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Sunroom Contractors

Rob Reed | Improvement Center Columnist | January 30, 2012

There are many benefits to adding a sunroom to your home. A new sunroom creates additional living space, lets in more natural light, and increases your enjoyment of your home. Here are the advantages of hiring a sunroom contractor and tips on how to find the best contractor for your project.

Pros and cons of sunroom contractors

  • Planning and design: Sunroom contractors can help you choose the best sunroom for your house while taking into consideration the space available, the location, the look of your home and your budget
  • Permits and codes: The contractor will pull any required permits and make sure the sunroom meets any local codes
  • Experience and skill: An experienced contractor has the skills necessary to create a sunroom that meets code, looks great, and is well constructed. The contractor knows how to get the details right and can perform the job to a high standard
  • Cost: As with any home improvement project, DIY can save you money, but only if you know what you're doing and have all the necessary tools. Only you can decide if the benefits of hiring someone with experience and practiced skills is worth the expense

Five tips to find the right sunroom contractor

There are many contractors specializing in sunrooms and they're not all created equal. Here are the things to consider when picking a sunroom contractor:

  1. Licenses and certifications: You want a professional contractor who is licensed and bonded in your state. Make sure their insurance covers both their workers and any subcontractors they may use
  2. Professional affiliations: Look for a contractor that is a member of your local Better Business Bureau and check their record for complaints. You may also want to use a contractor that is a member of the National Sunroom Association, the industry trade group
  3. Experience: To get the most out of using a contractor, you want an experienced contractor who knows all the ins and outs of sunroom construction. Ask how long they've been in business and get a list of recent customers so you can research the quality of their work yourself
  4. Communication: Pick a contractor who communicates well with you. You want someone who can explain the various sunroom options available to you, responds well to questions, and keeps you informed on the project's schedule and any problems that arise
  5. Price: Don't be afraid to shop around. Just remember to consider comparable options when price shopping sunrooms, and remember that the lowest price is not necessarily the best value

Now that you know what to look for you can use the form on this page to get estimates from local contractors in your area.