By Gene and Katie Hamilton

To expand the living space of your home, look no further than the deck outside and top it with an awning that provides much more protection than a patio umbrella. A self-supporting retractable awning attached to your home will extend the use of the space and provide protection from harmful UV rays. These awnings are sold online and at home and lawn and garden centers. They come in a wide selection of colorful fabrics designed to withstand the elements. Some operate with a hand crank, while others are motorized with a remote control.

An installer will charge $3,450 to install a 16-by-10-foot deck awning attached to a house with a remote control to open and close the awning. This includes labor and material. You can buy the components for $2,800 and assemble and install it, assuming you have carpentry tools and skills. At www.nuimageawnings.com, a manufacturer's website, you can download assembly instructions in the Support section.

To find a contractor who has the skills and tools to do it right, click here to get to Home Advisor, a free referral service that connects homeowners with local prescreened contractors.

Wrapping up, given the average cost to install a deck awning you can compare the price of a contractor’s bid with doing it yourself. For a local cost input your ZIP Code.

Cost updated 2018