On Fri, 23 Aug 2013 12:57:43 -0500, Vic Smith
wrote:

Wait a minute. You're contracting to do something you don't know how
to do? And asking here?

(I though the same thing earlier)

OP seems to think building codes are not informative.

For my patio cover, the drawing and measurements was on a piece of
yellow legal paper. The PERMIT office gave me all the information
needed to build it. CAD drawings for the column footers, calculations
based on the roofing material, bean size, etc. I also had a permit for
the electrical work - two fans and additional outdoor GFCI
receptacles.

"Contracting" in my state (NV) without a license is a felony. A home
owner can act as a contractor for their own home improvements.