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Yes, most general contractors require a down payment for project completion. A reasonable down payment for a contractor is 10% to 25% of the total project cost, though that will vary based on project size and location. The down payment helps cover the upfront costs of materials and permits and helps ensure payment for the project at hand. 

You can install exposed solid wood beams for between $6 and $80 per linear foot, but these beams are often decorative if you’re retrofitting an existing home with them. Laminated veneer lumber beams, more commonly called LVL beams, cost $3 to $12 per linear foot, and while they can’t span nearly as long of a distance as steel I-beams, they can provide more open spaces than traditional wooden beams.

Pergolas and similar overhead outdoor structures will typically be subject to building code regulations. Every municipality is different, and some may have specs or permit requirements, so it’s important to double-check. Some HOAs may also have restrictions on what you can build, so be sure to check with your HOA as well (if applicable).

Pergolas have no base structure to hold them up, so it’s necessary to attach them to some type of foundation. Most pergolas require a minimum of at least four concrete footings to keep them solid and stable in the ground. Attaching the pergola to a concrete foundation is an option as well.