Whether you’re putting in a gazebo or enclosing your pool or lanai, you want to hire the best contractor. Doing your homework before hand will give you the tools you need to ascertain which contractor or company you will hire to complete the build.
We’ve put together a guide that will help you sort through your choices and make the best decision.
Form some questions
It’s important to find out some essential information about the person or company with whom you choose to do business.
Here’s a list of questions that you need to ask.
Are you licensed by the state of Florida?
State licensing provides proof that the contractor or company is legitimate. Moreover, it’s a layer of protection for homeowners providing an avenue for recourse should a problem arise. They should be willing to show you their business license upon request.
Are you insured?
You need to ensure that the company, or contractor if self-employed, is adequately insured. If not, and an accident occurs on your property, you could be held liable.
Ask if they are covered by workers’ compensation insurance and liability insurance. Both are a must.
How long have you been in business?
The longer a company has been in business, the more experienced they should be. Ask if you can have some references from former customers while you’re at it.
What types of materials do you use?
Screen enclosures framed out in aluminum are more weather-resistant than wood. Gazebos are often built with wood, however, Florida’s semi-tropical climate and salt-infused air are hard on wood. Your contractor should make you aware of that fact and may make other suggestions.
Additionally, if anyone mentions using Artisan wire screens, cross them off the list. This cheaply manufactured screen holds up for three or four years tops and possibly less here due to the climate. Phifer screen is often viewed as the best choice. It’s used by many professionals and is viewed as the best enclosure screen on the market. In fact, it’s ranked number one in the nation and has expanded globally from there.
Do you guarantee your work?
Contractors and pool screen companies that guarantee their work are a cut above those who don’t. Again, failure to offer a guarantee is a sign of shoddy workmanship.
If the answer to your question, or any of the others listed above, is no, we suggest removing them from your list immediately.
Get some estimates
Once you have made up your list of questions, it’s time to make some choices. Check with family and friends to see if they have anyone that they would recommend for the job. You can also search local community boards or posts—and, of course, there’s always Angi. We’d opt for checking with friends and family, though. Word of mouth is the best form of advertisement!
We suggest you contact three potential contractors or pool screen companies—which can be a mix of the two, of course—and inquire about them coming out to give you an estimate on the cost of your project. Once the estimates are completed, pitch the lowest as its the most likely to be a corner-cutter bid. That means they may use cheaply made materials to increase their profit line while leaving their customers to make do if things begin falling apart.
One last tip
Find a company that customizes your screens using digital imagery. The dyes are resistant to ultraviolet rays so the images remain vibrant for years. Imagine walking through the door of your enclosure and immediately feeling as if you’ve been transported to the beach, a rainforest with flowing waterfalls, or any other destination that appeals to you.
The transformation is truly amazing! Homeowners report feeling an even greater sense of privacy. Peace and tranquility abound which increases your ability to relax. Once you’ve added your own decor, your backyard getaway will be complete—unless you decide to carry the theme on out into the yard with landscaping ideas.
Best of both worlds
In addition to increased privacy, mesh screen enclosures provide your family with many benefits that include:
- A bug-free environment—Can you imagine being outdoors and not being bothered by any bugs or insects? It becomes a reality when you’ve enclosed your outdoor space.
- UV protection—You won’t be totally protected, but screen enclosures do help because the UV rays are filtered as they pass through the screens. It lessens their intensity.
- Free air flow—Because air flows freely throughout your space, mold and mildew won’t have a chance to take hold because—even after a particularly “splashy” day in the pool—every nook and cranny dries completely.
- Even a safety feature—Because the door locks, you can keep the kids and pets out of the pool area or—if you’ve enclosed your patio or lanai—in so they won’t wander off.
Once you’ve decided who will install your enclosure—and whether or not you will customize your screens—all that’s left to do is wait for the day the crew arrives. Are you going all out with new furniture and decor as well? In addition to throw pillows, outdoor rugs, and the other eye-catching elements you could add, table top water features are another great idea. They aren’t just eye-catching though. The sound of running water increases our sense of tranquility—and in today’s crazy world, we need all of that we can get!