Top 4 Mistakes to Avoid When Building a Pool Enclosure

Top 4 Mistakes to Avoid When Building a Pool Enclosure

You already know that building a pool enclosure can enhance your pool area and your outdoor living space. A well-designed swimming pool screen enclosure can make your pool area more comfortable, reduce maintenance demands and add value to your property. Unfortunately, there are also some pitfalls if you’re not careful. A shoddy, poorly designed enclosure will add nothing but headaches and hassles to your days. Therefore, how do you ensure that you’ll be delighted with your new pool enclosure? For starters, avoid these common mistakes.

Be Careful When Building a Pool Enclosure

Not Respecting Your Budget
When it comes to pool screen enclosure cost, sticking to your budget isn’t being miserly. It’s being responsible. An experienced pool enclosure contractor won’t flinch when faced with a budget. We understand that most homeowners don’t have an unlimited budget when building a pool enclosure. Therefore, we’ll work with you to find a solution that works for your space, your needs and your wallet.

Focusing Solely on the Project’s Price Tag
While the initial cost of your new pool screen enclosure is important, it should never be your top priority. Here are a few items that might cost a little more:

  • Working with an experienced contractor may cost a little more than working with an inexperienced contractor, but it is generally money well spent. You’ll end up with a better pool enclosure, better customer experience and more value overall.
  • Opting for a custom pool enclosure that is designed for your space allows you to make the best use of your space.
  • Working with a knowledgeable professional reduces your stress. It also builds confidence in your choices and their results.
  • Lastly, spending a little more upfront for quality materials and systems often leads to greater durability and lower operating costs.

All of these can add up to substantial savings over time when building a pool enclosure.

Not Considering the Environment
Florida may be famous for its humid warmth and sunny skies, but the weather here isn’t always friendly. Strong storms and high winds are frequent visitors, so anything that is built in the Sunshine State must be built to withstand nature’s fury. That means pool enclosures must have the right materials and making smart design choices that meet or exceed the relevant State, County and City building codes.

Not Working With an Experienced Pool Enclosure Company
Why is it so important to choose an experienced pool enclosure company? Working with an established, reputable company ensures that they understand a wide range of options for building a pool enclosure and how to achieve your vision for your backyard. In short, you’ll receive what you pay for. An experienced pool enclosure company will have an abundance of resources and familiarization of different types of projects. It is vital that you choose a pool enclosure company that is meticulous about fabrication and installation. Essentially, they bring their experience to your project.

Dulando Screen & Awning has been serving the Orlando area, New Smyrna Beach and surrounding coastal areas for more than half a century. We know screen pool enclosures inside and out. We delight in walking our customers through the process of designing and installing a custom pool screen enclosure. Are you ready to improve your pool area with a screen enclosure? Contact us today at 407-862-6060 to explore the possibilities and schedule a free in-home design consultation.

Patio or Pool Enclosure Screen Types

Patio or Pool Enclosure Screen Types

In the case of patio and screened pool enclosures, not all screen material is created equally. In fact, a wide variety of patio and pool enclosure screen types are available for just about anything you could want. Need to keep bugs out of the patio area? There’s a screen for that. Want something that resists pet scratches? You can find a screen for that too.

Like everything outdoors in Florida, most building materials will disintegrate over time in the harsh Florida elements.  Since screens are often on the outside of our homes, they take quite a beating from the sun, rain, wind and anything else that might land on it.

Phifer screen mesh does what other screen meshes fail to do: deliver quality results over the long term. Phifer products many patio and pool enclosure screen types for protecting against insects, reducing solar heat gain, resisting pet scratches and reducing wind-blown debris. You not only get a quality product with Phifer; you also get a screen that lasts for years.

