If you’ve decided it’s time to enclose your pool area, congratulations! You’re going to enjoy a number of benefits that include a heightened sense of privacy. Lots of homeowners report that they had no idea what a difference it would make until after the fact. Your Florida pool enclosure provides a level of protection from UV rays too. You can give your body a break from the chemicals in the sunscreen.
The screens hold bugs at bay and your pool stays cleaner too. Can you imagine spending a day at the pool with no bugs swarming the place? And, night swims with no mosquitoes? You’ll be pinching yourself to make sure you didn’t doze off!
This decision keeps sounding better and better, doesn’t it? Before you decide who is going to build your Florida pool enclosure though make a list of questions to help you with your decision.
But before you come up with questions for the contractor, you need to have a list of at least three of them. Ask friends and family for references and search local review boards to come up with this list. Reach out and have them come out and give you an estimate—they’re usually free of charge.
While waiting for the first to come out, create your questions list so you can run it by them. After the last estimate, use the answers you received, compare the estimates, and then choose which company you’ll work with.
Are you wondering if you will know the right questions to ask?
We’ll help you determine that—and coach you on the answers you’re looking for too!
Are they licensed and insured?
The company representative should be willing to produce documentation as proof that the answer to both is yes. If they are operating a business without a city license, the odds are that the company is less than reputable. No insurance? In short, that means that you’re held responsible for any accidents that occur during the build.
What is in the contract?
We’ll just say this upfront—if there is no mention of a contract, move on. The contract should list everything that the job entails in writing. Contracts should include every aspect of the build. From the materials used to an estimation of the job length and pricing. Additionally, any payment terms that apply need documentation in the contract as well.
Do they offer a warranty and guarantee?
Materials often come with a warranty and it should be passed on to you. It’s also a good idea to ask if they provide a written guarantee of workmanship. Of course, the odds are that you’ll never have to use it. Still, the fact that it’s offered speaks to the company’s integrity.
Are they familiar with the building codes in your area?
You would assume that if they have a business license that they’re familiar with codes and obtaining any necessary permits in your area. However, it’s a good idea to ask because failure to comply with regulations could shut down your build and earn you a fine. Is your community governed by a Home Owners Association (HOA)? If so, the contractor should be prepared to check in with them as well.
What types of material will be used?
We’ve mentioned that it’s a good idea to ask about the warranty on the materials used. You want to ask specifically about them too though. Shy away from screens made of Artisan wire—this finely woven wire comes from China. Not only does it break easily, but the salt air here destroys it in no time.
Lots of pool enclosure companies, like ours, for instance, use one of the Phifer screen varieties. Number one in the industry, Phifer screens are considered the best of the best. The company is based right here in the USA.
All materials should identify as being rated to withstand hurricane-force winds too.
Do they offer a customization feature?
Have you had a chance to see a customized Florida pool enclosure? That question is for you, by the way. If you have, it’s probably one of the requirements for the “who’s doing the job” list! A customized enclosure completely changes the ambiance of your pool area.
Can they supply references?
Even though you checked them out with a little sleuthing on your own before even giving them a call, ask for references. They should be happy to provide a few.
What if it’s a tough call?
We always suggest of the three initial estimates that you toss out the lowest one right off the bat. If you’re remaining two contenders seem to be running neck and neck, there are a number of ways to make the final decision.
- Draw staws
- Flip a coin
- Draw a number from a hat
We hope that’s the toughest call you have to make for months to come! When the next one comes along, you can take some time relaxing in your Florida pool enclosure to come up with a solution. If you can catch a minute when it’s not busy being the most popular spot in the house that is.
In the meantime, don’t waste a minute of the time you and your family will spend together in your new outdoor living space. Time moves quickly. Before you know it, the kids will have grown and gone. No worries though—the next time you turn around, there will be a grandchild to keep you company out by the pool.