You’re enhancing your backyard with a screen enclosure, creating an outdoor living space that’s sure to delight your entire household. You’ve discussed your desires with Dulando Screen and Awnings’ experienced team, explored your options, and signed a contract for a fabulous, custom-designed screen enclosure. What comes next?  Before any construction can begin, there are a few tasks that you’ll need to complete. To assist you, we’ve put together a checklist for building a screen enclosure.

1. Review your contract.
Please take a few moments to read through the written contract for your project. Verify that all the information listed is correct, including the frame color, screen type, number of doors and windows, and any other specific details. If something seems to be missing or incorrect, please let us know.

2. Provide a survey.
Zoning ordinances and neighborhood codes generally list required setbacks from property lines, so when you’re building a screen room patio, pool cage, screened in porch or any other structure, you’ll need to provide a survey of the property. Typically, a copy of the property survey is included in the packet of documents that you received when you completed the closing proceedings to finalize the purchase of your home. Example of a Property Survey.

3. Get approval from your homeowners’ association.
If your neighborhood has a homeowners’ association, an organization charged with enforcing the rules and covenants of a residential development, then you’ll need to determine whether or not you need the HOA’s approval for your project. If it’s necessary,  receive the HOA approval before building a screen enclosure. Failure to do so could get you in serious trouble with your HOA.  Download Sample HOA Form.

4. Arrange for a building permit.
A building permit is a must when adding or changing a structure to your property. We’ll provide you with the proper building application for your situation. In most cases, this form will require an original signature from the property’s owner. Depending on the speed with which the organization responsible for approvals processes requests, obtaining a building permit may take a few days or a few weeks.

5. File the Notice of Commencement.
In Florida, a Notice of Commencement is required for any improvement valued at more than $2,500. We’ll provide you with the document. Once the necessary signatures are in place, including the homeowner’s, we’ll see that the document is notarized and recorded with the county clerk’s office. A certified copy must also be delivered to the appropriate division of building safety before the first inspection is performed.   Download Notice of Commencement Form

6. Schedule a final review of measurements.
Once all the necessary documentation and approvals have been gathered and are on file with our office, a member of our team will visit your property to confirm the measurements for your project so that we can begin fabricating your custom screen enclosure.

When everything is ready, our licensed and insured installers will get to work. Keep in mind that Florida gets a lot of rain or other inclement weather which can create a safety hazard and may delay the screen room installation process. After the installation is complete, we’ll notify the appropriate agency so that the final inspection can be performed. We will place the permit paperwork in a place that is visible so that the inspector can sign off on it.

At Dulando Screen and Awning, we consider customer service a priority. We understand that it is our responsibility to ensure that all paperwork is completed and signed during the installation process.  Whether you are building a screened in porch, pool cage or patio enclosure, we’re ready to provide any help you need with the process. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us.