Your Guide to Pergola Construction in Los Angeles

Your backyard is more than just a patch of grass; it’s an extension of your home and a reflection of your style. Adding a pergola is one of the most effective ways to give your outdoor space a clear purpose and a strong architectural anchor. It’s a feature that creates a destination, transforming an open patio into an intentional zone for dining, lounging, or entertaining. But with so many styles, materials, and design options, how do you choose the right one for your home? The success of the project hinges on thoughtful planning and expert execution. This is where professional pergola construction Los Angeles expertise becomes invaluable. We’ll explore the key decisions you’ll face to ensure your new pergola perfectly complements your home and lifestyle.

Key Takeaways

• Create a Complete Outdoor Room

  : Think of your pergola as the framework for a new living area. To make it truly functional, plan for a solid foundation like pavers, add furniture for dining or lounging, and install lighting to set the mood.

• Match the Pergola to Your Home and Lifestyle

  : Your choice of material (like wood, vinyl, or aluminum) and style (modern or traditional) affects both the look and future upkeep. Select a combination that complements your home’s architecture and fits the amount of maintenance you’re willing to do.

• Plan for a Smooth Project

  : Avoid common headaches by planning for the practical details upfront. This means setting a complete budget that includes labor and fees, confirming LA permit requirements early, and choosing a licensed builder who offers a transparent, itemized quote.

Why Add a Pergola to Your LA Backyard?

A pergola does more than just look good; it completely redefines how you use your outdoor space. Think of it as the foundation for your dream backyard, a structure that adds architectural interest while creating a comfortable, usable living area. In a place like Los Angeles, where we’re blessed with so much sunshine, a pergola helps you make the most of it. It carves out a special spot for morning coffee, family dinners, or just relaxing with a book, all while being protected from the harshest rays of the sun.

A well-designed pergola extends your home’s living space into the yard, blurring the line between indoors and out. It’s a simple addition that can anchor your entire backyard renovation, providing a focal point for seating areas, outdoor kitchens, or lush container gardens. Whether you want a cozy, shaded retreat or an elegant space for entertaining, a pergola provides the framework. It’s not just about adding a structure; it’s about creating new possibilities for how you live in and enjoy your home. It’s an investment in your lifestyle that also happens to add significant appeal and value to your property.

Get Shade Without Losing Style

Let’s be honest, the Los Angeles sun can be intense. A pergola offers that much-needed shade so you can actually enjoy your backyard during the day without feeling like you’re melting. Unlike a solid patio cover that can block all light and feel heavy, a pergola provides a perfect balance. Its open-rafter design creates dappled sunlight, which keeps the area cool and comfortable while still feeling bright and airy. You get protection from direct sun without sacrificing the open-sky feeling that makes being outdoors so wonderful. It’s the best of both worlds: functional shade that enhances your backyard’s style.

Create a Year-Round Outdoor Space

A pergola is brilliant at creating a defined outdoor living area, essentially adding a new "room" to your home without building walls. This structure gives your patio or deck a clear purpose, transforming an open space into an intentional zone for dining, lounging, or entertaining. In our mild Southern California climate, this outdoor room becomes usable almost all year long. Imagine hosting friends for dinner under a beautifully lit pergola or creating a cozy outdoor living room on a new paver patio for weekend relaxation. It’s the perfect way to expand your functional living space and make your backyard truly count.

Add Value and Curb Appeal

A beautiful, functional outdoor space is a huge selling point in Los Angeles, and adding a pergola is one of the smartest ways to increase your home's value. It’s a feature that buyers actively look for because it signals a well-maintained and thoughtfully designed property. A custom pergola that complements your home’s architecture adds instant curb appeal to your backyard, making the entire property more attractive. This isn't just about a potential return on investment when you sell; it's about improving your home's overall aesthetic. A well-built pergola can be a key element in a larger new construction or remodel, tying the whole design together.

Choosing Your Pergola Material: Wood, Vinyl, or Aluminum?

The material you choose for your pergola sets the tone for your entire outdoor space. It affects the look, the maintenance schedule, and the overall cost. In Los Angeles, your choice also needs to stand up to our sunny, and sometimes unpredictable, climate. Wood, vinyl, and aluminum are the three most popular options, and each brings something different to the table. Thinking about how you want to use the space and how much upkeep you’re willing to do will help you land on the perfect material for your backyard.

