Do You Want a Manual or Motorized Awning?
The price difference between a manual (hand-cranked) and a motorized awning is significant. A hand-cranked awning is less expensive because it doesn’t require an electrician to connect the wiring.
If there’s no existing wiring, new electrical work must be installed and connected to the breaker box. This work must be done by a licensed electrician in compliance with local codes. It may involve drilling through brick or stucco walls, which takes extra time and care.
Once the electricals are in place, the motorized assembly must be installed and tested. If it doesn’t work correctly, it must be assessed to pinpoint the cause and fixed.
What Surface Is It Attaching To?
Where is the awning being installed? North Carolina’s wet weather may damage wooden siding. If the awning installers discover damaged studs or plywood beneath the vinyl siding, that damage must be repaired.
Awning installations in brick, stone, or stucco take longer and require expertise to ensure the surface isn’t damaged during installation. The hardware changes, too. You don’t use wood screws on brick.
Do You Want a Fabric or Metal Awning?
Fabric awnings are cheaper than metal ones. The material you choose also affects the final price. The cost of a small residential fabric awning over a deck ranges from $1,500 to $6,000, while the same aluminum or steel awning can cost $2,500 to $7,500.
Choose from a variety of awning shapes and colors. They impact the final cost. If you want a standard awning vs. a concave, convex, or dome awning, the price may differ.
While you consider this price difference, it’s important to know that fabric awnings typically last 5 to 15 years, while the same metal awning can last 20 years or longer. Consider the cost of awning replacement when determining which option is most affordable.
Do You Want Any Add-Ons?
Do you want any add-ons, like lighting or retractable screen walls? Add-ons also increase the final price.
Are Permits Required?
If your new awning requires HOA, city, or town permits, those permits also increase the final price. In the Raleigh-Durham, NC area, the Planning and Development Customer Service Center issues awning permits. In addition to an awning permit, a building permit and a vegetative impact permit may be required.
