Contracting An Awnings Supplier – The Quick Guide

Choosing your awnings supplier

Choosing your awnings supplier is the single-most important decision you can make for any awning project, whether it’s for your home or a commercial building. With the right awnings supplier, you can expect sound advice, quality workmanship and a smooth, positive experience. If you choose poorly, your project could be fraught with problems and disappointment.

Purchasing an awning is a big investment, one you expect to last many years. Quality and longevity go hand in hand, so selecting the right awnings supplier will protect your investment as well as help you achieve a look that’s unique.

For them, designing and producing your awning is second nature, because they do it every day. But the process can seem overwhelmingly complex if you aren’t an awning pro, and that’s why you need solid, reliable guidance.

Here are some tips that will help you when contracting an awnings supplier.

Do your research to learn about potential candidates.

Look online for information and reviews, and ask around to get referrals. Then interview each awnings supplier in person.

  • Ask for references, from customers whose projects were similar to yours in style or scope. Talk to those people about their experience as well as the results. Have they had any problems since their awning was installed?
  • Ask to visit their showroom, so you can see and feel fabric samples. Ask where their fabrics come from and what kind of warranties they carry. If they don’t have a showroom, you’ll just have to take their word on fabrics, something you probably don’t want to do.
  • Ask for a tour of their production facilities. You want an awnings supplier that can handle your entire job, not several suppliers you’ll have to coordinate. State-of-the-art production facilities tell you this candidate is innovative and can produce anything you want. Ask about warranties on their work, including installation, as well as fabrics.

Before your interview.

Your awnings supplier can help you best if you’re both clear about your expectations. Know your goals, even if you don’t have a clue what kind of design you want. Why are you considering an awning? They can do many things:

  • Shade windows. That cuts out harmful UV rays that can damage merchandise or furnishings indoors, and it provides cooling without having to use your AC in the summer. You save energy and money.
  • Shade outdoor seating or play areas, giving you more usable space when it’s hot outside. Learn more about adding a restaurant pergola.
  • Spiff up your exterior. Awnings enhance lovely architecture and can turn even the ugliest or most boring edifice into an attractive, inviting presence.
  • Promote your business. Adding graphics – your name, logo, address or an overall design – helps people find your location, tells everyone what you do or sell and markets your business every day, around the clock.

Consider the personal side.

You have to trust your awnings supplier. Do not settle for a company or people you don’t feel comfortable working with. They should have a friendly manner and take a personalized approach to your project. Any awnings supplier that isn’t willing to take all the time you want to answer questions, show you photos and samples, explain the fabrication and installation process, etc. may not have your best interests at heart.

Be prepared to listen and learn.

Even if you do have something specific in mind, you need to know that not every type of awning is right for every type of business or building. Contracting with the right awnings supplier means you’ll be able to create an awning that performs well in every way. If your idea isn’t quite right for your situation, they’ll help you modify it to get something equally great – or even better.

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