What do I look for when looking for an installer

dbee

I want to install solar panels to a carport frame. I am in search of who would install these carport frames. What kind of company do I look for to come and install a carport frame without the solar panels, so that I can do the solar install my self.

oh'mike

Where do you live? Car ports are unheard of in the north--so finding a carport installer here would be difficult--

If this is a manufactured product ---call the maker and ask if they have a list of certified installers--or a local distributor --then call the distributor and ask who installs that product---

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techpappy

At first I thought any good deck builder can do that for you then I thought of where the roof meets the house which deck guys wouldn't have experience at. However, I think that any company that installs Florida Rooms should be able to do that with ease. If the frame is being mounted away from the house I would go for the deck guys or most likely build it myself.

ben's plumbing

mike hit the nail on the head ...a certified contractor..nothing less...

robertcdf

Maybe some deck builders wouldn't but I and many I know have extensive experience with something like that.

When you find someone be sure to ask for references and then call them, ask if you can visit a similar project to see it first hand.

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techpappy

Yea many deck builders are well versed in different building methods. Best advice . Call at least three contractors and ask them how they would do the job and of course how much. It will become obvious as to which of them know what they are doing. If you are not happy with what you are hearing then call MORE contractors. You should then be able to make a sound decision.

Gecko

Any contractor or good framer can do this.........the main thing you need to get is REFERENCES, REFERENCES, REFERENCES. They may be certified, but by who and that does not mean they do good work or will back up their work. If they are viable then they have the funds to purchase the materials and start the job. If they ask you for money up front before they start then you could be in for a surprise. Once they start and build to your liking then 25% payment is reasonable, the rest upon FULL completion..........seen many contractors walk away and never come back, or start and leave it unfinished. There is no protection other then to hold back more $$ then they have into it.

robertcdf

I'm not a bank, I require a deposit, and another payment roughly 1 week before a project starts. I'm not here to offer financing and invest MY funds into YOUR HOME. If you don't like it I don't care, use someone else, we're booked to the end of the year already. That's why references are critical, people know I'm not going to skip town because of my references.

Personally I think contractors who don't collect a deposit are foolish.

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DangerMouse

Here is something that Ed the Roofer created as a handout for his potential customers.
(THANK YOU! Ed the Roofer!!!) It also applies to general contractors as well.

What You Should Know Before Hiring Any Contractor!!!

DM

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Gecko

Firslty, my comments were not directed to anyone personally. You have your policies in place as do I with my company, however there are some out there who are no legit and if you have a "name" (as I do in my business) then you honor your product. Hence my comment to get REFERENCES at all time and then it's up to the individual to research the company. Great link to the handbook..........

DangerMouse

Yup, Ed did a bang-up job on that post!

DM

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