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How to Budget for a Retractable Patio Awning

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How to Budget for a Retractable Patio Awning

Control your backyard climate and manage the installation cost by booking in the off-season.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $2,800 before anything else
Across the 0% window $155.56/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $2,800 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

A motorized awning turns a scorching deck into a usable room for most of the year. Once it is installed, you get instant shade with a remote and keep your interior cooler by blocking the sun before it hits your windows.

Installers get slammed once the first warm weekend hits, so book your work in late winter. You will have more scheduling flexibility and often find contractors more willing to negotiate on labor to keep their crews busy during the slow months.

The 18-month window is a deadline, not free money. If you have a remaining balance after the 18 months are up, you will start paying interest on whatever is left, so plan to have it paid off in full by the final month.

The steps

  1. 01

    Get three separate quotes

    Never go with the first price you see. Call three local installers to compare the cost of the unit and the labor involved. Make sure they are all quoting for the same wind sensor and motor features so you are comparing apples to apples.

  2. 02

    Clear your installation area

    Move your furniture and any fragile pots before the team arrives. Having a clear path to the mounting area saves the installers time, which can sometimes save you a bit on labor costs.

  3. 03

    Manage the payments

    If you decide to pay over time, you can use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. It offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This lets you break your $2800 cost into payments of $155.56 per month.

  4. 04

    Verify your warranty

    Ask the contractor exactly what the motor warranty covers and for how long. It is common for the frame to have a longer warranty than the electronic parts, so know the difference before you sign.

  5. 05

    Check your electrical

    Confirm if the unit needs a dedicated outlet or if it can be hardwired into your existing system. An electrician might be needed if you do not have an outdoor power source nearby, which adds to your total cost.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Do I need a permit for an awning?

It depends on your city and whether the awning is attached to the home. Check with your local building department before you book.

Can I install this myself?

You can, but motorized units are heavy and require precise mounting to handle wind load. If you are not an experienced DIYer, hiring a pro is safer.

How long do these motors last?

A high-quality motor usually lasts 10 to 15 years with basic maintenance. Keep the tracks clean and retract the awning during heavy storms to extend its life.

What happens if it gets windy?

Most motorized models have a wind sensor that automatically retracts the fabric when it detects high gusts. Make sure yours has this feature to prevent frame damage.