You know the benefits of building a Florida Room, but do you have a clear understanding of how to get started? Dulando Screen & Awning has been a high-quality custom sunroom builder in Florida for more than five decades. We’re happy to share our insight. Here are the top tips that you’ll want to keep in mind when building a Florida Room or sunroom and hiring a sunroom contractor.
1. Meet with your contractor to get an accurate estimate.
When investigating Florida sunroom costs, don’t settle for an estimate given over the phone. To provide an accurate estimate, a reputable contractor will want to meet with you, discuss your options, review materials and measure the space. If a contractor doesn’t require at in-home consultation before providing an estimate, then you’ll probably find yourself receiving a low-quality sunroom, a higher-than-expected bill or both.
2. Check your foundation.
When building a Florida room, contractors can often incorporate an existing porch, patio or deck if the structure is up to code. A reputable contractor will review your options with you and factor the cost of any improvements required into your estimate. Likewise, if you don’t have a suitable porch, patio or deck, they’ll include the cost of constructing the appropriate foundation in your estimate. If you have flexibility in where you can place your sunroom, you might want to read out post “Things to Consider When Adding a Sunroom”
3. Remember that building materials matter.
Price and value are not the same. Cheaper materials may keep the price tag for a sunroom addition low, but quality materials will often offer benefits that make them a better value in the long term. For example, when building a Florida room that is not under the existing roofline of the house, a roofing option is to use Structall Snap-N-Lock Insulated Panels. While they might make the initial cost of a Florida sunroom a bit higher, they far outweigh the cost because they:
- Make it easy to get the look you want. Structall Snap-N-Lock Insulated Panels are available in several low-maintenance finishes and are suitable for a variety of floor plans and roof styles.
- Help you stay comfortable without sending your energy bill soaring. These clever insulated panels are designed to be energy efficient.
- Withstand Florida’s gusty winds and strong sun. The panels handle high winds without flinching, and ultraviolet destruction is minimal because the sealant is inside the panel.
- Allow for special features. Skylights, fans and other features can be installed without issue.
4. Pay special attention to the windows.
While all the materials used to construct your new addition matter, sunroom windows are especially important. After all, when building a Florida room, the windows are clearly a major feature. When selecting screens and windows, consider factors like durability, privacy and glare. There are three main types of Florida sunroom windows: Acrylic, Glass & Vinyl
5. Choose your contractor carefully.
Ending up with a shoddy sunroom is bad. Finding yourself facing a lawsuit because your sunroom builder didn’t have the proper insurance is even worse. Hiring the wrong Florida room contractor can be a costly mistake, so choose yours carefully. Not all patio contractors understand the nuances of building a Florida room. Look for a reputable professional sunroom contractor who has the right licensing and insurance and a lengthy list of satisfied clients.
Additional Reading: Building a Florida Room
- How Much Does a Florida Room Cost?
- Top Reasons to Convert a Patio Enclosure into a Sunroom
- Things to Consider When Building or Adding a Sunroom
- Top 4 Considerations When Choosing a Sunroom Contractor
Dulando Screen & Awning is proud to serve Orange, Seminole and Volusia counties. If you’re ready to expand your living space and add value to your home with a new sunroom addition, we’ll be happy to build the sunroom of your dreams. Contact us today to request a free in-house consultation.
If you’re not ready to start building a Florida room today, but need more information, please download our free buying guide below.