Patio and Pool Enclosure Screen Types by Phifer Screens

Phifer Solar Insect ScreeningPhifer Solar Insect Screening

Solar insect screen has a higher mesh count to keep out the smallest bugs from your pool or patio area. This higher mesh count results in more openings per one linear inch, resulting in smaller holes that prevent gnats and other bugs from entering your outdoor space. Solar insect screens also protect against the wind and keep debris from blowing into your Florida room or other outdoor areas.

Phifer Pet Screen

Phifer Pet Screen does two things in one. It not only keeps out unwanted insects but also resists your pet’s scratching and clawing. This screen is seven times stronger than traditional screen mesh and works for a variety of applications, including:

  • Sliding patio doors
  • Patio and pool screen enclosures
  • Areas where children play ball

Phifer SunTex screenPhifer SunTex Screen

Phifer SunTex mesh screen is a heavy-duty, pet-resistant screen that also has Microban antimicrobial protection. This mesh blocks up to 90 percent of the sun’s heat, saving you money on your energy bills and keeping your indoor or outdoor space cooler and more comfortable. Use Phifer SunTex mesh on your patio, motorized shades or outdoor canopy.

Phifer Solar Insect Screen

Phifer Super Solar Screening

This superior mesh screen consists of vinyl-coated fiberglass fabric that helps block the sun’s rays in patios, Florida rooms, pool areas and more. Like SunTex mesh, Phifer Solar  Screens block up to 90 percent of the sun’s heat and protects carpets, upholstery and draperies from sun damage.

phifer-sunscreen-logoPhifer SunScreen

Known as the original woven solar screen, Phifer SunScreen protects against the sun’s heat without preventing gentle breezes from entering your space. This screen blocks up to 70 percent of the sun’s heat and glare and comes in charcoal, gray and bronze colors to match your home or exterior structure.

As you can tell there are many types of pool enclosure screen types.  Regardless of which screen you mean, we are confident Phifer is the premier screen manufacturer for the job.  Give Dulando Screen and Awning a call at 407-862-6060 to schedule a no-obligation consultation and receive a free estimate.

Patio or Pool Enclosure Screen Types

Benefits of Adding a Pool Screen Enclosure

A cool dip in the pool makes living in Florida an enjoyable experience and keeps you from going crazy in the heat of the day. However, you can enhance your time in the pool even more with a pool screen enclosure. Yes, you heard us right. A screened pool enclosure really does add value to your daily swim. If you don’t quite understand yet, just check out some of these benefits and learn how a swimming pool enclosure can make you fall in love with your pool all over again.

A screen enclosure cleans your pool for you.

Okay, maybe it doesn’t actually vacuum your pool or adds chemicals, but a screened pool enclosure does keep all the leaves, loose papers and other debris from blowing into your pool. A pool enclosure keeps out errant baseballs from neighborhood kids, and it keeps dirt and dust at bay from coastal high winds.

pool-enclosurePool enclosures shield you from pest invaders.

An enclosure acts as an impenetrable barrier between you and all the nasty mosquitoes swarming throughout your yard. Since our beach communities are so much closer to the river and the ocean, mosquito season can last almost as long as the 8 months of summer. With a screen enclosure, you don’t have to set up foul-smelling repellent candles or spray any chemicals on your skin or in the air. A swimming pool enclosure also keeps out other bugs that get stuck in your pool which only adds to your cleaning chores.

A pool screen enclosure beautifies your swimming pool.

Perhaps you’ve thought about enhancing your pool but didn’t know where to start. A swimming pool enclosure surrounds the space, creating an intimate outdoor area for you and your guests to socialize and enjoy the outdoors. Aluminum screen enclosures come in many different shapes and sizes to choose from, so you can add a unique enhancement to your pool and make it stand out from other pools in your neighborhood.

Screen enclosures make your pool a safer place.

Living in Florida, we hear about accidental pool deaths every year. It breaks our heart knowing a child has lost his or her life because of this tragedy. It’s almost impossible to supervise children 100% of the time. A screen pool enclosure prevents wandering children from using your pool without your permission, and it also keeps out pets and any neighborhood animals. A screen enclosure adds security and eliminates unnecessary worry.

