When it comes to a screen enclosure extension, there is no ‘black and white’. Each extension is unique to the circumstances. Seeing as we are not working with a ‘clean slate’, they are far more complex than just building a new screen enclosure. Besides the intended size and shape of the proposed extension, we need to consider the condition and capacity of the original structure we are adjoining to, and your desired outcome (posts and cross beams where they connect). This includes the conditions of fasteners, hurricane cables, size/shape/span of existing members, wind code in effect when the structure was built. Not only does the new section need to be code compliant, but the entire structure must be code compliant and brought up to current wind capacity for the increased size (there are some exceptions, but generally they are not the most aesthetically appealing options).
For those reasons, the process of getting an extension requires a bit more pre-planning and should be managed accordingly for an optimal outcome. This generally starts with engineering, to determine what options are feasible. Typically an engineer will work with you figure out what can be done with your current structure, to get you the design for an enlarged structure that meets your requirements. They will also assess the current condition of the adjoining structures, and specify what needs to be done to accommodate/host the enlarged design. If the proposed structure is getting close to an easement (setback from a property line) a siteplan should be completed, or an existing survey reviewed to determine what size and shape the extension must be to fit within the zoning ordinances.
Estimate Options
Our free estimates apply to screen enclosure extensions when the engineering of the proposed extension has already been completed (by a state licensed). In this case, simply email the scope of work documentation and plans to us and we will bid your project.
Don’t feel left out, many homeowners come to us with out engineering, not realizing the full scope of what goes into bidding these types of projects. For you we have two options, we can either do an onsite consultation and quote for $85 (most projects), or we can do the formal engineering and bid for $500.
On Site Consultation & Quote
For the $85 on site consultation & quote, we informally assume part of the role of an engineer on your project. We come out and go over your ideas with you and use our experience to determine what can be done to extend the enclosure, and what will need to be done for the original structure, and then we work up our bid accordingly (no plans are drafted). If a survey of the property is available we will also review that to see what can fit on the lot or advise if a certified siteplan is required for further assessment (usually project on non square lots, or projects getting close to the edge).
Of course, when you pay for the consultation, we don’t just send out a commission hungry salesman. All of our representatives that do these on site consultations, have in field and hands-on experience. Considering the nature of these projects as discussed above, we simply won’t allow any of our staff without an experienced eye, earned through the trenches, to do these estimates. We also don’t have any commission based salespeople, as we feel that ‘salesmanship’ is a detractor from what should really sell a project; service, experience, and reputation. This ensures that you are getting experienced based advice, and not a high pressure sales pitch.
Engineering & Bid
For the $500 formal engineering and bid, you’ll get everything that the $85 gets you, AND a set of fully engineered plans for the proposed extension. These plans can then be used to obtain other bids (although we hope we’ll earn your business). That said, having your project engineered upfront has some valuable benefits. Commercial clients such as real estate investors and general contractors know this and always have the engineering done before getting an estimate.
Apples To Apples Bid.Sometimes you might find that one contractor bids one thing, another bids something else. Nothing is left to interpretation, once engineered, everything is bid to the exact spec of the plan.
Precise Scope Of Work: Nothing is left out, overlooked or left to interpretation.
Avoid Surprises later: Having the engineer plans eliminates the surprises of “that actually is not possible…” or “that actually isn’t code compliant…” or “we need a change order because we estimated for the wrong size of member…”
Ready to get started on screen enclosure extension project?
Let us know, by phone or email, which option you would like to take.
Hold On…
Before I schedule one of the options above, how much will a screen enclosure extension cost?
We can’t give a reliable price for your extension project, without engineering, or on site consultation. What we can tell you is that the minimum for the smallest size, extension with foundation is $9,000. This may be higher based on factors specific to your project. Most extension projects that we do fall into a range of $15,000 – $20,000 (no guarantee is made that your project will fall in this range).
