11 Things That You Should Know Before Buying A Sunroom

Do higher gas prices and clogged highways have you spending more time at home? Do you wish you had a great space for your kids and their friends to hang out? If you’ve had the idea to turn your deck or patio into that wonderful sunroom addition, now is a great time to add a sunroom. There are many different designs and decisions to make so here is a list of some of things you may want to consider before you buy. Not all sunroom dealers and manufacturers are the same!

Here are 11 things that you should know before buying a sunroom, along with how Majors Home Improvement sunrooms answers these concerns.

1. SEE THE SUNROOM

Ask if the contractor if you can see full size models. Seeing an actual sunroom can give you a sense of the different designs and decorating ideas. Ask if the contractor has a display home where you can see their finished work on someone’s home, or request to see some pictures of sunrooms of previous customers.

2. COMPARE THE COST AND VALUE OF A SUNROOM

Make sure they offer a free, no obligation consultation – measuring at your home to provide you with an exact cost for your project. Consultants can offer great ideas on how to utilize your current deck or patio as a foundation for your sunroom addition. Watch out for contractors who offer sunroom cost over the phone. This can hide the true cost of a sunroom project. Scheduling an appointment will be the only true way to be sure you can compare the sunroom cost and value of each product before selecting a sunroom company.

3. ASK ABOUT UL® APPROVAL

Would you live in a home where the electric system was not UL approved? Be sure the sunroom has UL approved wiring systems. Electrical raceways should not only be safe but they shouldn’t interfere with the sunroom décor. Watch for contractors who only offer electric as an afterthought by using awkward surface mount electrical boxes and conduit to run wiring and mount outlets.

4. CHECK THE ROLLER WHEELS ON WINDOWS AND DOORS

When building a sunroom, the sunroom windows and doors are an important centerpiece to the room’s decor. The quality of the windows and doors not only provides the outdoor feel but they’re a key a factor in a fully insulated sunroom that allows you to entertain for four seasons. To maintain durability, it’s the rollers that keep the windows and doors operation smooth for the long term. Steel rollers on stainless steel tracks are the best system for heavy windows and doors. Be sure the rollers are covered under the warranty.

5. WHAT ABOUT ENERGY STAR®?

ENERGY STAR is a national program that rates the energy efficiency of consumer products. You’ll hear the term four seasons sunroom used frequently and it refers to sunrooms designed for year round heating and cooling. These sunroom designs are eligible to earn the ENERGY STAR. If you are considering a four season sunroom, be sure the windows and doors are ENERGY STAR qualified in all 50 states.

6. ASK ABOUT INSURANCE

Workers compensation insurance is a big expense that many contractors don’t want to absorb, so they cut corners by hiring sub-contractors to do the installation. If an uninsured worker is injured on your property, you could bear the liability and the original sunroom cost presented by the contractor becomes a huge loss.

7. SCREENS SHOULD BE GLARE FREE

Many companies will show you pictures of sunrooms and screened porch photos that have fiberglass screens. Black aluminum screens minimize the obstruction of your outdoor view, and are stronger than fiberglass screens.

8. CHECK OUT THE HANDLES

Your sunroom will get lots of use, so the door handles should be strong and easy to use. Color matched handles with mortise locks look better – and last longer. Screen handles should be full size and well fastened.

9. ASK IF SUB-CONTRACTORS WILL BE USED ON THE CONSTRUCTION

If so, find out how and what part of the work will they do. If sub-contractors are used for specialty work on your installation, be sure they are fully insured and that your sunroom company will stand behind their work. Using installers whose only job is building a sunroom helps ensure that the sunroom cost doesn’t begin to inflate.

10. BE SURE YOU GET THE RIGHT PERMITS AND THE NECESSARY INSPECTIONS

Identify what permits will be required and how they will be processed. Find out who will schedule the inspections required by your local building department.

11. WHAT TYPE OF WARRANTY IS INCLUDED?

How long is the labor guarantee, and what does it include? Ask about the Manufacturer’s Warranty, and who stands behind it!

Since 1997, Majors Home Improvement has delivered premium products, quality workmanship and unparalleled service – all at an affordable price. We are proud to be the local home improvement company of choice for the Florida and Alabama Gulf Coast. Majors Home Improvement is proud to be a dealer of Betterliving Sunrooms. “Not all sunrooms are created equal!”