You know that feeling when you’re sitting outside on a gorgeous Colorado day, and then suddenly the sun gets too intense or those afternoon thunderstorms roll in? Yeah, we’ve all been there. That’s probably why you’re thinking about a patio cover – and honestly, it’s one of the smartest home improvements you can make.
But here’s where it gets tricky. Do you go with a freestanding patio cover that stands on its own, or do you attach it right to your house? I’ve seen homeowners wrestle with this decision for months, and I get it. Both options have their sweet spots, but they’re also totally different beasts.
After working in residential construction for over two decades here in Colorado Springs, I’ve installed both types more times than I can count. Let me break down what you really need to know – the good, the bad, and the “wish someone had told me this earlier” stuff.
What We’re Actually Talking About Here
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s make sure we’re on the same page about what these things actually are.
Attached patio covers are exactly what they sound like – they connect directly to your house, usually to an exterior wall or under the eaves. Think of them as an extension of your roof that reaches out over your patio or deck.
Freestanding patio covers are standalone structures that don’t touch your house at all. They’ve got their own posts holding them up and can sit anywhere in your yard where you want some shade.
Simple enough, right? But the devil’s in the details, and that’s where things get interesting.
The Case for Attached Patio Covers
Let’s start with attached covers because, honestly, they’re what most people think of first. And there are some really solid reasons why.
The Pros That Make Attached Covers Shine
They Look Like They Belong
When done right, an attached patio cover looks like it was always meant to be there. It flows naturally from your house’s roofline, and you can match materials and colors to make it look like original construction. I’ve seen attached covers that fooled even experienced contractors into thinking they came with the house.
More Bang for Your Buck
Here’s something your wallet will love – attached covers typically cost less than freestanding ones. Why? You’re only building three sides instead of four, and you’re using your existing house structure for support. That can save you anywhere from 20% to 40% on materials and labor.
Weather Protection That Actually Works
Because they’re connected to your house, attached covers create a genuine outdoor room. Rain can’t sneak in from the house side, and you get better wind protection too. I’ve sat under attached covers during Colorado’s famous afternoon storms and stayed completely dry.
Easy Utility Access
Want to add lighting, ceiling fans, or speakers? With an attached cover, you can often tap into your house’s electrical system pretty easily. No need to run power across your yard or deal with separate electrical panels.
The Downsides You Need to Know About
Your House Gets Involved
This is the big one. When you attach something to your house, you’re creating potential problems. Water can find its way into the connection point, especially if the installation isn’t perfect. I’ve seen attached covers cause everything from minor leaks to serious structural damage when they’re not done right.
Permitting Can Be a Pain
Most cities (including here in Colorado Springs) treat attached structures differently than freestanding ones. You’ll likely need more extensive permits, and the inspection process is usually more involved. Plan on adding a few weeks to your timeline.
Limited Placement Options
You’re stuck with wherever your house happens to be. If your house faces north and you want morning sun, or if your best outdoor space is away from the house, an attached cover might not work.
Maintenance Becomes More Complex
When something goes wrong with an attached cover, it’s not just about the cover anymore. You might need to deal with siding, gutters, or even interior repairs if water gets involved.
The Freestanding Alternative
Now let’s talk about freestanding covers, which I think are seriously underrated. They don’t get as much attention, but they solve a lot of problems that attached covers create.
Why Freestanding Covers Rock
Put Them Anywhere You Want
This is huge. Want shade over your pool? No problem. Need coverage for that perfect spot in your backyard where you watch the sunset? Done. You’re not limited by where your house happens to be.
Your House Stays Untouched
Zero risk of water damage to your home. Zero risk of structural issues. Your house remains exactly as it was, and that’s pretty appealing from both a practical and resale perspective.
Easier Permitting (Usually)
Freestanding structures often fall under simpler permitting rules. Many cities treat them more like sheds or gazebos than home additions. That can mean faster approvals and less red tape.
Design Freedom
You can go completely different from your house if you want. Want a modern steel and glass cover next to your traditional brick home? With freestanding, you can pull that off without it looking weird.
Easier to Modify or Remove
Life changes, and so do outdoor spaces. Maybe you want to add a pool later, or your needs change. Freestanding covers are much easier to modify, move, or remove entirely.
The Challenges You’ll Face
Higher Upfront Costs
No sugar-coating this one – freestanding covers cost more. You need more posts, more foundation work, and more materials overall. Depending on size and materials, you might pay 25% to 50% more than an attached cover.
Wind Can Be an Issue
Without your house for protection, freestanding covers take the full brunt of wind. Here in Colorado, where we get some serious gusts, that’s no joke. You’ll need beefier construction and deeper footings.
Utility Challenges
Getting power, water, or gas to a freestanding structure means trenching, conduit, and potentially separate electrical panels. That adds cost and complexity.
