Maintenance. Wood exposed to sun and weather needs periodic sealing, staining or painting. Solid roofs protect the framing beneath, which helps.
Roof integration. Tying into the house roof requires proper slope, flashing and structural design.
Fire zones. In high fire hazard areas, material and construction requirements for attached structures may be stricter.
Cost factors. Size, roof type and material, lumber species, finish, engineering, footings and electrical.
Permits. Whether a permit is required depends on your city and the specifics of the structure — its size and height, whether it attaches to the house, its distance from property lines, its roof type and any electrical work. Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena each have their own building departments, while addresses in neighborhoods like Studio City, Sherman Oaks or North Hollywood fall under the City of Los Angeles (LADBS). We’ll help you understand what typically applies before you commit, and the local building department always has the final word.