As the winter approaches, homeowners decide to leave their outdoor renovations and upgrades for when spring rolls back around. But once the nice weather comes out to play, have you ever wished that your project was already complete? You could be lounging outdoors on your plush furniture, coffee in hand and listening to the birds sing.

Instead, you’re now beginning to research how to even get this plan started. Although the temperature may be dropping, it doesn’t mean you also need to stick a pin in your outdoor projects. Specifically, it’s never too early to get started on a retractable shade solution.

Where do you start?

First, you need to know what kind of budget you’re willing to work with. If you’ve done some research, you’ll understand that a quality retractable shade solution can start around $1,500. For those looking for a sizeable automated system, it can run a bill beyond $10,000. This all depends on what you’re looking to achieve, how custom your solution will be and of course, the dimensions.

Second, are you a handy person? Or are you hoping a contractor can help you out with this project? Surprisingly, most homeowners don’t realize how difficult it is to lock in a contractor in the spring. By this time, most have their projects lined up and calendar filled. To emphasize, secure your contractor as soon as possible!

Third, an important factor to determine is if you require a permit. Although not applicable in all cases but based on your location you may need to apply for one. As most begin their projects in the spring, an influx of permits will also be sent in. So, if you need a permit, try to apply for one before you get stuck in the waiting queue.

Concept (1-2 Weeks)

Working alongside our Product Specialist, they’ll help you find the right solution for your space. Whether it’s you, your architect, designer or contractor, they’ll assess your needs and guide you towards a shade solution best suited for you. Once all requirements are met, we will provide you with a project proposal and an estimate.

Design & Order (1-4 weeks)

For those who are in the design phase of their structure, our Product Specialist can make recommendations. They will ensure that the structure and canopy mend together with absolute ease.

Now that the Product Specialist understands your requirements, they’ll also need to understand your wants. With so many options to customize your retractable shade solution, you may need some time to think about how you want to make this your own. There are many considerations such as rain management, powder coating, clearance height, and choosing your drive option.

Furthermore, there are several different fabric lines with over hundreds of colours and patterns available. From water resistant to fire retardant to complementing your existing outdoor furniture, these may all require a second opinion. With this in mind, we can mail some fabric samples to help you decide. But it’s important to realize that this can take upwards of a week, depending on your location.

Given these points so far, we’ll require exact dimensions to customize the perfect canopy size for your structure. Our Product Specialist will work with you and your team on how to measure properly. If exact dimensions cannot be provided, we’ll gladly arrange a site assessment to ensure a proper fit.

Finally, let’s bring your project to life. Accordingly, we’ll put together an order acknowledgement with details and a cost breakdown for your approval. As soon as it’s accepted, and a deposit is received we can finally begin building.

Build (3-6 weeks)

From this point on, your order will go into a queue for production to begin manufacturing. Your canopy will be built to your exact specifications and be ready to install upon receiving. The average manufacturing time for a canopy is 3-4 weeks. However, with the spring rush, these lead times can be pushed back by a week or two. Depending on your material choice, you may also have to consider any backorders or delays that could prevent us from completing your order in a timely matter.

When all is said and done, we are ready to ship your custom retractable canopy to you. We’ll carefully package the canopy into an extra durable tube to reduce the risk of damage. Once final payment is received, you’ll receive a tracking number to keep a close eye on your canopy. Subject to your location, shipping may take up to a week before arriving to its final destination.

Lastly, your retractable shade solution is ready to be installed. With the helping hand of a friend, a drill and a ladder, your canopy can be mounted in half a day or less.

Overall Timeline

It can average between 6-13 weeks for you to enjoy your retractable canopy. How? This considers the first point of contact to the final stages of installation.

Let’s recap:

• Concept and Proposal: 1-2 weeks
• Design and Order: 1-3 weeks
• Build: 3-6 weeks to manufacture
• Shipping: 1 week
• Installation: 1 day
• Timeframe: 6 – 13 weeks, comparatively 1½ – 3 months

Additionally, you can anticipate potential construction delays. If building your structure is part of the plan, simple factors such as inclement weather can postpone your project. Whether this is a residential or commercial application, it’s important to realize that interruptions are common.

In the final analysis, when we say it’s never too early to get started, we truly mean it. A retractable shade solution can sometimes be put on the back burner or something that homeowners think they can just buy off a shelf. When you’re looking for a long-term custom solution with quality craftsmanship, it takes time for everything to come together. We can surely tell you that Walmart and Costco do not stock 21’5” x 15’2” retractable canopies in a Sunbrella Baycrest Sky fabric.

Don’t wait! Let’s get started today.