You're either getting a real tiny or a real crappy pergola for $2k.

That gets you like 4 2x12's now.

Insulated specifically because we're in the desert.
keeps the blazing heat from being transferred to the area beneath it... plus you can actually walk on it because it is MORE stout.

something like this example but with a solid insulated roof.

don't you qualify for USAA?

I had a patio built 5 years ago. 28'x15'. Cedar gable/angled roof came out to $14k, plus $2k for stone pedestal wraps. The patio itself was another $9k.

I'm sure I could have just hired some workers and put something up way cheaper. Still, the price was well worth it to me. I added 420 sq ft of livable outdoor space to the home and it takes advantage of the best feature of that home which is the large backyard.

I'm not surprised contractors hooked on painkillers and ESL(I'm not talking about you. That's a giant pergola and it can be done for under $10k.


Explain the want for insulated roof further.

Which is it?

I dont know? Your mom.




An insulated pergola in Vegas deserves clowning.

i have no idea how well they work in reality, but the concept of an insulated pergola (or other roof structure) keeping radiant heat away from the area below makes perfect sense to me.

grumpy tx, you may want to walk this one back.

LDO. Never been a fan of their business practices though. Of course these days all the companies stalk you, but they pioneered the practice.

but what are their rates?

Never been a fan of their business practices. They pretty much pioneered the practice of offering ultra low rates.

To be honest, I don't know. The only time I ever asked them for a quote, they wanted to run a credit check before they'd answer. I asked what a credit check had to do with car insurance rates, and when they said they don't do anything without running a credit check first, I peaced out.

I was already a bit creeped out when they had known about my boss's promotion before he did.

I'm just not seeing 10k worth of materials and construction... but I got three bids and they were all about the same... even those that bid the cheaper Aluma-wood construction. I did get a 8% discount though.

@ Garick,

I'm sure you are aware, but you are right in the center of ALFA country. I had auto with them for a while until I got a better rate elsewhere when my kid started driving. No idea whether their rates might be competitive for you, but I would certainly call them.

Never heard of ALFA, but I'll check it out.

I did some shopping last year for home insurance. Geico was an extreme outlier on the high side.

Backing down from an internet stance is a noble move, but I'm going to stick with this even though I know nothing about the subject.

Just like your defense of the Astros!

Having spent time in attics where the roof was insulated and where it wasn't I can definitely see how insulation would help even on a patio cover. I think a white/reflective coating might do just about as well, but you would have to consider whether you are reflecting the sun towards your house or not.

Time to replace the washer and dryer. Any tips on what not to get? I'm definitely staying away from the front load washing machines. All of them I've been around in the past seem to smell pretty bad.

Depends on your needs. My dryer quit working last year, ordered a new (but plain) GE gas model from HD, as all I ever do is set the time and temp.

After a couple of delays (due to covid-related manufacturing issues), I went back, canceled that order, and got a floor-model LG electric. It seems pretty nice, but has tons of features I never use. So I'd say do that kind of research, what options do you really need?

So, be sure that you're not months out for whatever you buy.

Also got a newer washer in early 2020. Some kind of Samsung, top-loader w/o the agitator--it goes round-and-round to clean the clothes. Seems pretty nice.

The only thing I've discovered is when doing heavier loads like blankets or sheets, it tends to get out-of-balance by the spin cycle. Then, the rinse/back-and-forth agitation cycle starts over again in an effort to balance. It doesn't, so back to square two, rinse and repeat (pun not intended).

I finally started washing with a 'no spin' option on those, trying to get it balanced by hand after, then running spin-only.

This one was from a local appliance store, and was in their 'scratch and dent' area. Didn't bother me any, that saved some $. Might be something to consider.

BTW, "steam drying" seems like an oymoron.

Have heard anecdotally from multiple people that finding someone to service Samsung is a massive PITA. YMMV of course.

Several people I know (again, anecdotally) have had multiple, repeated and continual issues with non-tv Samsung home appliances - to the point where they're not even on my radar for purchase at virtually any price

Ah, the last couple points made me realize I didn't give any context. It's just me here, so my machines get considerably less use than normal people's. I think the washer I replaced was > 20 years old. Dryer probably around 10, maybe a bit more.

So take anything I've written with that grain of salt.