What You Can Expect with a Sunroom Installation

What You Can Expect with a Sunroom Installation

Installing a sunroom can bring beauty, increased space and property values. What does it take to make it happen? With more than 50 years of experience in constructing custom sunrooms, Dulando Screen & Awning knows exactly what’s required to produce excellent results. This article will address what is involved when planning a sunroom installation.

Choosing the Right Sunroom Contractor

Experience

Sunrooms are a structural change to your home, so bringing in a professional is essential. You’ll get the best results if you work with an experienced sunroom contractor instead of a general contractor. These specialized pros know their products, procedures, and all the relevant regulations. That’s why Dulando is ready to create a custom sunroom with minimal fuss and maximum wow.

References

Don’t hesitate to ask for references when selecting a sunroom builder. A reputable sunroom contractor won’t be offended. They’ll be happy to provide references and answer questions. When you decide to work with them, you can also expect a clear contract and excellent customer service.

Deciding Sunroom Building Materials

Sunroom designs and materials vary, so weigh your options carefully. After all, choosing the right mix ensures you get a sunroom that meets your needs, appeals to your style, and fits your budget.

  • Sunroom Framing Materials – Wood, vinyl, and aluminum are common framing materials in Florida.
  • Windows – Windows may be sealed or operable, and there are many kinds to choose from. The most popular sunroom windows in Florida are acrylic, glass & vinyl.
  • Sunroom Roofing – Roofs also come in a variety of styles and materials. At Dulando, we recommend Structall Building System’s Snap-N-Lock Insulated Panels. These clever panels surround an energy-efficient foam core with a skin of rolled aluminum and quickly snap together to create a waterproof seal. They can be used for almost any roof and easily fit wiring and other desired features. They’re durable, weatherproof, and come with attractive, easy-to-maintain finishes. They can also be topped with shingles or siding.
  • Additional Features – Adding desirable features when you add a sunroom is easy. Installing electricity, climate control, skylights, and more in a sunroom is certainly possible.

Get Estimates

The cost of adding a sunroom can vary. It depends on numerous factors, including your location, the size of your sunroom, and the materials you want to use. The condition of your home and how you want to connect the sunroom to your home will also have an impact. Be careful. Not all sunroom building materials are created equal. Sometimes, the cheapest price is not the best quality when building a sunroom.

Dulando offers free in-home design consultations. That makes exploring your options easy, working with a professional designer to create the custom sunroom that’s right for you, and getting clear estimates.

Understanding what you’ll need to think about on the path to sunroom installation can help you achieve the results you want. At Dulando, we take pride in delivering top-quality custom sunrooms that delight our clients. We combine superior service, quality materials, and excellent craftsmanship. To learn more about our services or arrange a free in-home design consultation, contact Dulando today.

Reasons to Convert a Screened Porch to a Sunroom

Reasons to Convert a Screened Porch to a Sunroom

How do you gain more indoor living space without expanding the footprint of your home? The solution is elementary. Convert a screened porch to a sunroom. While porches and patios provide pleasing places to linger and enjoy the natural beauty of the Sunshine State, a sunroom conversion can transform the space into a place that makes the best of both worlds. There are several excellent reasons to explore a porch or patio-to-sunroom conversion.

Patio to Sunroom Conversions Will

Boost Durability

Enclosing a patio can provide protected spaces to enjoy the outdoors, but their protection can be somewhat fragile. When you turn a screened-in porch into a sunroom, you’ll enjoy a stronger defense from the elements with less worry. After all, screens can be vulnerable to rips and snags. The quality windows recommended for modern sunroom walls are much more durable.

Improve Temperature Control

A patio is a perfect place to enjoy a pleasant day. It can also offer shade when temperatures start to rise. However, sunrooms give you even more control. Their windows allow you to enjoy a clear view of the natural world around you and maintain a comfortable temperature within the glass walls of your sunroom.

Sunroom Windows Reduce Noise

So many homes are built so close together it’s hard to get some privacy. Whether you want to keep annoying neighborhood noises out or keep your conversations private, sunroom windows will help. Many sunroom windows are double pane, while other than the windows and screen that allow fresh air. Either way, windows fulfill your wishes.

Reduce Pollen

Florida may be called the sunshine state, but we are invaded by pollen for those few weeks in the spring. Yes, Florida has a pollen season. LOL, Screen enclosures do keep unwanted elements out of your patio area, but they are no match for pollen. Pollen still gets in every part of our outdoor spaces. However, when you convert your screened room to a sunroom, you block out the pollen and can continue enjoying your patio without wiping everything down.