From keeping your pool clean to preventing unfortunate accidents, pool screen enclosures make your pool a safer, more inviting place. A screen enclosure encompasses the pool area and extends your interior space to the outdoors, and it provides a place for socializing in the Florida sun without the worry of unwanted bug bites.

Added Bonus: Did you know many of the screen products we use offer built-in sun protection as well as privacy features? Our privacy screens allow you to see out while providing privacy inside the screened pool enclosure.

Additional Reading:

There are so many reasons to add a swimming pool enclosure. The benefits and value-added to your home and enjoyment of your new outdoor space will definitely outweigh the cost.

Get started today by calling 407-862-6060 or fill out our Request for Quote. One of our in-home design consultants will visit your home and develop a detailed estimate of your new backyard oasis.

Building a Screen Enclosure – Understanding the Basics

Building a Screen Enclosure – Understanding the Basics

Building a screen enclosure also adds resale value to your home and acts almost like an extension of your patio while providing a separate room in which to enjoy and gather with friends and family. There are many types of pool screen enclosures to choose from. You can choose from traditional screened enclosures, vinyl or acrylic enclosure depending on the exact look and functionality you want.

Understanding the Basics of Building a Screen Enclosure

When it comes to building a screen enclosure, you have to factor in the following:

  • the costs
  • the screen type
  • the materials
  • the contractor

Of course, the cost is affected by all the other factors. Everything from the material used to the contractor hired affects the overall outcome and the final result. A smart option is to evaluate your space, decide on the type of enclosure and then finalize the process with your contractor. Of course, not all contractors have the experience that Dulando Screen & Awning has. Since we’ve been in business for over 50 years, you could say, we’ve “been there, done that.”

Evaluate Your Space

Is the pool located just off the patio, or is it farther out in the yard? Depending on its location, you can extend the enclosure off your home or have it as a standalone unit out in the yard. If you have a limited walking or gathering area, consider increasing the space around your pool before installing the enclosure, as you will have to pay to expand the enclosure later. Dulando can also help with your pool patio deck.

Choosing Your Screen

You want a pool or patio screen that not only endures the elements but also keeps out the smallest insects. Pool screens come in many different types and do everything from reducing solar heat gain to resisting mold and mildew. We use Phifer screen, which has a high mesh count for preventing insect invasions and reducing wind-blown debris. You can also choose pet screens that resist pet scratches, keeping your pets inside and unwanted animals outside.  Have you heard about the no see um screen?  Yep, we have that too.

Factor Your Overall Cost of a Screen Enclosure

So many things determine the total outdoor screen enclosure cost. From the type of material used to the size of the enclosure, the price can change with just a few modifications and style choices. On average, building a screen enclosure costs between $6,000 and $8,000, but it also varies depending on the design of your enclosure and any additional features you want.

What a Pool Screen Enclosure Can Do for You

Building a screen enclosure does more than keep the bugs out; it improves your property’s design. It adds to your home’s resale value. When you choose quality materials you get a structure that lasts for years and prevents bacteria growth and the damage caused by Florida’s heat and rain. The pool screen enclosure deters neighborhood children from wandering onto your property and using your pool without supervision or permission. It also prevents wildlife from damaging your pool area.

Choosing the Right Pool Screen Enclosure Contractor

Since it’s always a good time to build a pool screen enclosure in Florida, contractors will always be running specials and trying to entice you to sign on the dotted line.

Please beware of Quality Pool Enclosures at the Lowest Price! Not all pool screen enclosure contractors are created equal. Read our checklist and make sure you are working with a reputable contractor.

Of course, we welcome the opportunity to earn your business. We are happy to share our 50 years of references with you BEFORE you sign on the dotted line. Our design experts can help you maximize your pool screen enclosure to best compliment your home’s design and your budget.

