The Ultimate Checklist Before Hiring a Screen Enclosure Contractor

Written By Kenneth Wilson  |  0 Comments

Are you about to hire a contractor for your screen enclosure project? Choosing the wrong screen enclosure contractor could be a disaster that costs you both time and money. Here is a quick checklist to make sure you’re working with a legitimate business and that most details have been covered.

  • Verified Their License

    • It isn’t enough to simply take their word when they tell you they are licensed and insured. It doesn’t matter if they have it on their business card – anyone can have business cards printed to say anything they like. What you need to do is lay eyes on the actual business license.
    • Look for proof of their business license on the Florida Licensing Website. That’s something they can’t fake!
  • Checked Their Online Reviews

    reviews

    • It isn’t easy to earn positive reviews. Many people prefer to complain when things go wrong but few people take the time to write and post a review when things work perfectly.
    • A contractor who has reviews cares about their reputation. They encourage their customers to write reviews, because they know they can stand behind their work.
    • Check the reviews to ensure they are authentic. Many disreputable companies hire writers to write positive reviews about their business. You’ll usually be able to spot the fakes by their wording. People who write reviews for a living often use industry lingo, but real customers word their reviews the same way they would speak if they were recommending the business to a friend. Another way to weed out the fake reviews is to look for the reviewer online and make sure they’re a real person with a real life who would be getting screen enclosure work in your area.
  • Verified They Aren’t a Fly-By-Night Outfit

    Image certificate of screen enclosure company
    Look for an actual insurance certificate!
    • Make sure the address they give you is a legitimate business address. Someone operating out of their home probably hasn’t built a solid business.
    • See if they have a website with real customer reviews and descriptions of their list of services along with photos of completed jobs. A fly-by-night contractor won’t invest the time or money to build a decent website.
    • Demand they show you their insurance certificate. You need to see it to ensure they aren’t lying to you about having it. They need to have liability insurance, Workman’s Comp, and even auto insurance. It should all be listed on that certificate.

 

  • Discussed Permitting Responsibility


    • Never assume the required permits will be taken care of as if by magic. Someone needs to take responsibility for them, whether it is the screen enclosure contractor or a foundation company they’ve subcontracted for a part of the project. If no one takes responsibility for permits before you sign the contract, there’s a good chance that no one will take care of it when the time comes.[av_hr class=’invisible’ height=’20’ shadow=’no-shadow’ position=’center’ custom_border=’av-border-thin’ custom_width=’50px’ custom_border_color=” custom_margin_top=’30px’ custom_margin_bottom=’30px’ icon_select=’yes’ custom_icon_color=” icon=’ue808′ font=’entypo-fontello’]
  • Project Area for Projects Involving Concrete Fits Within Easements

    • Easements are parts of your property that others have the legal right to use. If you block the easement with your screen enclosure, those who hold those rights could sue you for access to that part of your property. You could end up having to take out the screen enclosure and start over with a site plan that takes the easement into account.
    • You need to ensure a survey is done before the screen room is constructed to define the boundaries of your property and all the easements and setbacks.
  • Surfacing of New Project Areas Involving Concrete Has Been Determined

    • Know whether that surface will be applied to the existing area if it adjoins the current lanai.
  • Structural Materials Have Been Determined

    • Make sure the screen contractor has gone over the different types of screen with you and included on the bid whether you’ll be getting fiberglass mesh, polyester mesh, No See Um screen, or cheap Artisan screen.
    • Know what kind of fasteners they will use. If they have told you they will use the best fasteners, make sure they’ve actually listed high-quality fasteners like Nylo-Tec or Pro-Tect so you don’t get stuck with cheap, builders grade screws that will rust quickly.

About the Author

I can build it, and I can help you get the patio enclosure you want! I got my start in the Florida patio industry back in the 70s as a young general laborer looking for something to make a few bucks. At the time I never thought it would end up as my career. Over the years I grew beyond the laborer position, becoming a foreman, superintendent, and then into executive management for some of the largest patio contractors, and material vendors. Now into retirement and slightly bored, I offer consulting services to new and existing contractors, and publish this website to help the people who love their patio's and screen enclosures the most - YOU!

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