Before You Buy Exterior Shades or an Awning: Ask Who Is Actually Installing It

The Lowest Quote Doesn't Tell You the Whole Story

When comparing estimates for a large exterior shade or retractable awning, it's natural to look at price.

But there's another question homeowners should ask before signing a contract: who is actually going to install this product on my home?

Large exterior shades and retractable awnings aren't simply decorative accessories. They are substantial systems that may involve structural attachment, large moving components, motorization, and electrical work. That makes professional installation an important part of the purchase—not an afterthought.

Ask About Contractor Licensing

Before hiring a company for work that requires contractor licensing in your state or locality, verify that the business performing that work holds the appropriate license.

Don't simply assume. Ask for the contractor's license information and verify it with the appropriate state licensing authority.

Licensing requirements exist for a reason. Depending on the work involved, contractors may be subject to requirements involving experience, examinations, insurance, bonding, and regulatory oversight. The specific requirements vary by jurisdiction and type of work, which is why homeowners should verify credentials for their particular project.

Insurance and Bonding Matter Too

Imagine having someone working on your home who doesn't carry appropriate coverage.

Exterior shading projects can involve ladders, power tools, heavy products, structural mounting, and electrical components. Before work begins, homeowners should understand who is performing the installation and whether that company carries the appropriate insurance and bonding for its work.

Price alone doesn't answer those questions.

Large Exterior Shades Require Experience

Today's exterior patio shades can cover very large openings. That creates engineering and installation considerations that are very different from hanging a small interior window shade.

Installers need to evaluate mounting surfaces, attachment conditions, alignment, clearances, and electrical requirements when applicable. Proper installation also affects how the finished product looks and operates.

This is one reason Polar Shades places so much importance on the complete process—from initial measurement through final installation.

Motorization Adds Another Consideration

Motorized exterior shades and retractable awnings introduce electrical and control requirements.

Before purchasing a motorized system, homeowners should understand how power will reach the product, who is responsible for the electrical work, and whether that work requires a licensed electrical contractor. These details should be addressed before installation day.

Polar Shades maintains applicable contractor licensing for the work we perform in our retail markets, including our awning and electrical work.

Know Who Stands Behind the Product

There is another important question homeowners should ask: who made my shade or awning?

When products pass through multiple companies before reaching the homeowner, responsibility can become less obvious if an issue occurs. One company may sell it. Another may manufacture it. Someone else may install it.

Polar Shades offers a different model. For our retail customers, we design, manufacture, sell, and professionally install our shading systems. That creates a much clearer relationship between the homeowner and the company standing behind the project.

We've Been Building Shading Products Since 1995

Polar Shades isn't a company that recently entered the exterior shading market. We've been manufacturing shading products since 1995.

From our Las Vegas manufacturing facility, we produce shading solutions serving customers and professional dealers across the United States. We also sell directly to homeowners through our Las Vegas and Phoenix retail operations.

Our experience includes:

• Interior manual roller shades
• Interior motorized shades
• Exterior retractable shades
• Large patio shading systems
• Retractable awnings
• Motorization and controls
• Custom shading applications

When you're investing in your home, experience matters.

Don't Compare Estimates on Price Alone

When evaluating proposals, compare the complete package. Who manufactures the product? Who measures the project? Who installs it? Is the contractor properly licensed for the work being performed? Does the company carry appropriate insurance? Who handles motorization and electrical requirements? Who will you call if you need service later? And how long has the company been doing this type of work?

A proposal that initially appears less expensive may not represent the same product, installation process, service, or company infrastructure.

Protect Your Home. Protect Your Investment.

Your home is likely one of your largest investments. Before allowing anyone to attach a large exterior shade or retractable awning to it, take a few minutes to investigate the company you're hiring.

Ask questions. Verify credentials. Understand the product. Understand the installation. And know who will stand behind the project when it's complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does it matter who installs my exterior shades or awning? Large exterior shades and awnings involve structural attachment and, often, electrical work, so improper installation can affect the product's appearance, operation, and long-term durability, regardless of how well the shade itself was manufactured.

Should exterior shade and awning contractors be licensed? Yes. Depending on the scope of work, contractors performing structural or electrical installation may be required to hold specific licenses, and homeowners should verify that credential with the appropriate state licensing authority before hiring.

Does motorized shade installation require an electrician? It can, depending on the system and power configuration. Homeowners should confirm who is responsible for the electrical work and whether it requires a licensed electrical contractor before installation day.

How do I verify a contractor's license before hiring them? Ask the company directly for their contractor's license information and verify it independently with your state's licensing authority rather than relying solely on what's stated in a proposal.

Choose Experience. Choose Accountability. Choose Polar Shades.

Since 1995, Polar Shades has been designing and manufacturing shading solutions for sun-drenched environments. For homeowners in the Las Vegas Valley and Phoenix Valley, our retail operations provide a direct connection from our manufacturing expertise to your home.

We design it. We manufacture it. We professionally install it.

Visit PolarShades.com to schedule a consultation.

Polar Shades — Factory-Grade Quality. Professional Installation. Built for the Southwest.