Whether you want to turn down the summer heat or cut down on your pool maintenance costs, building a screen enclosure can make life easier for you and your wallet. Look to Dulando as your screen enclosure contractor who understands the need for having a well-built, well-designed enclosure for your pool. Give us a call today at 407-862-6060 to schedule a free no-obligation consultation.

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Buyer Beware – Quality Pool Enclosures at the Lowest Price!

Buyer Beware – Quality Pool Enclosures at the Lowest Price!

Sometimes, having a choice complicates things more than it should. For example, if you want a burger, you can choose from more than 100 places around town to satisfy your appetite. When selecting a contractor for quality pool enclosures, it’s not always apparent who you should choose for the job. As the desire for having a pool screen enclosure rises, more dishonest contractors have hit the market to take advantage of uninformed residents.

Therefore, we’ve put together this list of BUYER BEWARE signs. Because we believe that if you know what to look for when choosing a pool enclosure contractor, you can save you time, money and a headache in the future.

Choosing a Contractor for Quality Pool Enclosures

Beware of proper licensing and insurance.

We continue to see articles in the local paper about how unlicensed contractors boondoggle homeowners when advertising for quality pool enclosures. Please, please, please, make sure to verify the company on the DPPR website. Dulando Screen & Awning, Inc. is a second-generation company. We have enjoyed over 50 years in the central Florida area. Feel free to look us up.

Beware the Pressure to Sign

Look out for untrustworthy screen pool enclosure contractors who rush you into signing a contract. Even if they don’t pressure you with a contract at first, they may start offering questionable discounts, such as giving you a reduced price if you let them use your finished aluminum pool enclosure as a model for future buyers. A good contractor wants you to decide when and if you want the enclosure built with no strings attached. Work with an experienced pool enclosure contractor.  Make sure they have built enough pool enclosures to deliver a quality job.

Beware the Pool Enclosures Price Tag

Watch out for pool enclosure contractors who base their “low” price on what the competitors offer. Yes, contractors who build quality pool enclosures compete just like any other business, but some non-reputable pool enclosure contractors lure you with speeches about money rather than the quality of their work. An honest pool enclosure contractor offers a competitive price and produces high-quality results. Make sure to review their gallery of work.  Look through their gallery of work, talk to their customers.  A quality pool enclosure contractor will have many customers you can review.

Beware the Quality of Materials Used

Understand the materials that the contractor uses to build your pool enclosure. Ask questions about screen durability, visibility and whether it’s pet resistant. What is the warranty available on the screen they are using?  Will the enclosure reduce heating and cooling costs? A reputable contractor provides all this information in the beginning.

Additionally, Dulando only uses Phifer screen. Phifer is leading in the screen industry and we are honored to be a preferred contractor for their line of screens.  Here are just a few.

Beware the Lack of References and Portfolios

When looking for a contractor who offers quality pool enclosures, be careful about choosing the first one you talk to. Ask to see examples of recent work or references of previous customers. You may end up choosing a contractor who has experience building decks but not enclosures. Always ask to see a portfolio, and then determine whether the contractor has the experience to build what you want.

Check out our screen enclosure gallery.

Beware the Missing Details in your Contract

Make sure the screen enclosure contractor can provide you with a detailed contract that covers everything from the exact pool screen enclosure cost to the warranty. You should also have information such as the items for installation, a set of plans and an outline for everything you and the contractor agree on. Lastly, the contractor should have insurance and a license to ensure credibility, knowledge and experience.

Additional Download: Builder Checklis

As you can see, making sure you choose the right pool enclosure contractor depends on a variety of factors. Make sure you know if the contractor is licensed and bonded as well as reading your contract and understanding what is written. Don’t forget to check out examples of their work and maybe a few testimonials of happy customers. Go into the process with a buyer-beware mentality to ensure everything goes smoothly and lives up to your expectations.

If you would like to meet with one of our design consultants for a no-obligation quote, please call us at 407-862-6060 or fill out the form on the right side of our website.