Compare what each screen enclosure quote actually includes.
Two bids can describe different jobs. One may replace only screen while another includes worn fasteners or a problem door. For a new enclosure, the roof, base and permit work can differ too. Before choosing by the total, ask each contractor to put the same scope in writing.
Make the scope visible.
A finished enclosure photo shows the result, but a written quote should say which parts of your own project are included.
Five lines to compare before you pick a bid
Ask for the same details from each company. A lower total can be reasonable, but you need to know what it buys.
1. Which screen and which panels?
For rescreening, ask whether the bid covers the roof, every wall, the doors, or only named panels. Ask which mesh is included. Standard 18/14 and finer 20/20 screen solve different insect problems; compare the mesh choices before treating them as interchangeable.
2. What happens to old hardware?
Ask whether worn fasteners, loose connections, door hardware and damaged frame sections are being checked, replaced or left in place. SES uses stainless fasteners when replacing enclosure fasteners. The useful question is whether the connection and surrounding frame are sound, not just what metal the new screw is made from.
3. What structure is included?
For a new build or rebuild, compare the footprint, height, doors, screen roof or solid roof, and any frame work. A bid for screen walls under an existing roof is different from a bid that builds a new roof. If an existing enclosure is involved, have the contractor identify what stays and what is replaced.
4. Who handles the base and permits?
Ask whether slab, pavers or footings are included or need separate work. Ask which permit work the contractor handles for the agreed job and whether your HOA needs plans from you. Permit needs depend on the site and scope; do not assume the same checklist applies to every address.
5. What is still undecided?
Ask each contractor to list allowances, exclusions and site conditions that could change the quote. The written scope should also tell you how changes are agreed to, so a repair discovered during work does not become a surprise.
For a few torn panels
You do not need to measure every screened side to start. Tell us roughly how many panels are torn, where they are, and whether a door, frame or connection is also giving trouble. That gives us a better basis for a targeted repair quote than a whole-side rescreening range.
For a new enclosure or larger rescreen
Our online tool can give an approximate starting amount for larger work. The site visit settles measurements, condition and the final scope. Bring any competing written bids if you want us to explain how the work differs; we can quote the job we actually see.
Get a quote you can compare line by line.
Tell us your city or ZIP, what needs work and what you want included. We will discuss a site visit and put the agreed scope into a written quote.