Veranda suppliers: how to choose who supplies and fits yours
The most useful way to compare veranda suppliers is to split them into those who only supply a kit and those who survey, supply and fit. Both exist, and both can work, but they put the risk in very different places. With supply only, you or your builder take responsibility for measuring, foundations, fixings and drainage. With supply and fit, one company is responsible for the whole job. After that, compare how thorough the survey is, what the written quote includes, who does the fitting and what warranty is confirmed in writing.
Supply only versus supply and fit
A supply only veranda arrives as a kit for you or your builder to put up. It suits people with the skills and time to set out posts, fix a wall plate level, seal the joint to the house and deal with drainage. The risk is that any error in measuring or fixing is yours to put right. A supply and fit company measures, specifies, delivers and installs, so if something is wrong it is theirs to fix. We survey, supply and fit, using our own team.
What a proper survey should cover
A survey is where most problems are prevented. It should take place at your house, not over the phone from a rough sketch.
- Measuring the wall, the patio and the ground levels
- Checking what the wall is made of and where the wall plate can fix
- Looking at the base the posts will stand on
- Planning where roof water goes
- Noting windows, doors, vents, drains and any boundary
- Talking through planning rules and your neighbours' side
What the written quote should include
Two quotes can look similar and cover very different things. A clear quote lists the frame size and colour, the roof material, the number of posts, any side panels or glass walls, lighting or heating, guttering and downpipes, the fixing method and who does any groundwork or electrical work. If something is excluded, it should say so. Ask for anything vague to be written in before you agree.
Who actually fits it
Some companies sell and then pass the fitting to a subcontractor you never meet. That is not always a problem, but it is worth knowing, because the person who measured and the person who fits are then different people. Ask directly. Our own fitters carry out our installations, so the plan agreed on survey is the plan followed on the day.
Comparing veranda suppliers?
Book a free survey and get a detailed written quote to compare. Call 0114 312 3771.
Warranty, and what it covers
Warranty wording varies a lot. Ask what is covered, for how long, and whether it is confirmed in writing for your installation rather than quoted from a brochure. Our structures carry a warranty of up to 10 years, with the terms confirmed in writing. Keep the paperwork with your house documents.
Local versus national
A supplier close to you can survey, fit and come back for any aftercare without a long journey. A national seller may have a big range but less local knowledge of wind exposure, soil and the kinds of houses in your area. We are based in Thorne near Doncaster and cover Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire, which is why we ask about exposure and ground as well as size.
Warning signs
A few things suggest caution, whoever the supplier is.
- A firm price before anyone has seen the house
- Pressure to sign on the day for a discount
- No written quote, or a quote with no detail
- Vague answers about who fits it
- No mention of drainage or the wall fixing
Questions people ask us about this
Should I buy a veranda kit or pay for supply and fit?
A kit can work if you have the skills and time to set out, fix and seal it properly. Supply and fit puts responsibility for the whole job with one company.
Do you supply verandas without fitting?
We survey, supply and fit with our own team, so the whole job is our responsibility.
What should a veranda quote include?
Frame size and colour, roof material, posts, any side panels, lighting or heating, guttering, the fixing method and anything excluded, all in writing.
Where are you based?
Thorne, near Doncaster, covering Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire.
How do I get a quote?
Call 0114 312 3771 or use the contact form to book a free survey.
In short
Choose a veranda supplier by deciding supply only or supply and fit, then comparing the survey, the written quote, who fits and the warranty.