Hiring a Screen Repair Pro
Who to call, what to ask and what to watch out for.
Start With Window ScreensSearching for screen repair near me turns up everyone from one-person mobile shops to large enclosure builders. The right pick depends on the job.
Who Does What
| Job | Typical pro | Ask about |
|---|---|---|
| Window and door screens | Mobile screen service, screen or glass shop, handyman | Mesh options, custom frames, turnaround |
| Sliding screen doors | Screen shop or mobile service | Rollers and tracks, new door vs. rebuild |
| Porch and lanai screens | Screen or enclosure contractor | Spline system or staples, door hardware |
| Pool screen enclosure repair | Screen enclosure / aluminum contractor | License, insurance, permits, structural checks |
Questions to Ask Before You Hire
- Are you licensed for this work where I live, and insured? (In Florida, check the Florida DBPR license search.)
- Will this job need a permit, and who pulls it?
- Which mesh do you recommend for each area, and why?
- Is the price per panel or for the whole job, and what is included?
- What warranty do you give on mesh, spline and labor?
- How do you protect the pool, deck and landscaping during work?
Mobile Service or Shop?
Mobile screen repair services bring mesh, spline and tools in a van and rescreen windows, doors and enclosure panels on site, which saves you removing and transporting frames. Screen and glass shops usually work on frames you bring in and can build custom frames to size. For a whole pool enclosure, an aluminum or enclosure contractor is the usual choice because structural checks and permits may be involved. Whichever you choose, get at least two or three written estimates for anything larger than a few frames, and compare them line by line rather than on the total alone.
Before the Pro Arrives
Count the frames or panels that need work and note which rooms or walls they belong to. Clear furniture and plants away from the work area, keep pets inside, and decide on mesh types in advance so the estimate matches what you want.
Red Flags
- Pressure to sign the same day, especially after a storm.
- A large deposit demanded up front in cash.
- No written estimate, no license number or a license that doesn’t match the business name.
- Vague answers about permits on structural work.
Hiring Questions
Who does screen repair near me?
Options include mobile screen repair services that come to your home, screen and glass shops, handymen, and pool enclosure contractors. Some hardware stores also rescreen frames you bring in. A local business directory and neighbors’ recommendations are good places to start.
What should be in a written estimate?
The number and size of panels or frames, the mesh type, whether spline, rollers, hardware or frames are included, any structural work, permits, cleanup and debris removal, the start date and the warranty on materials and labor.
To find local screen shops, handymen and enclosure contractors, browse the Best of the USA directory and compare a few written estimates.
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Search Best of the USA for screen repair shops, handymen and enclosure contractors in your area.
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