Patio cover.

[truth2power]

I hope someone can help me with this. I have a small ranch home with a 10 x 14 foot patio. Fairly small as patios go. If I could find a way to cover it for a reasonable price it would improve the livability of my home in more ways than just about anything I could do, home improvement-wise.

Last summer I erected one of those canopies (10 x 20 ft, standard) over the patio. It was quite functional, actually, except that, not being attached to the house, when it rained the surface of the patio was wet. In addition, even though I staked it down tightly, I knew the wind would take it, eventually; as it finally did, in February, dragging a huge concrete block clear across the yard in the process, and twisting all the poles. I now understand how those huge C5A's, loaded with military materiel, get off the ground.

The individual at one company I called for advice about covers said they could put up "an aluminum awning" (I thought of awnings as being those canvas things). He quoted me a price of $2,500. Holy Crap!

In addition, when talking to me his tone seemed to imply that I was just too stupid for words and he didn't really want to be bothered with this job. Now, I am female, and a senior citizen living alone. But I am not stupid. I may be ignorant about certain remodeling issues, but I'm willing to learn.

So...thinking outside the box, I found at Lowes (HD also has the same) these Tuftex Polycarbonate and Vinyl building panels. The brochure shows a support structure that appears to be made entirely of 2x4's. There is a picture of a man and his wife engaged in building this edifice. I notice that they are not sweating and don't appear to be yelling at each other. But nevertheless, "5 easy steps" it says.

I can't imagine the 2x4s would run to two thousand dollars, nor would the panels (plus flashing, closure strips, and associated materials.)

My son is handy, and I am agile and good with power tools. If I could get him over here (somewhat akin to getting an audience with the Pope, but you never know) maybe we could do this. Or I could get a handyman?

Ideas? Suggestions? What am I missing? Anyone done this?

And yes, anything attached to the house requires a building permit. But judging by some of the *ahem* "structures" some of my neighbors have erected I don't think many got permits.

Thanks to anyone who was willing to read thru this. I wish I could be more succinct.