What Questions Should I Ask a Contractor Before Installing a Patio Awning?

Size and Construction

• Ask your contractor what awning sizes are feasible for your patio. Say you would like to optimize the amount of shade without making the awning larger than necessary. Ask how the awning will attach to the house. Ask if there is enough room between the top of windows or patio door to allow for the height of the awning's brackets. Ask what the ratio should be between the size of bracket and awning size. If the home's walls are brick, aluminium siding or wood, ask how the material determines the type of brackets used. Also, what is the best angle of slope for the awning?

Materials

• What types of awnings are available? What are the differences between wood, vinyl or fabric awnings? Which are the most durable? What colors and design are available for each of these materials? Are samples or pictures available? Does the climate where you live factor into the choice of awning material? What kinds of supports are recommended and why? Is it necessary to add posts at the end of the awning for additional support?

Retractractible Awnings

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? Which is more popular and why? What additional costs are involved? Will it be necessary to add electrical connections for the retractable awning? Is it possible to add an electrical component inside the home? Can switches for the awning be located inside and outside? How durable is a retractable awning? Do they break down more often than non-retractable awnings? How difficult and time-consuming is a manual retractable awning? Could a child do it?

Price, Warranty and Reputation of the Contractor

• What are the prices for the various types of awnings? What kind of warranty comes with each type? Does the warranty cover full replacement, including labor costs? This is important because most fabric awnings are not covered by warranty when exposed to rain, snow or high wind. What precautions does the contractor recommend to prevent voiding the warranty? Will this be put in writing? How long has the contractor been in business? Can the contractor supply recent, local references? When is the contractor available to start the work? How long will the job take? Will all debris be removed at completion? What are the payment options? How much of a deposit is necessary? What is the schedule of payments? How much hold-back until completion?