The Case for Wood Pergolas

There’s a reason wood is a classic choice for outdoor structures. It offers a warm, natural look that blends beautifully with landscaping and can be customized to fit any style, from rustic to modern. Woods like Ipe and Cumaru bring a touch of tropical strength and beauty, while thermally-modified woods are treated to be extra durable against rot and insects. A wood pergola gives you endless design freedom with stains and paints. While it does require some regular maintenance to keep it looking its best, many homeowners find the timeless appeal of real wood is well worth the effort for their backyard renovation.

The Benefits of Vinyl Pergolas

If your goal is to spend more time relaxing and less time on upkeep, a vinyl pergola might be your perfect match. Vinyl provides a clean, polished look that works especially well with modern and traditional homes. The biggest advantage is its low-maintenance nature; you’ll never have to worry about painting, staining, or sealing. It’s also resistant to moisture, pests, and rot, so it holds up incredibly well over time. A simple wash now and then is all it takes to keep it looking fresh. It’s a practical and durable choice that looks fantastic paired with a new patio of pavers or concrete.

Why Choose an Aluminum Pergola?

For a sleek, contemporary structure that makes a statement, aluminum is an excellent option. Modern aluminum pergolas are engineered to be incredibly strong yet lightweight. Some high-end options use thicker-gauge aluminum that can span large areas with minimal support posts, creating a wonderfully open and airy feel for your outdoor living area. Aluminum won’t rust, warp, or rot, and it’s finished with a durable powder coating that comes in various colors to match your home’s exterior. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking to build a durable, stylish, and low-maintenance structure as part of a new construction or major remodel.

Find the Right Pergola Style for Your Home

A pergola does more than just provide shade; it’s a major architectural feature that defines your outdoor living space. The right style can make your backyard feel like a seamless extension of your home, while the wrong one can feel out of place. The key is to choose a design that complements your home’s existing architecture and fits how you plan to use the space. Think about the overall vibe you want to create. Are you picturing a sleek, modern retreat for entertaining, or a cozy, vine-covered nook for quiet afternoons?

From clean and contemporary to classic and traditional, the options are nearly endless. You also have important functional choices to make. Do you want a fixed roof, or the flexibility of adjustable shade? Should the pergola be attached to your house to extend your patio, or should it be a freestanding structure that creates a destination elsewhere in your yard? Thinking through these questions will help you and your builder design a pergola that not only looks beautiful but also perfectly suits your lifestyle. Let’s explore some of the most popular styles to help you find the perfect fit for your LA home.

Modern and Contemporary Designs

If your home has a clean, minimalist aesthetic, a modern or contemporary pergola will feel right at home. These designs are all about simplicity, featuring sharp angles, straight lines, and a lack of ornate decoration. Materials like dark-stained wood, steel, and aluminum are common choices that create a sleek, sophisticated look. A modern pergola can define an outdoor lounge area or cover a dining space without overwhelming the landscape. This style works especially well for creating a chic, resort-like atmosphere, which is a popular goal for a backyard renovation in Los Angeles.

Classic and Traditional Looks

For a timeless and romantic feel, a classic pergola is a beautiful choice. This style often features more decorative details, such as scrolled rafter ends, curved arches, and intricate lattice work for climbing plants like wisteria or bougainvillea. Natural wood, particularly cedar or redwood, is the hallmark material for traditional pergolas, as it weathers beautifully and adds warmth to the design. This style pairs wonderfully with Spanish, Mediterranean, or Craftsman-style homes, adding a touch of old-world charm and creating an inviting garden sanctuary. It’s the perfect structure for creating a cozy and established feel in your backyard.

Options for Adjustable Shade: Canopies and Louvers

A basic pergola offers partial shade, but in the bright LA sun, you might want more control. That’s where adjustable shade options come in. Retractable canopies, made from durable outdoor fabric, can be extended for full shade or pulled back to let the sun in. They offer a soft, elegant look and come in many colors. For a more structured and modern solution, consider an adjustable louvered roof. These systems have metal or wood slats that you can tilt open, angle for partial sun, or close completely to block both sun and rain, effectively turning your pergola into a year-round outdoor room.

