I was a little nervous when the boxes arrived a little beat up, but once I took everything out I didnt have any damage. You NEED 2 people and 2 ladders, not for every single step but you will. I had everything laid out and organized so things went pretty smoothly. The most important part of the instructions is to NOT tighten any screws until everything is together. Let everything wiggle until youre all done, youll need it for everything to align. I didnt think I would be as happy as I was with this. This winter I will put a couple of 2x4 supports from the roof to the ground to help carry a snow load. Perhaps unnecessary, but a cheap insurance plan.