Eliminate Environmental Irritants

Screened patios allow us to enjoy our backyard view while keeping out pests, and other environmental irritants. But how do lizards get inside our screen rooms? It’s a mystery.  Even high-quality screens allow some of these persistent annoyances to infiltrate your screened porch. When you convert a patio to a sunroom, the glass windows create an effective barrier against environmental irritants. Pests and other problems will stay outside. Your new sunroom and its contents will be protected.

Expand Your Living Space

A sunroom has incredible potential since it will also be climatized. Unlike a screened porch, the sunroom will be cooler and more enjoyable 365 days a year.  Your use of the space is limited by your imagination. You can create a relaxation space, a den, an exercise room, an office, a dining area, a playroom for the kids, or all the above. Don’t forget to host a dinner party as the sun is setting. The possibilities are endless.

Increase Your Home Value

Real estate agents are always touting the importance of curb appeal, and there’s no doubt that a striking sunroom is an attractive feature that’s likely to charm prospective buyers and find favor with home appraisers. Plus, sunrooms are a room addition, adding square footage to your home’s interior, providing greater value.

Are you Ready to Convert a Screened Porch to a Sunroom?

Sunrooms deliver the perfect balance of indoor comfort and outdoor views. If you want to convert a screened porch to a sunroom, count on Dulando Screen & Awning. We’re committed to great service and quality craftsmanship, and it shows. Contact Dulando today to discover more and request your free in-home design consultation.

Glass Patio Enclosures are Ideal in Florida. Here’s Why

Glass Patio Enclosures are Ideal in Florida. Here’s Why

Glass patio enclosures, also known as sunrooms, are a perfect fit for the Sunshine State. Our office receives many calls with questions about these Florida rooms, so we thought we’d share some of the high points here.

In this article:

  • We will determine exactly what these structures are.
  • Explore their many benefits.
  • Learn a few tips that will come in handy when you’re ready to build yours

The goal is to help you understand the appeal and enduring popularity of the sunroom glass-enclosed patio.

Why Build Glass Patio Enclosures

Defining Glass Patio Enclosures

You’ll hear it called a Florida sunroom, Florida room, sunroom, glass-enclosed patio, or glass porch enclosure. Whichever name it’s using, the concept is simple. A sunroom is a room under your home’s roofline or a new solid roof connected to your home.  It has a frame of wood or metal and a solid floor. The result is a room addition that is fully climatized. The most popular element of a sunroom is the large windows that traditionally make up most of the structure’s walls. Consequently, the name – Glass Patio Enclosure.

Celebrating the Benefits of Sunrooms

There are so many fantastic reasons to add a sunroom to your Florida home:

  • Sunrooms let you enjoy the natural beauty outside your door without leaving the comfort of your home.
  • Florida rooms are an affordable way to add extra living space.
  • Sunrooms boost your property value.
  • A dedicated place to relax and unwind.

Tips for Building the Ideal Glass Patio Enclosure

When building a glass patio enclosure, consider the following:

  • Contractors: The right sunroom contractor can help you design and build a top-quality custom sunroom that fits your space and needs perfectly.
  • Budget: Constructing a sunroom is an affordable way to increase property value. A skilled contractor will explain how the cost of a sunroom breaks down and show you how to optimize your investment. Here’s a terrific place to start: Creating a budget when you’re ready to add a sunroom
  • Size: The size of your addition will have a significant impact on how you can use it, its cost, and potential placements, so think carefully about how you want to use the room and how much space you’ll need.
  • Location: If you’re enclosing an existing structure, this decision may already be made. If not, you’ll want to weigh things like traffic patterns inside and outside your home, property lines, utility connection, and the location of outbuildings and exterior features like pools or gardens.
  • Materials: The materials that you choose can have a significant impact on how your new enclosure performs.
    • Wood is gorgeous, but you’ll need to be ready to spend plenty of time sanding, sealing, staining, or painting if you want to keep it in decent condition.
    • Florida sunrooms are best built using aluminum. Aluminum is a low-maintenance option that offers a variety of styles and colors.
    • Sunroom Windows come in a diverse assortment of types, so you’ll have many choices.

These are the most important decisions to make. Whether you are focused on the price tag, privacy, or appearance, an experienced contractor can guide you through the possibilities.

