If you’re thinking about doing this by yourself, we strongly suggest against it. It is recommended that you hire a general contractor, or better yet, a professional pergola installer. It can save you a lot of time, money, and probably a trip to the hospital in the long run. This is especially important if you want to install light fixtures, stereo systems, and other electronics. They have years of experience in their hands, and they can put the needed electronics in the right place.