Free Estimate · Measuring · Mounting · Power
What Happens at a Free Awning or Screen Estimate? Measuring, Mounting, Power and What to Have Ready
Most people have never had an awning or motorized screen quoted before, so the visit can feel like a mystery. Here is what actually happens, what we look at, and how to get the most out of it.
Short answer: At a free awning, screen or shade estimate, Tom Magnoli visits your home, takes exact on-site measurements, checks what the product would mount to and where power would come from, shows you fabric and frame samples, talks through options, and gives you a written, no-obligation quote. Photos, a sense of how you use the space, and any HOA rules make the visit faster and the quote more accurate.
By Shoreline Shade, LLC, Clinton, Connecticut · Last updated October 2026
In this guide
- What actually happens at a free estimate, step by step?
- Why does everything get measured on site?
- What are we looking for in the mounting surface?
- How do power and controls get sorted out?
- What should you have ready before we come?
- What do the samples and options look like?
- What questions should you ask at any awning or screen estimate?
- Do permits, HOA rules and building codes come up?
- What happens after the estimate, and what if it is not for you?
- Frequently asked questions
- Book your free estimate
What actually happens at a free estimate, step by step?
Our estimate page lays out the process in five steps, and it matches how we work. Here it is with a little more detail on each.
| Step | What happens | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| 1. You get in touch | Use the form on our estimate page, call (860) 510-3862, or email shorelineshadellc@gmail.com. Our estimate page says someone will reach out within 24 hours to schedule a visit | Tell us the town, what you have in mind, and any dates that do not work |
| 2. Free on-site consultation | We come to the house and look at the space where the product would go | Meet us at the area and walk through how you use it |
| 3. Exact measurements | We measure the openings, walls, headers and clearances that matter | Move anything that blocks access, such as furniture and planters |
| 4. Samples | We show fabric, mesh and frame colors against your home | Look at samples outdoors, not just on paper |
| 5. Written estimate | You receive a detailed, written, no-obligation quote | Take your time to review. Ask us anything |
The estimate is free, and so is the advice that comes with it. We serve homes across Connecticut, from our base in Clinton, and the same process applies to a porch in Madison, a patio in Darien or a deck in Norwich.
Why does everything get measured on site?
Retractable awnings, screens and shades are made to order. They are built to the size of your space, so the measurements are the foundation of the whole job. Our shades page lists “free exact, on-site measurements” as the first item in the consultation, and our Mirage door screens page says the system is custom-measured and cut on-site for a flawless fit. A measurement from a photo or a floor plan is not good enough, because walls are not square and decks settle.
What we measure depends on the product.
| Product | What we measure | What we check |
|---|---|---|
| Retractable awning | Width, desired projection, height of the mounting surface, distance to doors, windows and roof edges | Where the arms swing, whether gutters or lights are in the way, and how the awning will clear the house |
| Motorized screen | Width and height of each opening, locations for the side tracks and bottom landing | Posts and headers for plumb and strength, the floor line, and how the cassette will mount |
| Exterior solar shade | Width and height of the glass or opening, and the outside surface | Trim, window depth and where the cassette and tracks fit |
| Mirage door screen | Door width and height, door swing and the trim | Sliding, French or single door; mounting to the frame |
See our guides to retractable awning installation, motorized screens, exterior solar shades and Mirage door screens for what each product involves.
What are we looking for in the mounting surface?
This is the part of the estimate homeowners notice least and that matters most. An awning or a screen is only as good as the structure holding it. We look at what the product will attach to and decide whether it is strong enough.
- Solid framing behind the surface. Wood framing, a rim joist, a header or a beam. A siding panel, a piece of trim or a thin fascia is not a structure.
- Masonry, brick, stone or concrete. Usually solid, but it needs the right fasteners, and we check the condition of the mortar and the material.
- Soffits and overhangs. Often fine for the cassette on a screen, but we check what is behind them.
- Condition. Soft or rotted wood, old water damage, failing flashing or a deck ledger that moves are all things we look for.
- Posts and columns. For screens between posts, we check that they are plumb, solid and not rotted at the base.
If a wall is not sound, or the framing is not where it needs to be, we will say so, and it is better to hear it at the estimate than halfway through the job. Sometimes the answer is blocking behind the siding, a repair to the header, or a different mounting method. Occasionally the answer is that this wall is the wrong place for the product. Our estimates are meant to find that out before you commit.
How do power and controls get sorted out?
Motorized products need power, and the estimate is when we decide where it comes from. Per our product pages, our Somfy-powered screens run on standard household current (110V), with a single low-voltage wire to the cassette, and awnings use Somfy or DOOYA motors with a wireless remote.
- Where is the nearest outlet? We look for an existing circuit and a clean route for the wire.
- If there is no outlet nearby: an electrician may need to add one. That is a separate trade and a separate cost, and we flag it up front.
- Where will the switch live? A remote is standard. If you want a wall switch, we decide where, and how high.
- Do you want sensors or smart control? Wind and sun sensors, timers and phone control are options. See our guides to [[/awning-wind-sun-sensors-connecticut/|wind and sun sensors]] and [[/smart-home-motorized-awning-integration-connecticut/|smart-home integration]].
Power is also the reason an exterior wall with a handy outlet beats one without. If you have a choice of where an awning or screen goes, ask which side is easier to power.
What should you have ready before we come?
You do not need to prepare much, but a few things make a big difference to the quality of the quote.
- Photos of the space from a few angles, including the wall, the ceiling or header and any obstacles.
- Notes on the sun. When is it too hot or too bright? Our guide to [[/patio-sun-exposure-shade-planning-connecticut/|sun exposure by patio orientation]] shows how to take simple notes.
