1. Verify Licensing and Insurance:
- Ensure that the company is licensed and insured to operate in your area. This protects you in case of accidents or damages during the project.
2. Obtain Engineering and Permits:
- Request the necessary engineering plans and permits required for building the enclosure. This ensures compliance with local regulations and safety standards.
3. Check Previous Jobs:
- Inquire about the number of jobs the company has completed before yours. This gives you an idea of their experience and reliability.
4. Evaluate Crew Availability:
- Ask how many crews the company has working for them. Having multiple full-time crews can indicate better capacity and efficiency.
5. Inquire About Patented Materials:
- Check if the company uses any patented or proprietary materials in their construction. This can affect the quality and durability of the enclosure.
6. Assess Strength and Performance:
- Ask about the strength of their clear view cage, specifically in terms of Ix (moment of inertia). Compare this with industry standards and performance in extreme weather conditions like hurricanes.
7. Understand Pricing:
- Inquire about the price per square foot for their enclosures. Compare this with other companies but avoid paying excessively high prices.
- Note that Replace My Cage is completely transparent and is the only company that advertises their pricing on the website. This transparency can help you make an informed decision.
8. Check Screen Types:
- Ask about the types of screens used in the enclosures. There is a significant price difference between fiberglass screens and polyester screens. Polyester screens are three times stronger and are 300 times stronger than fiberglass screens.
9. Check Hurricane Performance:
- Find out how many enclosures the company lost or had to repair due to events like Hurricane Ian. This gives insight into the durability and resilience of their products.
10. Ask Detailed Questions:
- Don't hesitate to ask any other questions or clarifications regarding the company's services, warranties, or customer support.