It doesn’t matter whether you call them glass patio enclosures or sunrooms. What matters is ensuring that you ultimately get the quality custom enclosure that’s precisely what you want. With more than 50 years of experience designing and building all kinds of patio enclosures for Florida families and businesses, Dulando Screen & Awning knows how to deliver the perfect result. Contact us today.

Creating a Budget When You’re Ready To Add A Sunroom

Creating a Budget When You’re Ready To Add A Sunroom

When you add a sunroom to your home, it’s easy to get lost in the possibilities. It’s also easy to go over budget. Like any home improvement, it comes with a price tag. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to take control when you’re building a sunroom on a budget. Here are a few items to consider as you start this process.

Prefabricated Versus Custom-built Sunrooms
If you’re eager to save money, a prefab sunroom kit can be a bargain. Think again. These sunrooms are limited and lacking quality. You’ll also be surprised by how much additional investment they require. After all, you’ll still need tools, materials, time, permits, and more to complete the job. A custom-built sunroom designed and installed by a reputable sunroom contractor may cost more upfront, but it ultimately delivers a better return on your investment. When you hire a sunroom contractor, you’re also getting a custom sunroom that fits your space and adds to your home’s value. As a bonus, you’ll get advice from an expert who can offer tips on how to save without sacrificing quality.

Sunroom Materials
Material selection is one of the most obvious ways to influence the price of a project. Choose pricier building materials, and your budget goes up. Opt for something cheaper, and you’ll enjoy savings. However, smart consumers look beyond the impact on their wallets. They also consider the long-term effects of their choices. When it comes to adding a sunroom, there are a few popular material options:

  • Wood: Always a popular construction material, wood is naturally beautiful, but it’s expensive and demanding. In Florida, a building constructed of wood requires a lot of maintenance to keep it protected and looking amazing.
  • Vinyl: Vinyl is inexpensive and needs minimal upkeep, but it lacks the strength to stand alone. Vinyl supports will have an inner core of aluminum or some other metal.
  • Aluminum: A great pick for Florida’s humid climate, aluminum won’t rust. It also won’t rot or attract pests like wood. It’s stronger than vinyl and low maintenance, so you can relax instead of doing chores.

Sunroom Climate Control
Effective climate control will be vital if you don’t want the sunroom to be too hot or too cold. There are several ways to accomplish this:

  • Use aluminum insulated panels for the roof of your new sunroom. This will help keep the sun’s heat out and your climate-controlled air in.
  • Connect the room to your home’s heating and cooling systems.
  • Install ceiling fans in your new sunroom. Inform the patio contractor where you want the fan beam for support and to conceal wiring effectively. The fan beam is custom-ordered in the roof panels.
  • Double-glazed windows are hurricane-strength, keep outside noise out, and are energy efficient.
  • Choose windows that can be opened. This allows for airflow in our cooler months.

At Dulando Screen & Awning, we take pride in delivering custom sunrooms that stand the test of time. We understand that the cost of a sunroom is a factor, and we prioritize value, quality, and service. Contact us today to schedule a free in-home design consultation if you’re ready to add a sunroom.

Disadvantages of a DIY or Prefab Sunroom Kit in Florida

Disadvantages of a DIY or Prefab Sunroom Kit in Florida

You’ve made the decision to build a sunroom. The next step is to call a few sunroom contractors. Then, you spot a prefab sunroom kit either online or at the home improvement store. Now, you’re contemplating whether a do-it-yourself approach would work. It might. Or it might not.

We can tell you after 50 years in business that we do receive distress calls from homeowners who decided to buy a DIY sunroom kit and didn’t quite make it. Here is our experience with some homeowners who bought a prefab sunroom kit instead of originally calling a sunroom contractor.

Why a Prefab Sunroom Kit is a Bad Idea

Do Prefab Sunroom Kits Save You Money?

On the surface, price should be where a prefabricated sunroom wins out. After all, the initial price tag tends to be lower. However, there are a few other factors to consider. What about your time, labor, and the cost of any other tools you might need to do the job? Are you prepared to handle permitting? What if the prefab sunroom kit diminishes your home value? Was it really worth the discounted price tag?

Are DIY Sunrooms Easy to Install?

There’s a certain satisfaction to completing a DIY project, but you must be sure that the project is a match for your skills and resources. Sunrooms seem like simple structures. The skill is to build a sunroom that meshes seamlessly with your home and delivers the features that you want. However, the prefab sunroom kits are not of the highest quality. These cheaper materials can become damaged during the installation process. Having a professional sunroom contractor design and install a custom sunroom is certainly easier on your time and your stress level.

