Does your beloved outdoor space get too hot in the summer? Do you wish you could be outside, rain or shine? If you’ve answered yes, you may want to consider a retractable awning installation. Retractable awnings can transform patios, decks, and outdoor spaces into shaded, comfortable areas for year-round use. Whether you are a winter barbeque master, love reading outside in the spring, or want to watch your kids play in the yard without becoming a lobster, retractable awnings can offer you the shade solution you need.
However, choosing the right installer is just as important as selecting the awning itself. As a trusted provider for awnings that blend durability, functionality, and design, we at Patio Covers Unlimited NW are here to cover the five most important qualities to look for in a professional awning installer, such as experience, product quality, customer service, warranty options, and local reputation. Don’t let someone marginal install a critical part of your outdoor space; instead, take the time to learn the green flags to find the ideal installer!
Top 5 Awning Installation Features to Look For:
#1: Experience and Specialization in Awnings
When determining your awning installation team, one of the first aspects to consider is their experience in the industry. Given the complexity of awning installation, you want a team that has been installing awnings for years. They should be highly trained and have specific knowledge about retractable systems. In addition, they should be well-versed in installing retractable awnings across different surfaces, including stucco, siding, brick, and more.
We suggest reviewing your retractable awning installer’s business to see how long they have been in business, what certifications they have, how often they perform awning installation, and if they have performed projects similar to your own. For example, if you have an uncommon surface type you want your awning attached to, you want to make sure they have done something similar in the past. If you cannot readily find the information, we suggest requesting their portfolio of completed projects.
At Patio Covers Unlimited NW, we have been a source of awning installation for the Tri-Cities and surrounding region since 2008. We have helped countless homeowners and businesses install retractable awnings on their properties to enhance their outdoor experience and increase their property value.
#2: High-Quality Product Offering
The next aspect you want to consider when hiring for an awning installation is the quality of the product offering. You want a company with access to reliable brands with UV protection, durable frames, and weather resistance. Additionally, you want your options to include retractable awnings with motorized or manual options so you can tailor your choice to your specific needs.
We suggest reviewing your awning installer’s product guide to learn about the products they offer. Additionally, we recommend speaking with your team representatives to determine the style that best suits your property and your preferences prior to making a selection.
As the leading installers in the region, we at Patio Covers Unlimited NW offer premier retractable awnings that provide not only shade and comfort but also add a touch of elegance to your property’s exterior. Designed with functionality and aesthetics in mind, our retractable awnings are sturdy and weather-resistant, while the awning fabric is UV-protected and durable enough to handle the sun and rain. Plus, our expert team is more than happy to walk you through your various choices and provide insights on what would be best for your property.
#3: Professional Installation and Custom Fit
The next aspect of an awning installation company we suggest you delve into is their installation process. Some companies offer custom-fit, in-depth services, while others only provide awning installation as an add-on service to other projects, often with severe limitations.
We suggest you review your awning installer’s service offerings. If you are looking for precise measurement and mounting for seamless function, the company will need to perform an on-site measurement. Additionally, you want to ensure your preferred service isn’t limited. For example, you want to make sure they have the ability to handle complex installs, such as a second-story deck or on an uneven surface.
At Patio Covers Unlimited NW, installing retractable awnings is one of our core service offerings. Performing this service all the time, we have developed the procedures and expertise necessary to get the job done. Second story? No problem! Uneven surface? We’ve got it handled! Other concerns? We will find a safe solution to ensure you get exactly what you want!
#4: Warranty and After-Install Support
The next step of your project is to review your installer’s warranty and after-installation support offerings. At the very minimum, your installer should provide you with a clear explanation, verbally and in writing, of your warranty coverage for both products and labor.
We suggest you request the company’s warranty information at the on-set of your installation review, before you agree to anything. A clear indicator of how your company will treat you and your project is how they respond to this inquiry. They should be more than willing to answer any questions you may have as well as provide repairs or replacements if needed.
At Patio Covers Unlimited NW, we provide our clients with transparent, easy-to-understand warranties and after-installation contracts. If you are not sure what something means, a team representative will be happy to walk you through the contract. With no hidden fees or unclear lingo, our clients have enjoyed the security our contracts and warranties provide.
#5: Strong Local Reputation and Customer Reviews
When working with any type of contractor, reviews are your greatest friend. They give you a peek behind the curtain to see what real people think of a business’s performance, ethics, and conduct. Often, you can quickly pick out those “problem people” and solely focus on companies that provide consistent, reliable, and quality services.
We suggest reviewing your awning installers by checking out their online reviews, local referrals, and seeing if they have a visible presence in the community. Don’t simply trust what they put on their website; check out third-party reviews. Just be sure to keep the overall sense of the reviews in mind. There is always a chance for one bad apple to skew the score, so look through most of the reviews to see how they have performed over time.
For example, we at Patio Covers Unlimited NW have built a company that our community trusts. With thousands of Facebook followers and dozens of positive reviews on Google Reviews, we are proud of the service we provide to our customers! Our clients’ positive online response to our service demonstrates the quality business we have taken pride in building.
Bonus Tip – Permitting & HOA Knowledge
If you are living or working within an HOA community, having a retractable awning installer who understands local codes and is familiar with HOA processes is definitely a bonus. Not only will they understand how to verify your project with your HOA regulations, but they may be able to assist with paperwork or approvals if needed.
We suggest asking if your retractable awning installer has ever worked within an HOA community. If so, inquire further about the type of project they completed, what was required of them by the HOA, and how they proceeded. If possible, requesting a reference from the HOA member they worked with may be beneficial.
At Patio Covers Unlimited NW, we are well-versed in working with HOAs. Given the many HOAs in the Tri-Cities and surrounding areas, we have taken the time to train and guide our team on handling HOAS, from coding to communication, so that you can easily maneuver through the building funnel without worrying about getting fined.
Why Work with Patio Covers Unlimited NW for Your Retractable Awning Installation?
At Patio Covers Unlimited NW, we are proud of the business we have built in our communities. Starting in the Tri-Cities in 2008, we proudly serve homeowners and businesses in Washington and Oregon, with services now available in Bend, Oregon, and the surrounding areas. As we head out to work, our daily mission is to transform an ordinary outdoor space into a shaded, welcoming retreat.
If you are considering adding a retractable awning to enhance your backyard, patio, or deck space, we offer custom solutions to suit the unique attributes of your property. We have extensive experience installing retractable awnings specifically designed to meet the climate of the Pacific Northwest.
You can trust that our premium materials are built to last against the variable weather conditions Mother Nature throws our way. Plus, with our excellent customer service and long-term support, we are here to provide you with solutions long after the successful completion of your project.
Looking for a retractable awning installer you can trust? Contact Patio Covers Unlimited NW for a free consultation and expert guidance on your next outdoor upgrade. Plus, we offer more than just awnings! We are a shade solution business that has the pleasure of providing Solid Patio Covers, Pergolas, Exterior Screens, Screen Rooms, and Carports. Curious about which shade solution is right for your home? We are happy to guide you!
