Web Site Gives Homeowners More Patio Choices

(Metro) - To winter-weary homeowners, relaxing on the patio sounds like a dream come true. But when summer finally arrives, the patio often stands unused due to mosquitoes, flies, dust, wind, and inclement weather.

Fortunately, there's now a simple way to get more use out of a backyard patio. An innovative Web site now makes it possible for homeowners to cover and enclose their patios. The Web site lets you plan, design, specify and order a complete new covered patio - even a fully enclosed screen room - right from your keyboard, without the hassle of hiring an architect to draw up plans, and then locating and hiring a reputable contractor.

The site - www.patiocoversdiy.com - offers complete do-it-yourself patio cover kits that are well within the capabilities of the typical "weekend handyman," according to Mike Madden, president of Madden Manufacturing, which fabricates the kits and markets them under the brand name "Patio Covers DIY." Every Patio Covers DIY kit includes all the necessary components and hardware, which are shipped directly to the buyer's home with no additional shipping charge.

"For most homeowners the kit makes an ideal weekend project," said Madden. "In fact, two people can usually install it in only a few hours."

He added that those who are unsure about tackling the project can turn over all the components and plans to a contractor if they prefer.

"Our goal was to offer the homeowner maximum flexibility," said Madden. "That includes flexibility in terms of how they install it, as well as maximum flexibility in terms of the style, size and design of their patio cover or enclosure."

In addition to choosing whether to install the patio yourself or hire a contractor, you can also choose how you attach the patio cover - either to the eaves or to a side wall of the home. You also can choose the original white baked enamel finish, or you can paint the cover to match your home's color scheme. Finally, you can opt to leave the sides open or enhance the patio even more by adding a screen kit complete with aluminum screen walls and optional screen door.

"The product's approach is all about giving the homeowner greater choice, flexibility and value," Madden said.

Patio cover kits are now available for virtually any size patio, from 8 inches by 8 inches to 12 inches by 30 inches, with or without optional screens and doors. Prices begin as low as $600, and include free shipping in the 48 contiguous U.S. states.

Every kit is shipped with a step-by-step installation video along with easy-to-follow illustrated written instructions. The kits are assembled using common tools, such as a screw driver, drill, hacksaw, adjustable wrench, hammer, and pliers.

"The quality of the kits meets or exceeds the highest standards," said Madden, adding that the kits are designed to comply with virtually all local building codes. The Patio Covers DIY Web site even provides free downloadable engineering drawings to facilitate the permitting process. The site also offers detailed how-to-measure instructions to help ensure proper sizing, as well as installation tips and a list of frequently asked questions.

"Virtually everything you need for the entire project is available right on the Web site," Madden said. In addition, homeowners can call the company toll-free if they encounter any questions or problems during installation.

Every kit is manufactured from the highest quality components, including extruded aluminum support beams and posts, and durable .032-gauge aluminum panels. All components are either powder coated or finished with a baked enamel finish, and warranteed for five years against peeling, flaking or chipping.

Madden's company is one of the largest suppliers of patio covers in the country. He first began offering patio covers in kit form to customers in rural areas who were outside the reach of the company's licensed contractors. The option proved so popular they soon began offering the kits online to customers nationwide under the Patio Covers DIY brand.

"It's never been easier or more convenient to add a cover to a patio, or even to convert an open driveway into a carport," Madden concluded. For more information on Patio Covers DIY, contact Madden by e-mail at info@patiocoversdiy.com, call toll-free at (800) 272-2071, or visit the Web site at www.patiocoversdiy.com.