How Durable are Prefab Sunrooms?

Florida is as famous for its ferocious storms as it is for its sunny skies. The building codes and regulations here reflect that. A reputable contractor will ensure that your new custom sunroom is up to the latest Florida building codes. These building codes are what protect you, your home, and its value. You won’t get that same guarantee from a kit. In fact, the materials used in these kits tend to be far less sturdy than those used in a custom build.

Limited Choices with DIY Sunroom Kits

With a modular sunroom kit, you’re limited to what’s in the box. You might have a few basic options for sizes and colors, but that’s about it. Custom sunrooms offer so many more choices. An experienced contractor can create a unique design and guide you through roof options and window options. They can help you think about how it connects to your home and how to incorporate the features that will make the space truly something special and useful.

Prefab Sunroom Kits Can Be More Costly

At Dulando Screen & Awning Inc., we’d strongly encourage you to stick with your original plan. We’ve been designing and installing custom screen enclosures and other quality products in Florida for more than 50 years. During that time, we’ve had more than one client call us to rescue them from a prefab kit sunroom disappointment.

Why waste your time with the pretty promises from a prefab sunroom kit? A custom sunroom delivers real value that’s a perfect match for your home, your lifestyle, and your budget. Contact us today to schedule a free in-home design consultation with one of Dulando Screen & Awning’s expert design consultants.

Your Guide to the Sunroom Construction Process

Your Guide to the Sunroom Construction Process

When homeowners want to build a sunroom, they typically look at many finished product images. After all, isn’t that how you envision your new room? However, many homeowners are less sure about what to expect from the sunroom construction process. At Dulando Screen & Awning, we understand that knowing the steps in building a sunroom is just as important as the finished product. Knowing the plan builds confidence in the process while preparing the homeowner. Here’s what you can expect with the sunroom construction process.

Steps to the Sunroom Construction Process

Personalized Design Consultation

Even though you already have a vision of your completed sunroom, you’ll need dimensions and materials. Dulando offers free in-home design consultations. Tell our professional designer precisely what you’re looking for to get the most from the visit. Don’t be shy. Once we understand your vision, we can help you create a plan to build your sunroom. We don’t offer cookie-cutter solutions. Instead, we listen carefully and work to create a custom sunroom that’s the perfect fit for your needs, your space, and your budget. After talking with you, we’ll take careful measurements. Then, we’ll create a design that’s tailored to your specific situation.

Secure Building Permits

Is the thought of obtaining permits intimidating? When Dulando is adding a sunroom for you, there’s no need to worry. We handle all permitting. If necessary, we can also assist you with gaining the approval of your homeowners’ association. We must tell you that permitting does take quite a bit of time. It’s entirely outside our control. However, because we understand the process, all documents are submitted promptly.

Quality Building Materials

It’s impossible for a sunroom contractor to build a superior product with inferior materials. At Dulando, we make it a point to use only high-quality materials from trusted manufacturers like Phifer and Structall. We combine these building blocks with top-notch craftsmanship. Our skilled fabricators meticulously build the pieces needed for your sunroom in our warehouse and complete the build at your home. All construction complies with the latest Florida Building Codes and city or county ordinances.

The Installation Process

When installing your sunroom nears, you’ll get a call to confirm the dates. Remember that inclement weather can cause the schedule to shift. This may take a few appointments to include flooring, walls, roof, and interior modifications. Our installers are trained professionals and will make every effort to treat your property with respect. We want to make sure to do the job right the first time.

Keeping it Local

Why is choosing a local sunroom contractor smart? Working with a local contractor means having a professional at the helm who knows the relevant building codes and regulations. That’s especially important in the Sunshine State. After all, we don’t just deal with sunny skies. Mother Nature also treats us to plenty of high winds and heavy rains. Florida’s building codes consider our inclement weather. Dulando is used to designing and building sunrooms that can stand up to Florida’s tumultuous weather.

Adding a sunroom is a fantastic way to enhance your living space. Having high expectations for your new space is natural. At Dulando, we welcome the chance to exceed those expectations. If you’re already envisioning your completed sunroom, give us a call to make your dream a reality. If you have questions about sunroom construction or are seeking a contractor to help you create your perfect sunroom, reach out to us today.