If you are looking to add a touch of class and sophistication to your property, then look no further than a pergola. While traditionally used as walkways or sheltered seating areas, today they are also commonly built as decorative features in many outdoor living spaces.

Now, there are two main options to introduce a pergola to your property: a DIY build or working with professional pergola builders. But which pergola is better for your budget?

As the best pergolas Pakenham builders in South East Melbourne, the expert team at Addon Pergolas explore if it is cheaper to buy or build.

 

Why Introduce a Pergola to Your Property?

You’ll find many benefits to introducing a pergola to your property, including:

  • Offers an Extension of Your Home: Pergolas provide an additional living space to your home to be used as a dining area, a play space for children, or simply a spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
  • Creates a Space for Outdoor Entertaining: There’s nothing better than having friends and family over for an intimate affair, and a pergola can be the perfect setting for outdoor parties and gatherings. It also provides shelter from the elements, as well as a beautiful backdrop for your event.
  • Increases the Value of Your Home: When you work with the best pergola builders in South East Melbourne, like the team at Addon Pergolas, your finished result will undoubtedly add value to your wider home. Pergola construction is a highly desirable feature among potential buyers, and if you’re looking to sell, you can include the cost to build your pergola to the asking price.

 

Is It Cheaper to Buy or Build?

Various factors will influence your decision to either build a pergola yourself or engage with a professional pergola builder to complete it for you.

Setting the cost of pergola construction aside, there is also the skill and time required to consider. Do you have a great deal of experience working on similar projects? Will you have enough time to commit to the project to ensure it is done properly?

Once you have the answers to these questions, you can then move on to consider your budget.

 

Understanding the Cost When You Build the Pergola Yourself

When attempting DIY pergola construction, you will immediately save on hiring any labour costs. From here, you can either purchase the materials yourself (selecting and purchasing the type of wood, tools, and incidentals to put everything together) or a pergola kit direct from a manufacturer.

If you choose to do the shopping yourself, already have the tools, and maybe even a selection of wood you’ve been looking to put to use, this might not prove too expensive. If not, you’re looking at a couple of hundred to a couple of thousands of dollars to buy it all brand new, depending on the extent of your project. There’s also the expense of any damage or replacements you may need to cover should disaster strike, not to mention the risks for your wellbeing.

With pergola kits, on the other hand, you will receive a set price ranging from the cheaper options to the more expensive based on your design desires. You will also have to provide all of your own tools, and again, cover the outlay for repairs or replacements if the damage is caused throughout the process.

It is also important to consider the opportunity cost of a DIY project like pergola construction. If you love working outside with your hands, you’re all set. If not, how much will it cost for you to be away from, say, your job, or spending time with your friends and family?

 

Buying from Professional Pergola Builders

If you don’t have the time or skill for DIY pergola construction, then it is always best to work with a professional. Prices for projects will vary depending on the scope of work & designs you have in mind. Yes, you will have to cover labour and materials costs, but your team will provide all their own tools and equipment, cover any damage costs (if they occur) and be completed in a fraction of the time with exactly what you asked for, saving you a great deal of time, hassle, and potentially even money.

A professional pergola builder will also be able to handle more specialised designs, such as knowing how to build a pergola off a house, rather than stand-alone options.

 

Which Pergola Option Is Better For Your Budget? 

There is no set answer for the price of a pergola, so base your decision around more than simply budget, the wider impact it will have on your home and your life. If you would like more information from the best pergola builders in South East Melbourne and beyond, please contact us at Addon Pergolas today by calling 0410 541 253.