precise locations of any switches and fixtures. Once all is confirmed, we install the wiring, recessed lights, ceiling fans, and outlets/switches. It is important to know that during this one-to two-day period, we need someone to be home to access the main electric panel. The rest of our work can usually be done without any homeowner assistance but if this changes, we will certainly give you advance notice.
Rough-in and Paint
This period of electrical work is known as “rough-in.” Once completed, everything that is needed (wires, switches, ceiling fan boxes, etc.) is in place, and then we can close the walls and ceiling (the cover-up phase). At this stage, we install the ceilings (either James Hardie fiber cement board or tongue-and-groove plank ceiling with paint or stain). Once the “cover-up” is done, we have our painters work their magic. They can either match the colors to your existing home, or apply custom paint to your wishes.
Concrete and Masonry Work
After the painting and finishing is complete, it is time for concrete and masonry. Prior to the concrete pour, you have chosen among our many options (stamped, stamped overlay, spray deck, stain or broom finish). If your design calls for brick or stone columns, we begin these immediately after the concrete has cured and can be walked on. Again, you have already chosen among finishes like natural stone, manufactured stone or brick, and columns can be round, decorative or hardie-wrapped. Outdoor kitchens are begun at this time as well. We will use brick and stone that either matches the color and texture already on your house, or a look that is complementary.
Finishing Touches
Once built, we will do a final cleanup and inspection of your patio and all the installed options. We will fix any issues we see and handle any questions and/or issues raised by the customer. Because we don’t want anyone or anything to be injured, we sweep your yard at this time with strong magnets to pick up any nails or metal, and haul off all trash and debris. Then comes the final walk-through–Cypress Patio Covers will examine every inch of the build to assure any cosmetic issues are corrected, as well as make paint touch-ups. After all punch-list items are addressed, we turn the project over to you, collect final payment, and start the warranty clock. We offer an outstanding 7 year structural warranty, a two year mechanical warranty, and a one year full warranty so there will never be any worries or regrets. So have a seat and start living the outdoor life again on your new covered patio!