What To Expect On Build Day

The day before install

The crew will hit the ground running between 7:30 and 8:00 am on the day of install so it is important to be ready. We ask that you clear the work area and entry way of patio furniture, potted plants, kids toys or other obstructions that may impede the build process. These items are best moved to the side yard opposite the point of entry or against the back fence. To be efficient we need as much room as possible in the project area and also the surrounding areas to stage your material and set up tools.

(Podium crew is happy to help with heavy or bulky items such as a patio table)

If we are installing fans on your project please confirm they are outdoor rated and have them available the day of the build. We will also need access to the attic or an upstairs bedroom to pull the power for fans/plugs. If we are only installing ceiling lights no access inside the home is required .

We also ask that you please clean up after your four legged family members.

Install day

After we unload tools and material we will begin the layout process. Using a laser level and chalk lines we will determine final elevation, electrical fixture and post locations. When we have exact locations marked out we will ask you to approve the final layout then begin building .

Attaching To Your Home

We attach the hanger using 1/4” lag bolts in every stud or 16” on center to the top plate of two story homes. Every bolt hole is sealed with caulking before the bolts are tightened. The hanger is then sealed using flashing and three layers of caulking. We also use a foam hanger gasket to help prevent any drips that may be caused by water blowing or splashing under the flashing.

Attaching To Your Concrete

In most cases we can attach directly to your existing slab of concrete with no additional footings required using 3/8” stainless steel anchors.

Electrical

We use the good stuff! At podium we never cut corners and hold the highest standards when it comes to your safety. All fans and plugs are GFI protected using only weather and tamper resistant receptacles. we also stock all available color options for our boxes and water proof covers. We only use the gray type UF-B outdoor rated wire and make sure every hole gets a protective grommet. We also do are best to make sure no unnecessary conduit is visible by running our wire to an upstairs bedroom or through the attic as opposed to one of the lower exterior plugs with the conduit exposed.

Clean up

A good clean up is just as important as a good build. We take pride in every aspect of our job all the way down to the clean up. At the end of the day we will wipe down and touch up the patio to remove any finger prints pencil marks or scratches left during the manufacturing and install process. we will also pick up all the trash, sweep, vacuum and blow off the patio area.