A pool enclosure is a major investment that has to survive Florida storms for a decade or more. Unfortunately, the screen industry is full of low-overhead operators who cut corners you will not notice until the first big wind. Before you sign a contract, ask these ten questions — the answers tell you everything.
1. Are you licensed and insured? Can I see the numbers?
In Florida, aluminum and screen structural work should be done by a licensed contractor. Ask for the license number and proof of liability insurance and workers’ comp. If a crew is hurt on your property and the contractor is uninsured, you could be liable. A legitimate company shares this without hesitation.
2. Do you handle engineering and permits?
New enclosures and structural repairs require engineered drawings and a county permit in Volusia County. A pro handles the entire process — drawings, submission, inspections, and final sign-off. If a contractor offers to skip the permit "to save you money," walk away. Unpermitted work causes problems at resale and insurance claim time.
3. Who actually does the work — employees or subs?
Many companies sell the job and then hand it to anonymous day-labor subcontractors with no accountability. Ask whether the crew on your property are trained, background-checked employees. It is the difference between a team that stands behind the work and one that disappears after the check clears.
4. What screen mesh and hardware do you use?
Ask specifically: what mesh brand and weave, and are the fasteners stainless or coated? Coastal homes need stainless hardware to survive salt air. Vague answers here are a red flag.
5. What does your warranty cover, and is it in writing?
A handshake is not a warranty. Get the coverage in writing, and make sure it covers both workmanship and materials. Ask how long the company has been in business — a 10-year warranty from a company that may not exist in two years is worth little.
6. Can I see local projects and reviews?
Ask for recent local projects and check their Google reviews. Real, verifiable reviews from real customers in your area matter far more than a perfect-looking star rating with no substance behind it.
7. Is the quote detailed and line-itemed?
A professional quote breaks down the structure, screen, hardware, engineering, and permitting. Beware vague "starting at" pricing or a single lump sum with no detail — that is where surprise charges hide.
8. What is the realistic timeline?
For new builds, ask about engineering and permitting time, not just installation. An honest contractor gives you a realistic schedule rather than promising the impossible to win the job.
9. How do you handle cleanup and inspections?
Aluminum and screen work creates a lot of small debris — screws, spline, and cuttings that are dangerous around a pool and bare feet. Ask how they protect your landscaping and clean up daily, and confirm they handle the final county inspection.
10. What happens if there is a problem after the job?
Ask how warranty service and callbacks work. A local company with a real service team and a reputation to protect will make it right. A here-today-gone-tomorrow operator will not answer the phone.
The bottom line
The cheapest quote almost never wins on value. Look for licensing, in-house crews, real engineering, a written warranty, and verifiable local reviews. Those five things predict whether your enclosure is still standing — and looking new — ten years from now.