Attached vs. Freestanding: What's the Difference?

An attached pergola is built directly onto your house, acting as a stylish extension of your home. This is a great option for covering a patio or deck just outside your living room or kitchen, creating a smooth transition from indoors to outdoors. A freestanding pergola, on the other hand, is a standalone structure you can place anywhere in your yard. It’s perfect for creating a destination, like a poolside cabana, a quiet seating area in a garden, or a focal point for your landscape design. A freestanding structure often requires a solid foundation, which can be a great opportunity to add custom pavers or concrete work to define the space.

How to Design a Pergola for the LA Climate

Designing a pergola in Los Angeles means working with our amazing, yet sometimes intense, climate. It’s not just about putting up a structure; it’s about creating a functional and beautiful space that feels like a natural extension of your home. The goal is to build something that offers a cool retreat from the sun, stands strong through any weather, and perfectly matches your home’s style. A thoughtful design considers the path of the sun, the direction of the breeze, and the overall look you want to achieve for your backyard. By focusing on these key elements, you can create an outdoor feature that you’ll love and use for years to come.

Plan for Sun and Shade

In LA, managing sunlight is everything. A pergola’s primary job is to provide relief from the sun, but the magic is in finding the right balance. You want shade without casting your entire patio into darkness. The design of the roof slats, or rafters, plays a huge role here. Wider spacing lets in more light, while tighter spacing creates deeper shade. We can also orient the pergola to control how the sun filters through at different times of day. For more flexibility, you might consider an adjustable louvered roof or a retractable canopy. A well-planned pergola becomes the centerpiece of your backyard renovation, giving you a comfortable spot to relax, dine, or entertain, no matter how bright the day.

Build for Wind and Weather

While we love the sunny weather, we also know that LA can get gusty winds and the occasional downpour. Your pergola needs to be built to last. This comes down to two things: high-quality materials and expert construction. A strong foundation is non-negotiable, ensuring your pergola is stable and secure. Whether it’s anchored to a concrete patio or set with deep footings, this base is key to its longevity. Using durable materials that can withstand sun exposure and moisture will prevent warping, rotting, or fading over time. Proper engineering ensures the structure is not only beautiful but also safe and resilient, making it a lasting investment in your home.

Match Your Home's Architecture

A pergola should feel like it was always meant to be there, not like a random addition. The best designs complement your home’s existing architectural style. For a Spanish-style home, you might choose a rustic wood pergola with decorative details. For a modern home, a sleek aluminum or minimalist wood design would fit perfectly. We can help you select materials, colors, and finishes that harmonize with your house. This creates a cohesive look that ties your indoor and outdoor living spaces together. Thinking about a pergola as part of a larger project, like a room addition or new construction, ensures it integrates seamlessly into your home's overall design.

What Does a Pergola Cost in Los Angeles?

Figuring out the budget is one of the first steps for any backyard project, and building a pergola is no different. In Los Angeles, the cost can vary quite a bit, so it helps to know what to expect. For a standard, professionally installed wooden pergola, you can generally plan for a cost between $3,000 and $7,000. However, if you're dreaming of a large, custom-designed structure with premium materials and built-in features, the price can easily climb to $10,000 or more.

This range is wide because a pergola isn't an off-the-shelf product; it's a custom feature tailored to your home and lifestyle. The final price tag depends on a few key decisions you'll make during the design process. Think of it less like buying a piece of furniture and more like commissioning a piece of functional art for your yard. The choices you make about size, materials, and special features all contribute to the final number. Understanding these variables will help you create a realistic budget and ensure you get the perfect pergola for your space without any surprises. Let's break down what goes into the total cost.

What Factors Influence the Price?

Several key elements determine the final cost of your pergola. The biggest driver is your choice of materials. Wood is a classic and often affordable option, while low-maintenance vinyl and durable aluminum typically come with a higher initial investment. The size of the structure also plays a major role; a larger footprint requires more materials and labor.

Beyond that, design complexity is a significant factor. A simple, open-rafter design will cost less than an intricate one with decorative cuts, a retractable canopy, or integrated lighting. Finally, labor costs in Los Angeles contribute to the budget. Hiring a skilled, licensed contractor ensures your pergola is built safely and to last, making it a worthwhile investment.

