Choosing a Sunroom Contractor

They not only add living space for your family, but they also allow you to enjoy the outdoors while still remaining in the comfortable indoor environment. If you have begun to research what is involved in adding a sunroom to your home, then you have probably realized that there are a number of different options available to you. Depending on your home, your budget and your needs, you can find the right sunroom for you.

However, you’ll first want to understand whether or not you’ll need a sunroom contractor in order to complete the work. Then, you’ll want to know the kinds of things to ask each potential sunroom company. Finally, you’ll need some resources that will help you to find a sunroom contractor near you.

Understanding Sunroom Construction

Although there are companies that offer do-it-yourself sunroom installation kits, you should realize that installing a sunroom is different than constructing one. The kits that are sold are meant to be added on top of an existing deck or patio, without changes to the existing structures of your home. Meaning that you don’t have to check on building codes or worry about other construction concerns.

But if you are opting to have a sunroom constructed as an addition to your home, meaning that your wall line, roof line, heating and cooling system or other existing structures or systems in your home will be altered, then you are looking at a true sunroom construction situation that will require adherence to building codes and laws. In this case, unless you are knowledgeable about home construction, you will likely need to hire a sunroom builder.

Questions for Potential Sunroom Contractors

When you are considering different sunroom contractors, remember that you have the right to ask any number of questions before making your decision. You are in effect interviewing candidates for a job, and you want to be sure that you have chosen the best candidate for the position.

So, start with some basic questions regarding their experience and knowledge regarding sunroom construction.

• First, ask about licensing, certifications, membership in different associations and any other legal or professional accreditations that they might have. The more serious and professional that a company or contractor is, the more likely that they will have pursued any or all of the available certifications available in your area.

• Next, be sure that the person or company you are considering is fully insured and bonded so that you are protected – in more ways than one. First, that if the work is not done correctly, you have some route to getting in fixed. Plus, in case the person is injured while working or causes some damage to your property during the work, that you are not liable for any damages.

• In fact, you’ll want to ask if the company plans to use any subcontractors on your sunroom. If so, you’ll need to get confirmation from them that the subcontractor is fully licensed and insured as well. To be fully certain that you are working with a reputable professional, you should also check to see if there have been any complaints about the company to the local area business bureau.

• Once you’re satisfied that the legalities are in order, it’s time to move on to the specifics of the company and their offer. Ideally, you should be able to see a physical example of the sunroom that you are considering. If the company doesn’t have a showroom where you can walk through the design, ask them if they have any customers who would be willing to act as references and might consider letting you see the work that they company completed for them.

• Next, you can ask the company if they provide free, no obligation in-home visits in order to provide you with a quote for your individual situation. Ask them to delineate the costs that they are quoting you so that you have a basis upon which to compare them to other companies. For example, does their quote include any kind of warranty or guarantee on their work? Ask them to specify the types and grades of materials that they are using to make your quote so that again, you can compare their offer to other companies.

• Once you have a number of quotes, you can compare them not just for current costs, but for future ones as well. For example, how long is their work guaranteed? Do they use energy efficient materials so that you will save in energy costs in the long run? What quality of materials, in everything from the handles to open doors and windows to the safety level of the glass, will they be using? By gathering all of this information, you will be well prepared to make the best choice of sunroom contractors or builders for your needs.

Finding a Sunroom Company Near You

One easy way to find a contractor near you is to ask a friend, neighbor or coworker that has already added a sunroom to their home who they used to do it. If you don’t know anyone who has a sunroom, ask your network of friends and associates if they happen to know anyone who does. Word of mouth is a valuable tool for both good and bad experiences.

In the USA, you can try a number of different resources. For local providers, try the whitepages.com or www.yellowpages.com websites. You can enter exactly what you are looking for in your area, such as a sunroom contractor near Houston.