Deck, Patio Cover and Pergola Builders in San Francisco
Deck, patio cover and pergola projects in San Francisco
571 permits were issued over the last 12 months for decks, patio covers and pergolas in San Francisco; the median estimated construction cost for one- and two-family homes was $41,002.
San Francisco at a glance
- Issued deck, patio cover or pergola permits in San Francisco, all property types, last 12 months
- 571 permits
- Share of those permits on one- or two-family homes, last 12 months
- 77.2%
- Median estimated construction cost on one- and two-family home permits, last 12 months (permit estimate, not a contract price)
- $41,002
San Francisco Department of Building Inspection, Building Permits (DataSF) · data as of
- Numbers from SF DBI and US Census public records
- Up to three local contractors, never a long list
- Free, no obligation
San Francisco deck, patio cover and pergola permits and housing facts
San Francisco deck, patio cover and pergola permits and housing facts
Local numbers for San Francisco, each with its source and date.
- Median days from filing to issue on one- and two-family home permits, last 12 months1
- 26 days
- Share of San Francisco housing units built before 19802
- 76.5%
- Median year structure built, San Francisco housing units2
- 1946
- Share of occupied San Francisco housing units that are owner-occupied2
- 38.2%
- Median value of owner-occupied homes in San Francisco2
- $1,394,500
Planning your project
571 permits were issued in San Francisco over the last 12 months for decks, patio covers and pergolas. For one- and two-family homes, the median estimated construction cost on the permit was $41,002, and the median time from filing to issue was 26 days. Plan with your home's age in mind.
What San Francisco's homes mean for your deck, patio cover or pergola
The Census estimates that 76.5% of San Francisco housing units were built before 1980, and the median year built is 1946. Older houses often need a closer look where a deck or patio cover attaches to the wall and ledger, along with drainage, setbacks on older lots, and termite or dry-rot damage in old wood. Check these things early.
Most occupied homes in San Francisco are rented, since only 38.2% of occupied units are owner-occupied. If you own a rental, plan the work around tenants and agree on the schedule in writing. Consider how the project fits your budget, and remember that the median value of owner-occupied homes was $1,394,500. Think about budget and resale in general terms only.
The permit figures and cost data describe the City and County of San Francisco only. They are a starting point. An estimate for your home is the way to learn your real cost.
What San Francisco permit applicants estimated the work would cost
| Project | Figure | Range on a shared scale |
|---|---|---|
| Median estimated construction cost, deck, patio cover or pergola permits on one- and two-family homes, last 12 monthsEstimated cost written on the permit application, what the applicant expected the work to cost. Not a contract price. The real project cost is often higher because of design, finishes, work not on the permit and the home's condition. | $41,002 |
Bars share one scale, from $0 to $41,002.
One figure: the median estimated construction cost on the permit application for one- and two-family homes over the last 12 months. It is not a contract price. Get an estimate for your home to learn your real cost.
The typical path for a deck, patio cover or pergola in San Francisco
The typical path for a deck, patio cover or pergola in San Francisco
Decide what you want to build
Decide whether you want a deck, a patio cover or a pergola. Think about shade, privacy, use and how the new structure will connect to the house.
Check setbacks and what your lot allows
Check setbacks, lot limits and any rules that apply to your lot with the city. Older lots can have tighter setbacks, so confirm before you design.
Design and prepare plans
Work with a designer or the builder to draw the layout and plans. Ask how the new structure will attach to the house and what the wall and ledger condition needs.
Permit where needed
Confirm with the contractor and the city whether your project needs a permit. If it does, the plans go through the city's review before work starts.
Build footings and framing with inspections
Footings and framing are built in stages with inspections. On older homes, look closely at the wall, ledger, drainage and any termite or dry-rot damage.
Select materials and finishes
Choose decking, roofing, railings and finishes. Ask for the scope in writing so the estimate and the final cost can be compared.
Finish with a final inspection
Schedule the final inspection, then walk the finished work with the builder and confirm any remaining items.
Questions San Francisco homeowners ask
Do I need a permit for a deck, patio cover or pergola in San Francisco?
Often yes. In San Francisco, 571 deck, patio cover or pergola permits were issued over the last 12 months across all property types. Rules depend on the work, the lot and the home, so confirm the permit requirement with the city and with the builder before you start.
Does an older San Francisco home change the project?
Most homes here are older. The Census estimates 76.5% of San Francisco housing units were built before 1980, and the median year built is 1946. Check the wall and ledger where a deck attaches, drainage, setbacks on older lots, and termite or dry-rot damage in old wood. These are things to check, not certainties for every house.
What does a deck or patio cover cost in San Francisco?
The median estimated construction cost on one- and two-family home permits over the last 12 months was $41,002. That figure is what the applicant estimated on the permit application, not a contract price. Your real cost depends on size, design, materials and your home's condition, so ask for an estimate for your project.
How long do deck permits take in San Francisco?
For one- and two-family homes, the median time from filing to issue was 26 days over the last 12 months. Your timing depends on the project and the city's workload, so treat this as a general guide.
How do I start a deck, patio cover or pergola project?
Ask a local builder to look at the site, the existing structure and your goals. You can also check any contractor's license status with the CSLB (Contractors State License Board). Submit the request below and the builder who receives it can follow up with you.
Recent work by a contractor in our network
Photos from the contractor's own projects, used with permission. Captions name the type of work.
Outdoor kitchen and patio 
Pool and pergola 
Covered patio 
Covered patio dining 
Pool and patio 
Deck with a view
Request a free, no-obligation estimate from a local builder for your project
Tell us about the project. It takes about 30 seconds.
- You send a short request. Project type, ZIP code, timing and how to reach you.
- We match it. A local contractor for your project gets your request. Up to three may contact you, and we email you each one's name.
- You talk about your project. The estimate is free, with no obligation to hire.
Thanks — your request is in.
We're matching your project now. When a contractor takes it, we email you their name and phone number so you know who is calling.
We're matching your project now. A local contractor will call you at the number you gave us to talk about the next step.
Who gets your request
Your local match
Your project · works in San Francisco
Matched to your project. We check the project type and ZIP first. Up to three local contractors may contact you, and we email you each one's name.