A Look at Different Price Points

To give you a clearer picture, let's look at what you can generally expect at different budget levels. A detailed pergola cost guide can help you explore these tiers further.

An entry-level project, often using a pre-fabricated wood kit, might start around $2,000 to $3,000, not including professional installation. For a mid-range budget of $4,000 to $8,000, you can get a high-quality, custom-sized pergola made from better materials like cedar, professionally installed.

If you're looking for a high-end, statement piece for your backyard renovation, costs can exceed $10,000. This range covers premium materials, complex custom designs, and integrated features like built-in seating, electrical wiring for lights and fans, or an adjustable louvered roof system.

Do You Need a Permit for a Pergola in LA?

Navigating the world of building permits can feel a little overwhelming, but it’s a necessary step to make sure your new pergola is safe, sound, and completely legal. Getting this part right from the start saves you from major headaches down the road.

Understanding LA's Building and Safety Requirements

Let's talk about the not-so-glamorous but super important part of building a pergola in Los Angeles: permits. The short answer is yes, you will likely need one. The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) has specific rules, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Generally, you'll need a permit if your pergola is larger than 120 square feet or taller than 10 feet. Another key factor is whether it's attached to your house. If your design connects to an existing structure, a permit is almost always required. Because every property and project is unique, it's a good idea to confirm the exact requirements for your home by checking the city's official building permits page or consulting with your builder.

How Permits Impact Your Project Timeline and Budget

Securing a permit is a crucial step that affects both your project's schedule and overall cost, so it’s smart to plan for it from the beginning. The process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on how complex your pergola design is and how busy the city office is at the time. Factoring this wait time into your schedule prevents unexpected delays.

Permits also come with application fees, which you'll want to include in your budget. While it might seem like a hassle, skipping this step is a risk you don't want to take. Building without a permit can lead to hefty fines or even an order to tear down your new structure. Working with an experienced team on your backyard renovation ensures the permitting process is handled correctly, keeping your project on track and stress-free.

Avoid These Common Pergola Construction Mistakes

Building a pergola is an exciting project, but a few common missteps can turn your dream backyard feature into a headache. As with any construction project, careful planning is the key to a beautiful and lasting result. By thinking through the details from the start, you can avoid unexpected costs, structural issues, and future maintenance problems. Let’s walk through some of the most frequent mistakes homeowners make and how you can steer clear of them.

Don't Skip the Site Assessment

It’s easy to picture where you want your pergola to go, but it’s crucial to have a professional assess the site before breaking ground. A thorough site assessment looks at soil stability, ground slope, sun exposure, and proximity to existing structures or utility lines. Skipping this step can lead to major issues down the road, like an unstable foundation or poor drainage. A full-service team that handles your entire backyard renovation will perform this assessment to ensure your pergola is built on a solid, appropriate foundation, preventing surprise challenges and costs during construction.

Don't Underestimate the Total Cost

The price of materials is just one part of the equation. Many homeowners forget to budget for labor, permits, site preparation, and potential finishing touches like lighting or landscaping. To get a realistic picture of the investment, it’s important to get a detailed estimate that accounts for every phase of the project. This ensures you have a clear financial plan from the beginning and aren't caught off guard by additional expenses. A transparent quote will break down all the potential costs associated with building a structure that perfectly fits your space, including any necessary paver or concrete work for the foundation.

Avoid Using the Wrong Materials

Your choice of material impacts your pergola's look, durability, and maintenance needs. Wood offers a classic, natural aesthetic but requires regular sealing or staining to protect it from the elements. Vinyl is a low-maintenance alternative, but it may not suit every home style. For the LA climate, aluminum is an excellent choice. Modern aluminum pergolas are made from thick, durable materials that can span long distances with fewer support posts, offering a clean, contemporary look with minimal upkeep. Considering how much sun and weather your yard gets will help you and your builder select the right material for a long-lasting structure.

Plan for Long-Term Maintenance

Thinking about future upkeep during the design phase will save you time and money for years to come. While a wood pergola is beautiful, are you prepared for the annual maintenance it requires? If you prefer a set-it-and-forget-it approach, a material like aluminum might be a better fit. These structures are engineered to resist rust, warping, and fading, meaning you can spend more time enjoying your backyard and less time working on it. Discussing long-term care with your builder helps you make an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle and ensures your new construction remains a valuable asset.

