Did you know that almost half of the money people spend on home renovations goes to fixing another contractor’s mistakes? Yep, that’s right—46% according to a Harvard study. And it gets worse: The U.S. Department of Commerce says more than 96% of contractors don’t even make it to their 10th year in business. Finding a trustworthy sunroom installer is important and can be challenging if you aren't sure what to look for.
With 46 years in the remodeling industry and 15 years as a certified BetterLiving sunroom installer, we here at JSB Home Solutions know what qualities separate the great companies from the rest of the pack. We've seen firsthand what happens when homeowners trust the wrong contractor and end up getting taken advantage of and it's disappointing to us when our industry is represented so poorly. In this article, you will learn how to ensure that you work with a responsible, respectful, and trustworthy contractor for your sunroom addition.
Here’s your guide to avoiding the headaches and heartbreak that can come with hiring the wrong sunroom contractor. These 10 steps will help you dodge the pitfalls, from shoddy work to shady business practices.
Step 1: Interview a Handful of Contractors
Before diving into your sunroom addition, it’s smart to talk to a few different contractors. Getting multiple quotes will give you a better sense of what’s possible for your project. While chatting, ask them about their process, the types of jobs they’ve done, and make sure they’re licensed and insured (more on this later).
It’s also worth asking what common issues they run into and how they handle them. No one likes surprises, but if something does go sideways, you’ll want to know they can manage it.
Listen to your gut during these conversations. If a contractor isn’t listening to you or seems pushy, that’s a red flag. No matter the size of your project, you want to feel good about who you’re working with. Check out the Better Business Bureau too—it’s a great way to see how they treat their customers.
Step 2: Review Their Past Work
Always ask to see examples of past sunroom additions when talking to contractors. This gives you a peek at their style and quality. Don’t just take their word for it—ask what parts of the sunroom project they handled versus what was already in place. For example, did they build the deck or was it already there?
Online reviews are your friend here too. Google reviews, in particular, can give you insight into other customers’ experiences. Seeing how a contractor’s words match up with what clients are saying will help you make a more informed decision.
Step 3: Get Your Estimates in Writing
When you’re planning your sunroom addition, your budget will likely be a big factor. So, when you’re getting quotes, make sure to get everything in writing. A written estimate lays out the details of the project and helps avoid any misunderstandings about the cost of your sunroom addition later on.
A comprehensive written estimate should cover:
- A detailed list of materials, including sizes, colors, and styles.
- Any extra costs, like taxes or financing fees, so you’re not hit with surprises.
- Payment terms if you’re paying in installments.
- Any work being done by subcontractors.
- What materials, if any, are the responsibility of the homeowner to provide. You will also want to make sure you know when your installers will need this material so that this doesn't delay your project, although this probably won't be in the contract itself. It's just good communication between you and your hired company.
Step 4: Talk About Project Timelines
Be upfront about any deadlines or scheduling needs. Maybe you’ve got a baby on the way or a big family gathering coming up, and you need the sunroom addition done by a certain date.
Most contractors will give you a lead time, which is the waiting period between signing the contract and starting the work. A lot has to happen before the project can start like verifying selections, taking final measurements, ordering materials, and getting all the materials to the job site.
Being clear about your timeline can help avoid frustration once the addition kicks off.
Step 5: Ask About Subcontractors
Sometimes contractors bring in subcontractors (subs) to handle specific parts of the job. While that’s not necessarily a bad thing, it can lead to issues if the subs aren’t properly managed.
Ask your contractor if they use subcontractors and, if they do, how they plan to keep everything on track. The key here is to ensure the quality of your sunroom addition doesn’t slip through the cracks.
Step 6: Talk About Material Options and Foundation Work
Ask about what sunroom materials a contractor uses and any foundation work that will need to be done. This will be especially important if you have an existing foundation as you compare quotes from multiple contractors. One contractor's quote could appear to be less expensive but they didn't include any foundation work while another contractor is more expensive because they included strengthening your existing foundation.
Also, consider what materials will give you the best return on investment in your area. For instance, a screen room might be the least expensive option but in central Ohio with our wacky weather, three-season rooms are much more desirable and bring about a 60% return on investment according to many real estate experts.
Step 7: Think About Daily Life
Think about how sunroom construction will affect your daily life. One upside is that a sunroom addition is much less invasive to your routines than indoor projects like kitchen and bathroom remodels.
Ask your contractor about the work schedule—when they’ll arrive and when they’ll leave each day. This will help you know when to expect there to be other people around your house.
Step 8: Check Industry Credentials, Licensing, and Insurance
Make sure your contractor is properly licensed and that their team has the certifications needed for the job. For example, our sunroom installers here at JSB have all been trained and certified by BetterLiving, the manufacturer of our sunrooms. This ensures that they know how to construct and install the materials correctly.
Also, ask about their insurance coverage, including liability and workers’ compensation. This protects you from assuming any of the risks while still covering the workers on your property.
Step 9: Choose the Contractor Who Suits You and Your Needs
Take your time deciding which contractor to hire. Price is important, but so is how they make you feel. Were they respectful? Did they take the time to answer your questions? Did they get back to you quickly? These are all things to consider.
Step 10: Sign a Contract
Before any work starts on your sunroom addition, make sure you have a signed contract. The contract should cover all the details you discussed, including price, payment schedule, start and end dates, and any discounts you’ve agreed on. Both you and the contractor should sign the contract before the project begins.
How Can I Choose the Right Sunroom Installer for Your Addition?
Finding a sunroom installer who treats your project like their own can be tough, but it’s not impossible. There are plenty of trustworthy companies out there. We’ve put together a list of the top sunroom contractors in Columbus, OH, to help you get started.
You can also download our Remodeling Company Comparison Guide. It’s packed with questions you should ask any contractor, plus space to jot down their answers. With this guide, you’ll be ready to choose the right team for your project.
Once you find the right sunroom installer, you can sit back and enjoy the construction process. Watching your sunroom take shape day by day will be an exciting journey, leading to that satisfying moment when the job is done!
