Lanais are popular here in Florida because living in a sub-tropical climate allows us to spend lots of time outdoors. What better place to spend it relaxing than walking out your back door? Imagine how much more enjoyable it would be without having to fight off bugs and mosquitos! A screened lanai provides some protection from the elements as well—both sun and rain.
If you’ve been considering a screened lanai, but are struggling with the current economic situation, we’ve got a few pointers to help you get your project off the ground. It’s possible to fit this home improvement into your budget.
Getting an estimate
The first thing you need to know is an approximate cost so you’ll know how to begin figuring out the particulars. Patio.com has an online calculator that figures out a breakdown for you. All you have to do is put in your ZIP code. We’ve experimented with several different ZIP codes and it seems a pretty sure bet that the cost per foot is going to range between $11.00 and $15.00. Of course, the actual cost depends upon the size of your lanai, the materials used, and your local economy plays a part as well.
When you use a local company, it’s going to help boost the economy in your immediate area. Depending on where you live, it may appear that the cost appears to be on the upper end of the scale. However, a local company may be more trustworthy, is likely more conscious of its reputation, and you’ll be keeping your money at home.
Once you’ve determined an approximate cost, it’s time to sit down and determine from where you’ll get the funds. Most companies have funding available, of course, and work with you to determine an affordable payment schedule. Perhaps you plan to pay outright. The funding decision is totally based on what you determine to be best for your family.
It’s a good idea to get at least three estimates and make comparisons before deciding on which company to hire.
Check them out
Start checking references and reviews on contractors and companies before calling them to set up an appointment for a job estimate. You can find out a lot by checking online review boards. However, if you know people who have recently used certain companies or who have builders that they trust, we’d recommend putting them on your list.
We, here at Private Screens, consider word of mouth to be the best source of advertising! We value the opinions of our customers and strive to be the best of the best. We’re sure a lot of other companies do the same.
Make the call
When you have your list together write down any questions about the job or what it entails overall. The company representative should be able to readily answer them. If there’s any hemming or hawing around, check them off and move on to another.
You can inquire about an approximate job cost while on the phone too. Most companies should be able to give you that if they know the area measurements.
Get what you pay for
Asking specific questions is the best way to ensure that you’re going to be happy with the finished product.
Ask questions such as:
Are they insured, licensed, and bonded?
The representative should be willing and able to show you documentation proving all three. Knowing the answer to this question is important for two reasons. First and foremost if they aren’t, they could take your money and run. And, secondly, if an accident occurs during construction, you are liable.
How many building permits have you applied for in my area during the last few years?
You want to make sure the company that you hire to complete construction is familiar with local code requirements, which ultimately must adhere to Florida’s strict building codes, in your community.
Do they offer a warranty and guarantee?
You want to hire a company that stands behind its work.
What’s the expected timeline?
You should have a clear picture of when work will begin and end. Of course, that includes taking into consideration any unforeseen circumstances, such as the weather.
Said and done
Once you’ve made your decision and gotten on the schedule, all there is to do now is sit back and wait. If you’re going to celebrate your new living space with all new furniture and a bit of decor, you’ll be happy to discover that since merchants follow a national scale, the prices on outdoor goods start dropping after Labor Day here in Florida too. You are likely to discover some great bargains!
Hopefully, you won’t have long to wait before you’re sitting in your newly screened lanai. Relaxing with a good book or entertaining family and friends without the nuisance of swarming bugs or mosquitos may seem too good to be true. Trust us though, you’ll quickly adapt.
You’ll enjoy a bit of shade on those sweltering summer days and won’t be canceling outdoor plans if a rain shower springs up. Your new enclosure provides a safe spot for children and pets to play without having to worry that they’ll wander off too. The space is going to stay a lot cleaner as well!
And, once you realize the difference that having that extra element of privacy makes, you’re going to wonder why you waited so long! All in all, we believe you’ll discover that working your new enclosure into the budget had a great payout.
Enjoy!