How to Choose a Pergola Builder in Los Angeles

Your pergola should be a beautiful, lasting addition to your home, not a source of stress. The builder you choose is the single most important factor in making that happen. Finding the right construction partner in Los Angeles means finding someone with the right credentials, a proven track record, and a professional approach. It’s about more than just getting the job done; it’s about bringing your vision to life with skill and care.

Taking the time to vet your options thoroughly will save you from potential headaches, budget overruns, and a final product that doesn’t meet your expectations. Think of it as building a foundation of trust before you ever break ground. A great builder will be your guide through the entire process, from initial design to final inspection. When you’re ready to transform your outdoor space, working with an experienced team for your backyard renovation makes all the difference. By focusing on a few key areas, you can confidently select a contractor who will build the backyard oasis you’ve been dreaming of.

Check for Licensing, Insurance, and Local Experience

Before you fall in love with a builder’s portfolio, you need to do a quick background check. The most important step is to verify that they have a valid contractor's license and are fully insured. A license proves they meet California's standards for competency, while liability insurance protects you and your property from any accidents during construction. You can easily check a contractor's license online.

Local experience is just as crucial. A builder who has worked extensively in Los Angeles will understand the city’s specific building climate, from soil conditions to neighborhood aesthetics. They’ll know how to handle the permitting process efficiently and will have established relationships with suppliers, ensuring your project runs smoothly from start to finish.

Review Their Portfolio and Knowledge of LA Codes

This is where you get to see what a builder is truly capable of. A strong portfolio should showcase a variety of projects that highlight their craftsmanship, design sense, and attention to detail. Look for high-quality photos of completed pergolas and other backyard structures. Do their designs align with your personal style? Pay attention to the finishing touches, the quality of the materials, and the overall execution.

Beyond pretty pictures, your builder must have a deep understanding of Los Angeles building codes. These regulations are in place for your safety and can be complex. A knowledgeable contractor will design a pergola that is not only beautiful but also structurally sound and fully compliant with local rules. This expertise prevents costly delays and ensures your project won't face issues with city inspectors down the line.

Look for Clear Quotes and Timelines

A professional builder will always be transparent when it comes to cost and scheduling. Be wary of any contractor who gives you a vague estimate or a verbal-only quote. You should receive a detailed, itemized proposal that clearly breaks down the costs for materials, labor, permits, and any other expenses. This document protects both you and the builder, ensuring there are no surprises when the final bill arrives.

Similarly, ask for a realistic project timeline. While unexpected delays can happen in any construction project, a seasoned builder should be able to provide a clear schedule for each phase of the work. Clear communication about timelines and pricing is a strong indicator that you’re working with a trustworthy and well-organized company that respects your time and budget, especially when it comes to foundational work like pavers and concrete.

Complete Your Backyard Design Around Your Pergola

A pergola is more than just a structure; it’s the heart of your outdoor living space. To make it truly special, you need to design the area around it. Think of the pergola as the ceiling and walls of your new outdoor room. What will you put on the floor? How will you furnish it? How will you create the right mood? Integrating your pergola with the rest of your yard turns a simple addition into a complete, functional retreat that you'll love spending time in. It’s the difference between having a standalone feature and having a truly integrated outdoor living area.

A thoughtful design ensures your pergola feels connected to your home and garden. By planning for a solid foundation, dedicated functional zones, and the right finishing touches, you create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. A well-designed space is one you’ll use constantly, whether you're hosting a dinner party or just relaxing with a book. This is where the magic happens, transforming a patch of grass into your family's favorite spot. A full backyard renovation can tie all these elements together, creating a seamless flow from your indoor living space to your outdoor oasis. Let's look at a few ways to build out your pergola design and make it the centerpiece of your yard.

Add Pavers or a Concrete Foundation

Before you can furnish your new outdoor room, you need a floor. A solid foundation under your pergola is essential for both stability and style. It defines the space and provides a clean, level surface for furniture and foot traffic. Connecting your pergola to a patio or deck creates a polished, integrated look that feels intentional and high-end.

Your two main options are pavers and concrete, and both offer distinct advantages. Thoughtful pavers and concrete work can be customized to match your home's aesthetic. Pavers provide a classic, textured look with a wide variety of colors and patterns, while a poured concrete slab offers a sleek, modern finish that is durable and easy to maintain.

