How long is it going to take?
This is the big question right now as everyone would like to have life restored as quickly as possible… and to put it frankly, we (and no one else) knows for sure.
Let’s explain what we do know. Since Irma, most building departments have been inundated with permits. Right now their focus is on electrical / plumbing / roofing (necessity based) permits, and inspecting the emergency repairs that were done right after the storm. This number is certainly much higher than their capacity and most departments have stopped reviewing screen enclosure permits, and inspecting them altogether. This means that (unfortunately) some of our projects completed right before the storm, but not yet inspected will have to wait a while for inspection. Some places estimate that it could be summer 2018 until they even get around to screen enclosures again (you read that right).
At the same the number of estimate requests we receive per day, is 40 times what it was before the storm (all of our competitors are experiencing the same). So you have to figure the work load on engineers, and building departments is going to be about 40x what it was before the storm – and both the engineers and building departments were near capacity before the storm.
Right now we estimate it will be 1 year until actual re-building happens for screen enclosures…. It could be longer, or it could be shorter.
With that in mind, it’s important to understand how we handle our permits to get them through as quickly as possible and not over look things.
I suggest reading these 2 blog posts:
- Why It Takes So Long To Get A Permit (And What We Do About It)
- How We Get Your Permit Faster Than Anyone
Of course you might find some operations promising a shorter timeline. It’s a common tactic for many operations to promise a shorter timeline, and then ultimately delay and delay while holding your deposit hostage.
Here’s what to do if you find someone promising a shorter timeline:
Tell them to put it in writing with specific penalties for delay.
Chances are 99.9% they will quickly change their position. The exceptions would be if they inflated their price so much that their penalties will just whittle down to the price they ultimately would accept, or they’re planning to do something shady.
Now since timelines are nearly out the window, what can you do? Hire a company that is organized and reputable.
What Type Of Enclosure Did You Quote Me?
All our quotes are for replacing the structure with the exact same footprint (we are not extending decks). The spec will be built to our GCA Standard Enclosure described here. In short that means maximum view engineering, 10yr warranty polyester screen mesh, 10yr warranty Nylotech fasteners, and powder-coated members.
How’d The GCA Standard’s Hold Up In The Hurricane?
Pretty well – none yet reported down. We’re trying to check on them all one by one, but that could take some time. At the moment we know that 2 of our larger enclosures, both engineered for mega view, that took the brunt of Hurricane Irma on Marco Island stood strong, with no structural damage.
What’s The Payment Schedule?
Screen enclosure replacements will be broken into 2 phases; permitting/engineering and then replacement. Permitting / engineering will paid with the initial deposit ($2,000 – $3,000). Once the permit is issued it will be time to make a deposit on the replacement itself. That will be 50% of the remaining project total. At that point we’ll move it into the queue for work to begin. The remaining 50% of replacement cost will be due upon completion.
*These terms may change but are valid at the time you read it.
How Do I Pay?
Cash or check are always accepted. We will also be accepting credit cards for replacements (this is subject to change, please check with use before making deposit). We don’t offer any ‘in-house’ financing. We’ve looked at those options and found their offers are rife with high interest rates, poor terms and fine print. It’s best if you secure your own financing and we just give you the bottom line price. Here are 2 independent lenders that other customers have used and commended for good terms, easy application and good terms:
Are You Licensed, Insured, and Reputable?
Yes and Yes. We are fully transparent. You can find our license on the state website here, and actual insurance certificate here. Regarding our reputation, don’t take our word for it… here you can see exactly what our customers have to say.
Why does Google say you’re permanently closed?
Good question. We’re alive and well… far from permanently closed. We did have to mark ourselves as ‘permanently closed’ on Google to slow down the number of estimate requests we were receiving, from 1000+ per day, to a much more manageable number.
