Any remodeling job that you opt for in your home can be a bit intimidating.
If you have never been involved in a bigger job, the whole experience can be overwhelming.
Here are five things you should keep in mind as you move through the process of adding a patio cover to your home.

1. Make the Right Decision - You can certainly find less expensive and cheaply made options when you are building a patio cover.
   If, however, the cover is poorly made, doesn't blend in well with your home, doesn't contain the features you want, or lacks good craftsmanship, you have wasted your money.
   The weather in the Houston area is extreme, and you want quality to hold up to these extremes and last the life of your home.
   
2. Patio Covers are not Taxable - I know that one sounds strange.
   It is against Texas law to tax you on an addition to your house.
   When a contractor attaches or affixes materials to your home, it becomes real property, and real property is not taxed.
   What a relief!
3. Check out Your Contractor - Big cities inevitably attract a lot of scam artists, and that is true in the construction business as well.
   Operators set up shop, undercut local companies, do poor work, and disappear.
   A patio cover is a significant investment.
   You want someone who is reliable, dependable, and trustworthy, and has a long term relationship with your area.
   Check licenses, ask for references, call the Better Business Bureau, and if something just doesn't feel right, pick another contractor in your Houston community.
   
4. Work Directly With Your Builder - The Houston building trade is no different than any other.
   As soon as you add layers of salespeople between the customer and the craftsman, prices go up.
   This mark up can be as much as 50% or more since the middleman will want his commission before he hands a cent over to the folks that did the actual work.
   By working directly with your builder, you have the advantage of talking to the individual who is completing the job, which means less mistakes and possibly a more affordable price tag as well.
   
5. Get What You Want - This tip works both ways.
   Standard to most patio covers are lights, fans, and gas lines.
   Other items, such as phone or cable service, wifi, and other high tech gadgets can also be added, or not, as is your preference.
   Don't get talked into things you don't want, and, by the same token, make sure you outline everything you want and need before you sign a contract.
   
6. Your HOA Can be Your Biggest Hurdle - It seems like such a small thing, forgetting to talk to your HOA.
   But you will need to get an actual approval letter after your plans are drawn up.
   HOAs have the power to make you remove your cover if you haven't received approval.
   It doesn't happen often, but it does happen.
   Don't find yourself in that position.
   
7. Consider Adding Other Features - If you have found a Houston contractor that you feel is honest and skilled, think about including a pergola, deck, or other outside structures that enhance your patio cover at the same time.
   You are much more likely to be able to match materials exactly if you do more than one project at a time.