Create an Outdoor Kitchen or Seating Area

With a roof and a floor in place, it's time to decide how you'll use your new outdoor room. A pergola is the perfect structure to house a dedicated zone for dining or lounging. You can position a large dining table underneath for al fresco meals with family and friends or create a cozy conversation pit with an outdoor sofa, armchairs, and a fire table.

For those who love to entertain, building an outdoor kitchen is a fantastic option. Imagine a built-in grill, durable countertops for prep, and even a mini-fridge for cold drinks, all protected from the sun. This turns your pergola into a true extension of your home, making your backyard a destination for cooking, eating, and relaxing.

Install Lighting and Add Greenery

The final touches are what bring your pergola to life, especially after the sun goes down. The right lighting can completely transform the mood of your space. You can hang romantic string lights for a casual, festive feel, install subtle uplighting on the posts for a dramatic effect, or even mount an outdoor-rated fan with a light for added comfort and function.

Greenery softens the hard lines of the structure and helps it blend into your garden. Consider training climbing plants like jasmine, wisteria, or bougainvillea to grow up the posts and over the rafters. This creates a beautiful, living canopy that provides more shade and a lovely fragrance. Adding large potted plants around the base of the pergola can also help anchor the structure and complete the look.

Build Your Dream Pergola With LevelWorks

When you’re ready to bring your pergola vision to life, you want a team that understands your style and the unique demands of the Los Angeles landscape. At LevelWorks, we specialize in creating custom pergolas that are more than just backyard structures; they're seamless extensions of your home. We believe your outdoor space should be just as thoughtfully designed as your interior, which is why we work with you to tailor every detail to your specific needs.

We know that a great pergola in LA needs to do more than just look good. It has to provide reliable shade and stand up to the local climate. Our team designs and builds with both beauty and durability in mind, ensuring your new pergola fits your home’s aesthetic while being engineered to last. We handle the entire process, from initial design to final installation, making the experience smooth and stress-free for you. A pergola can be the centerpiece of a complete backyard renovation, creating a defined area for dining, relaxing, or entertaining.

To create a truly functional outdoor room, we can also build the perfect foundation for your pergola. A beautiful patio made with pavers or concrete can define the space and provide a stable, stylish floor for your new outdoor oasis. By choosing LevelWorks, you’re not just getting a pergola builder; you’re partnering with a team dedicated to transforming your entire outdoor living experience. Let's build the backyard you've always wanted.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much shade will I actually get from a pergola? A standard pergola with open rafters creates what we call dappled sunlight, which is a lovely, comfortable shade that keeps the area cool without making it dark. The amount of shade depends on how closely the roof slats are spaced. For more complete coverage, you can opt for a retractable fabric canopy or an adjustable louvered roof that lets you control the amount of sun or even block rain.

What's the most durable, low-maintenance material for an LA backyard? If your main goal is to relax more and work less, aluminum is an excellent choice for the Los Angeles climate. It's incredibly strong, won't rust or warp in the sun, and requires almost no upkeep besides an occasional cleaning. Vinyl is another great low-maintenance option. While wood is beautiful, it does require regular sealing or staining to keep it protected from the elements.

Do I really need a permit for a smaller, freestanding pergola? It's very likely that you will. The city of Los Angeles has specific regulations, and permits are often required for structures over a certain size or height, even if they aren't attached to your house. It's always best to work with a professional builder who understands local codes. They can confirm exactly what's needed for your project and handle the permitting process to ensure everything is built safely and legally.

Can I add features like lighting or a fan after the pergola is built? While you can sometimes add these elements later, it is much simpler and more cost-effective to plan for them from the beginning. Integrating electrical wiring for lights, outlets, or a ceiling fan during the initial construction phase ensures a clean, professional finish without visible cords. Thinking about how you want to use the space at night from the start will give you the best result.

How long does the entire process take, from design to completion? The timeline depends on the complexity of your project. A straightforward pergola might be completed in a few weeks, while a more intricate custom design that requires permits and a new foundation could take a couple of months. The process typically involves the initial design phase, waiting for city permit approval, preparing the site, and then the actual construction. A good contractor will provide you with a clear schedule upfront.