- Access. Clear the area, unlock gates and know where the outlets and breaker panel are.
- Your priorities. Shade, bug protection, wind relief, privacy, glare, or a mix?
- Association or town rules. If you live in an HOA or a historic district, bring the rules or the contact. See [[/awning-screen-permits-hoa-connecticut/|our permit and HOA guide]].
- The people who decide. If two people have to agree on the color and the project, both should be there.
- Your questions and your quotes. If you have other quotes, bring them so we can compare the details.
- Pets and kids. Tell us how they use the space. See [[/retractable-screens-pets-kids-connecticut/|retractable screens with pets and kids]].
What do the samples and options look like?
This is the fun part. We show fabric and frame samples so you can see color against your siding, trim and roof. Our awnings page describes 30+ Sunbrella fabrics in stock and 200+ more, and a free fabric sample kit is available on request. For screens, we show mesh types. For shades, we show openness levels and colors. See our guide to awning fabric choices and exterior solar shades.
Hold the samples outside, in sun and in shade. Colors look different against your house than under a showroom light. Take your time. Nobody should have to decide on a color in five minutes.
What questions should you ask at any awning or screen estimate?
These apply to us and to anyone else you invite.
| Question | What a good answer sounds like |
|---|---|
| Which exact product and model is this? | A brand and model name, with the size and projection written down |
| What fabric or mesh, and who makes it? | A named fabric or mesh, not “premium” or “heavy duty” |
| What motor, controls and sensors are included? | A list, including what is optional and what costs extra |
| What about electrical work? | Who does it, and whether it is included in the price |
| What is the mounting method and hardware? | A clear statement of what it attaches to and how |
| What is the warranty, in writing? | Written terms, with what is covered and for how long |
| Who handles permits or HOA approvals? | A clear answer, and drawings if the HOA asks |
| When could the work be done? | A realistic answer, not a promise. Schedules depend on the product and the season |
When you compare two quotes, line them up product by product: same width, projection, fabric, motor, frame, sensors and mounting. A lower number often means something is left out. Our retractable awning cost guide lists what drives a quote, and our buying guide shows what to specify.
Ready to book a visit? It is free and there is no obligation.
Do permits, HOA rules and building codes come up?
Often, yes. Attaching a product to your house can touch building codes, zoning or association rules, depending on the town and the project. We cannot give you a legal answer for your town, and the rules differ. The state publishes its building code information, and your local building department decides what applies. We can provide drawings for an association or building department, and our guide explains the questions to ask. For general consumer questions about home improvement contracts in Connecticut, the Department of Consumer Protection is the state agency to start with.
What happens after the estimate, and what if it is not for you?
You get a written estimate and time to think. Nothing is signed at the visit unless you want it to be. If you have questions later, call or email and we will answer them. If you decide on another company or on no project at all, that is fine, and we will have given you something useful to compare.
We do not promise numbers or dates in an article, because they depend on the job. Price depends on size, fabric or mesh, motor, frame, sensors, mounting and any extra work. Timing depends on the product and the schedule. Ask at the estimate and get it in writing.
When we may say it is not the right project: if the structure is not sound, if what you need is a product we do not sell, or if a different solution is better for what you want. We sell SunPro retractable awnings and screens, Mirage door screens and exterior solar shades. If something else fits better, we will tell you so.
Estimates are for the whole state. If you are near the shore, see our pages for Clinton, Madison and Groton. Inland, see Colchester and West Hartford, and in Fairfield County, Darien.
Frequently asked questions
Is the awning or screen estimate really free?
Yes. Our estimate page describes a free, no-obligation consultation with on-site measurements, samples and a detailed written quote. You can decide whether to go ahead after you have seen the quote, and there is no pressure to decide at the visit.
How long does an estimate visit take?
It depends on the project. A single door screen is quicker than a large patio with several screens and an awning. Plan on enough time to walk the space, measure, look at samples and talk through options. We can give you a better idea when we schedule the visit.
What do you measure at the estimate?
We take exact on-site measurements of the openings, walls, headers, posts and clearances that affect the product. For an awning that means width, projection and mounting height. For screens it means each opening and the track locations. We also look at the mounting surface and at power.
What do I need to have ready?
Photos of the space, notes on when the sun is a problem, access to the area, any HOA or town rules, and everyone who needs to agree on the choice. Tell us about pets, kids and your priorities. If you have other quotes, bring them to compare.
Do I need an outlet near the awning or screen?
Motorized products need power. Our screens run on standard household current with a single low-voltage wire to the cassette. If there is no outlet nearby, an electrician may need to add one. We look at power at the estimate and tell you what is needed.
What if my house has siding, brick or an older wall?
Any of them can work, but the product has to attach to something solid. We check what is behind the surface. Sometimes blocking or repair is needed first, and if a wall is not suitable we will say so and suggest another location.
Do I need a permit or HOA approval?
It depends on your town, the structure and any association rules. Check with your local building department and your HOA before you order. We can supply drawings of the planned installation, and our permit and HOA guide explains what to ask.
Will I get a price at the estimate?
You will get a detailed written quote. Because the products are custom-made to your measurements, we do not publish fixed prices. The final number depends on size, fabric or mesh, motor, frame, sensors, mounting and any electrical or carpentry work. Ask for everything in writing.
Book your free estimate
Tell us your town and what you have in mind. Tom Magnoli will visit, measure, check the structure and power, show you samples and send a written quote, at no cost and with no obligation.
Or call (860) 510-3862 · shorelineshadellc@gmail.com