They Can Look Isolated
If not designed thoughtfully, freestanding covers can look like they’re just sitting there for no reason. You need to think about how they relate to your house, yard, and overall landscape design.
So Which One Should You Choose?
Here’s where I give you the real talk based on what I’ve learned from hundreds of projects.
Go Attached If…
You want the most coverage for your dollar and your outdoor space is right next to your house. Attached covers make sense when you’re essentially creating an outdoor room that extends your indoor living space. They’re perfect for dining areas right off the kitchen or family room extensions.
Also choose attached if your house has good bones for it – solid exterior walls, appropriate roof lines, and good drainage away from the foundation. And honestly, if you’re not super handy and want the simplest installation, attached is often the way to go.
Go Freestanding If…
Your best outdoor space isn’t right next to your house, or if your house has challenging attachment points. Freestanding is also the smart choice if you’re in a newer home and want to avoid any risk of voiding warranties or creating water issues.
I also recommend freestanding if you’re thinking long-term. Maybe you want to add a pool someday, or you’re not sure how your outdoor space will evolve. Freestanding gives you flexibility that attached covers just can’t match.
The Colorado Springs Reality
Living here in Colorado Springs, we deal with some unique challenges. Our weather swings from blazing sun to sudden hailstorms, and our wind can be absolutely brutal. At Stewart Remodel Design Build, we’ve learned that both types of covers can work great here, but the details matter more than in milder climates.
For attached covers, we pay extra attention to flashing and drainage because our freeze-thaw cycles can really exploit any weak points. For freestanding covers, we go deeper with footings and use heavier construction because of our wind conditions.
Real-World Applications That Work
Let me paint you some pictures of when each type really shines.
Attached Success Story: I recently worked with a family who had a beautiful deck right off their kitchen. They wanted to use it more but couldn’t handle the afternoon sun. We installed an attached cover that matched their existing roof perfectly. Now they eat dinner outside almost every night, and it looks like it was always part of the house.
Freestanding Success Story: Another client had their dream outdoor kitchen spot – but it was in the middle of their backyard, nowhere near the house. A freestanding cover let them create this amazing outdoor room right where they wanted it. We ran electricity underground for lighting and a ceiling fan, and now it’s their favorite space in the whole property.
The Money Talk
Let’s get specific about costs because I know that’s what you’re really wondering about.
For attached covers in our area, you’re typically looking at $15-25 per square foot for basic construction, and $25-40 per square foot for higher-end materials and features. A typical 12×16 attached cover might run $3,000-8,000 depending on materials and complexity.
Freestanding covers start higher – usually $20-35 per square foot for basic construction, and can easily hit $40-60 per square foot for premium builds. That same 12×16 space might cost $4,000-12,000 as a freestanding structure.
But here’s the thing – these ranges vary wildly based on materials, site conditions, and local labor costs. I’ve seen simple covers come in under budget and complex ones go way over. That’s why getting a detailed quote from someone who knows your specific situation is so important.
The Installation Reality Check
Both types of covers require permits in most areas, but the process is different. Attached covers usually need structural calculations and more detailed plans because they’re connecting to your house. Freestanding covers might get by with simpler drawings, but you’ll still need to show foundation details and structural specs.
Timeline-wise, attached covers often go up faster once you start building, but the permitting phase can take longer. Freestanding covers might permit quicker but take more time to build because of the additional foundation work.
Maintenance: What You’re Signing Up For
Attached covers need regular attention at the connection points. Check flashing annually, keep gutters clean, and watch for any signs of water intrusion. The good news is that most of the structure is protected by being close to your house.
Freestanding covers need more attention to the posts and footings, especially in our climate where freeze-thaw cycles can cause movement. But they’re generally simpler to maintain because everything’s accessible and you don’t have to worry about house connections.
Making Your Decision
Here’s my advice after doing this for over 20 years: don’t just think about today. Think about how you’ll use your outdoor space in five or ten years. Think about maintenance, think about your budget not just for installation but for upkeep, and think about what happens if you want to make changes later.
Both attached and freestanding covers can be fantastic additions to your home. The key is matching the right type to your specific situation, your budget, and your long-term plans.
If you’re in the Colorado Springs area and want to talk through your specific situation, we’d love to help. At Stewart Remodel Design Build, we’ve been helping homeowners make these decisions since 1999, and we’ve got the experience to guide you toward the option that’ll work best for your home and lifestyle.
You can reach us at (719) 266-0336 or check out our work and reviews through our professional services profile. We’re located at 5061 N 30th St #102, Colorado Springs, and we’d be happy to take a look at your space and talk through your options.
The bottom line? There’s no universally “right” choice between attached and freestanding patio covers. There’s just the right choice for you, your home, and your situation. Take your time, consider all the factors we’ve talked about, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. A good patio cover – whether attached or freestanding – should give you years of enjoyment and add real value to your outdoor living experience.