I’m Javier Bellido, founder of Belco Design. I want to tell you about Andre’s covered patio in Alexandria — not because it was the most complex project we’ve ever done, but because it’s the perfect example of what happens when design and build are handled by one team who actually talk to each other.
The Problem
Andre had a concrete slab behind his townhouse that had been there since the house was built in 1988. Functional but completely exposed — no shade, no protection from rain, no reason to spend time out there beyond throwing something on the grill.
“Belco Design did an amazing job building our covered patio — it turned out even better than we imagined. From design to execution, the whole process was seamless.”
— Andre R., Alexandria VA
The Design
We designed a cedar pergola with a solid polycarbonate roof panel system — enough coverage to keep rain out while letting light through. String lights were integrated into the framing, and we added two outdoor-rated ceiling fans on a dedicated circuit. The structure was designed to fit within Alexandria’s setback requirements and was approved by the city permit office on first submission.
The Build
From permit approval to project completion, the build took 18 days. Andre’s family was using the space before summer started. That’s what a design-to-build process looks like when design is done correctly the first time.
Need remodeling help in Northern Virginia? Belco Design is ready.