Screened Porch Questions

Questions to ask before you build a screened porch

A screened porch, deck or sunroom is a major project, and the right questions up front save money and stress. These are the questions Rob Whyte hears most often from Charlotte homeowners, with Whyte Construction’s answers.

Questions to ask any contractor

1. Are you a licensed general contractor, and are you insured? Whyte Construction is a licensed general contractor, fully insured and bonded.
2. Who will I meet with, and who will be on site? Owner Rob Whyte meets every customer himself and oversees every project on site daily. Skilled subcontractors do the work.
3. Can I talk to past clients or see finished work? References are available on request. One client wrote that Rob supplied references so he could drive by or visit a finished porch.
4. Who draws the plans? We draft the architectural plans, taking the existing structure of your home into account.
5. Who handles the HOA and inspections? Clients have described Rob dealing with their homeowner’s association and the county inspectors for them.
6. What materials do you use? Whyte Construction is a TrexPRO builder and a Fiberon Outdoor PRO, and installs EZE-Breeze windows and Screen-EZE porch enclosures. Rob goes through the options during the consultation.
7. Is the estimate free? Yes. The consultation and estimate are free and come with no obligation.
8. How will we communicate during the project? Clients describe Rob’s communication as honest and timely. Ask any contractor how and how often they will update you.
9. What is included and what is an upgrade? Get the scope in writing. Rob builds a number of features into each porch at no extra cost, and upgrades such as composite decking or extra lighting are discussed up front.

Things to consider before building a screened porch

• Porch type. Decide whether you want a covered porch, a screened porch, a three-season porch with windows or a sunroom. The difference is how much protection from bugs and weather you want, and whether the room is heated and cooled.
• Location and sun. Where the porch sits on the house changes how much sun and shade it gets during the hours you would use it.
• Roof tie-in. How the new roof connects to the existing roof affects both the look and the cost.
• Deck or foundation. A porch can replace an existing deck, sit on a new foundation or be paired with a new deck.
• Screens and windows. Some screens add UV protection or privacy. If you may want windows later, plan for them now.
• Electrical. Ceiling fans, lighting, outlets and TV wiring are easiest to include during construction.
• Approvals. If your neighborhood has an HOA, check its approval process early. Rob can help with the HOA and the county inspections.

Is an outdoor living space a good investment?

A well-built porch, deck or sunroom adds usable living space that families enjoy for years, and when it is time to sell, investments like these add curb appeal and value. Fully heated and cooled spaces such as sunrooms and additions also add square footage to the home.

Ready to talk about your project? Call Rob at (617) 650-1605 or send a message to set up a free design consultation anywhere in Charlotte and the surrounding area.