Monthly Archives: January 2025

Pergola Costs Overview: Should You DIY?

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Pergolas can add both beauty and additional value to any property. As a homeowner, there are few structures that you might install in your backyard that will make it more appealing and pleasant. Some homebuyers that come along might be willing to offer considerably more for a home that has a pergola than one that does not.

However, if you’re getting ready to install a pergola, you need to think about several vital factors. For instance, do you want a wooden one or one composed of aluminum? Wooden pergolas require more upkeep, but they don’t cost as much, at least not up front.

You should also think about whether you want to build the pergola or whether it would make more sense to hire a pro. Looking into a Struxure pergola cost makes sense if you want one with an adjustable, motorized roof. That might not be a priority for every homeowner, though.

Let’s take an in-depth look at whether it’s a better move for you to DIY your pergola installation project or whether hiring a professional is the way to go.

Do You Trust Yourself to Tackle a Project This Large?

Let’s say for the sake of argument that you don’t mind doing DIY projects. Perhaps you’ve built things like birdhouses or workbenches before.

If so, then you might feel that you have at least decent DIY skills. Maybe you have some basic carpentry skills as well. That will certainly come in handy if you decide that you want to be the one to build your pergola.

Keep in mind, though, that building a pergola is quite a bit more challenging than building a birdhouse, fixing a leaky pipe, or any of the other relatively minor home improvement or fix-it projects you might do around the home. Maybe you don’t feel like you’re quite ready to tackle a job quite this large.

If so, there’s no shame in that. Hiring a pro probably makes the most sense if that is the case.

Do You Not Like Fixing or Building Things Around the House?

There’s also the question of whether you actually enjoy building or fixing things around the house. Maybe you have better-than-average DIY skills. You feel that you’re quite capable of building a pergola, and you’re not afraid of making any major mistakes.

That’s great, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’d like to take the time to handle this project. Maybe you put in a lot of hours at work, and you value your downtime.

Even if you’re sure you have the requisite skill set to build the pergola, you might not want to sacrifice that much of your free time. The planning of the pergola, purchasing of the materials, and the actual building time might seem daunting. That is another reason why you may want to hire a pro to take care of the job.

How Much Will You Save if You Make Building a Pergola a DIY Project?

Then, there’s the issue of how much money you’re going to save if you do the project yourself. If you find someone to build and install your pergola, it might cost you anywhere from $2,000-$6,000, on average. Keep in mind that number can change dramatically, though, depending on factors like how large of a pergola you want, the materials out of which it’s composed, and what you envision inside of it.

By contrast, you might pay $1,000-$3,000 if you buy the materials and handle all the work on your own. Again, there are several reasons that number can change, but in general, you can see that you’ll probably pay about half if you end up doing the job yourself.

That’s a significant difference. If price is the main factor that enters into this decision, and you feel you have the technical expertise to do the job on your own, then making this a DIY project may be the most logical move.

Might You Buy a Build-It-Yourself Pergola Kit or Are You Designing One From Scratch?

There’s another factor that should ultimately go into this decision. If you buy a do-it-yourself pergola kit, then it usually costs somewhat less than if you decide to design and build one completely from scratch.

A do-it-yourself kit might look somewhat generic, but everything you need is typically included in the kit, with the possible exception of the tools you’ll require. That means, if you don’t mind having a pergola that looks a bit ordinary or mundane, then the combination of making this a DIY project plus buying a kit will probably result in the lowest price tag possible.

By contrast, if you have a rather grandiose idea in mind for your pergola, then that is likely going to cost more. It’s true that if you do it yourself, you’ll still save money. Maybe you’re envisioning a gigantic pergola with a wet bar, a firepit, and a big-screen TV inside of it, though. If so, then that will likely cost you a lot more than a simple pergola kit that one of the more reputable companies in this niche offers.

The Verdict

To sum up, it’s an undeniable fact that in the majority of cases, if you want to save money, and that’s the most important factor for you, then building a pergola yourself is usually going to cost less than it would take to hire someone to do it. On average, you might save as much as 50% of the costs if you handle the building tasks associated with this project.

If you hate doing DIY projects, though, or you have the necessary skills, but you value your free time too much to dedicate this much of it to such a project, then hiring someone is probably the better option. It’s true that it will drive up the price considerably, but if you’d prefer to lie on the couch and relax while someone else installs your new pergola, then you might not mind paying more.

The Art of Setting Boundaries While Working from Home

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In the age of remote work, the line between professional and personal life has grown increasingly blurry. Working from home offers flexibility, convenience, and the comfort of avoiding commutes, but it also presents unique challenges. One of the most significant is the difficulty of setting boundaries. Without a physical office to step into or out of, it can feel as though work seeps into every corner of life. However, learning the art of establishing boundaries can help create a sustainable and productive remote work experience.

At first glance, working from home may seem like the ideal solution for achieving work-life balance. You can tailor your schedule, work in comfortable clothes, and design your day around personal needs. But what begins as a dream can quickly spiral into a 24/7 cycle of emails, notifications, and expectations. Many remote workers find themselves overcompensating, constantly trying to prove their productivity to their employers or colleagues. This relentless availability can lead to burnout, which undermines the benefits of working from home.

One of the keys to managing this is to define a clear workspace. Even if you don’t have the luxury of a dedicated home office, carving out a specific area for work helps create a mental distinction between professional and personal spheres. A simple desk in a corner can serve as a cue to your brain: “This is where work happens.” When you leave that space, you’re signaling to yourself that the workday is over, even if you’re only moving a few steps away.

Another essential boundary is time. While working from home gives you the freedom to start early or end late, it’s crucial to establish a consistent schedule. Communicating your availability to coworkers ensures they know when to reach you—and when not to. Equally important is honoring your own boundaries. Resist the urge to check emails during dinner or respond to messages before bed. Giving yourself permission to unplug is vital for maintaining mental health and avoiding the trap of endless productivity.

Technology, while invaluable, can also be a double-edged sword in the remote work world. Apps and platforms that make collaboration easier can also tether you to your devices. Learning to manage notifications and setting clear expectations with your team about response times can provide some breathing room. It’s not about shutting people out but about fostering mutual respect for boundaries.

Of course, it’s not just about setting boundaries with work; it’s also about enforcing them with yourself. The freedom of working from home can sometimes lead to procrastination, which results in frantic late-night efforts to meet deadlines. Developing discipline and sticking to a routine can help you maintain focus during working hours, so personal time truly feels like personal time.

Finally, remember that working from home is a skill, not an inherent talent. It takes time to refine your habits and learn what boundaries work best for you. Some days will be harder than others, but self-awareness and a willingness to adapt will guide you toward a healthier balance.

The art of setting boundaries while working from home isn’t just about protecting your time—it’s about preserving your well-being. By creating a clear separation between work and life, you can thrive in a remote environment without losing the essence of what makes life meaningful.