| Intended use | State whether the space is for seasonal dining, a garden lounge, a covered patio, or year-round use. | Ask for a written description of the product’s intended use and any stated limits on occupancy, weather exposure, or heating. | Intended use affects the required enclosure, glazing, ventilation, insulation, and applicable local approvals. |
| Installation location | Provide the country, region, site exposure, and whether the installation is coastal, sheltered, or exposed. | Request the design assumptions for local wind, snow, rain, and temperature conditions, and the supporting calculations or test documents where applicable. | Structural and weather requirements vary by location and site conditions. A generic product rating may not be suitable for every installation. |
| Overall dimensions | Record the available footprint, maximum height, roof projection, door locations, and any obstructions. | Ask for dimensioned plan and elevation drawings, plus confirmation of which dimensions are external, internal, or nominal. | Clear drawings help confirm fit, usable space, access, and compatibility with the existing building or patio. |
| Base and anchoring | Identify the existing surface, such as a concrete slab, deck, or prepared ground, and note its dimensions and condition. | Request base-frame details, anchoring locations, fixing requirements, and the supplier’s assumptions about the supporting surface. | A detachable structure still needs a suitable support and secure anchoring. The required foundation depends on the site and design. |
| Frame material and finish | Specify the preferred frame material, finish, and any requirements for corrosion resistance or color. | Request material and finish specifications, profile drawings, coating details, and care instructions. | Material and finish influence appearance, maintenance, durability, and suitability for the installation environment. |
| Roof configuration | Choose the roof shape and whether the priority is daylight, shade, drainage, or a combination. | Ask for roof-panel material and thickness, roof pitch, drainage or gutter details, and the stated design loads. | Roof design affects light transmission, water runoff, weather performance, and structural requirements. |
| Wall panels and glazing | Decide between glass, polycarbonate, or other offered infill, and identify whether clear, tinted, or opaque panels are needed. | Request panel specifications, safety-glazing information where relevant, light-transmission data if available, and replacement-panel details. | Panel choice affects visibility, weight, comfort, safety, maintenance, and the structure needed to support the enclosure. |
| Doors and ventilation | Specify door type, opening direction, clear opening width, access needs, and desired ventilation. | Request door and hardware drawings, screen options, ventilation details, and confirmation of which openings can be secured. | These details affect accessibility, everyday use, airflow, and the ability to close and secure the sunroom. |
| Detachable design | Define how often the structure may be assembled, dismantled, moved, or stored. | Ask for assembly instructions, connection details, required tools, estimated crew size, and guidance on repeated assembly. | “Detachable” can describe different connection systems; confirm that the design suits the expected installation and removal process. |
| Thermal comfort | Clarify whether the sunroom is seasonal or expected to be used in colder or hotter weather. | Request available insulation or glazing data, ventilation guidance, and any stated limitations on heating or cooling use. | A lightweight sunroom may not provide the thermal performance of a permanent, fully insulated extension. |
| Local approvals | Check local planning, building, property, and safety requirements before finalizing the design. | Ask for product drawings, material specifications, and any test reports or compliance documents relevant to the destination market. | Permit and code requirements depend on the location, size, use, and construction of the project; supplier documents do not replace local approval. |
| Packaging and delivery | Confirm the delivery address, access restrictions, unloading arrangements, and preferred shipping terms. | Request package dimensions and weights, packing details, a parts list, and a written breakdown of delivery responsibilities and costs. | Package size, handling equipment, and transport arrangements affect the practical cost and feasibility of delivery. |
| Installation support | Decide whether installation will be handled by your own team, a local contractor, or supplier-arranged labor. | Request an installation manual, assembly drawings, a parts-identification list, and details of remote or on-site support availability. | Clear installation information reduces assembly uncertainty and helps identify what skills, tools, and labor are required. |
| Quality checks | List the checks required before shipment, including dimensions, finish, panel condition, and completeness of hardware. | Agree on inspection points, document requirements, sample or pre-shipment inspection arrangements, and how nonconformities will be handled. | Written acceptance criteria make it easier to verify that the delivered product matches the approved drawings and specifications. |
| Warranty and spare parts | Identify the expected service life, likely replacement parts, and the support needed after delivery. | Request written warranty terms, exclusions, claim procedures, and availability of replacement panels, hardware, and seals. | Clear terms help set expectations for maintenance, repairs, and after-sales support. |
| Budget and scope | Set a target budget and specify whether it includes design, packaging, transport, taxes, installation, and site preparation. | Request an itemized quotation tied to the same drawings and specifications, with assumptions, exclusions, and payment milestones stated. | Comparable quotations require a consistent scope; a low headline price may exclude important project costs. |