Get matched with top awning pros in Sunset, LA

You can indeed open your awning in winter. It’s a misconception that you can only open retractable awnings in the warmer months. In fact, modern awnings are strong enough to offer a little respite from the snow if you’re someone who enjoys sipping hot cocoa outside on a beautiful winter day. But if a big storm is coming, such as a hurricane or a blizzard, it’s best to close your awning until the weather calms down.

If you're handy, it might be worth trying to install retractable awnings yourself. Just keep in mind that motorized retractable awnings require much more know-how, and the risk of something costly going wrong (such as damaging your new awnings) is higher.

Mechanical awnings should be easy to install for the average person with some handyman skills.

To ensure the installation process goes smoothly, it's wise to ask a potential pro several questions. Key topics to cover include:

• Licensing and Insurance: Do you have a professional license and insurance to perform this work? This is crucial as installing an awning into a home's exterior can be a complex job.

• Cost Estimate: What was the price of similar jobs you've completed? Awning installation costs can vary based on size, design, and location, so this helps establish a general price range.

• Project Timeline: How long will this project take to complete? Getting an estimated timeline provides peace of mind, even though unforeseen hurdles can occur.

• Building Permits: Will I need a building permit for this project, and who is responsible for obtaining it? An experienced local contractor will be knowledgeable about local rules and regulations.

• References and Portfolio: Do you have references from previous clients or photos of completed projects? Speaking with past clients and seeing previous work can give you insight into their experience and the quality of their work.

On average, awning costs range from $1,400 to $4,400. The low end of the cost range can be around $100 up to $7,500 on the high end. Cost factors include the type of awning, size, and location. Portable awnings are the most affordable and DIY-friendly to install, costing $100 to $400. Larger, motorized awnings tend to be more solidly built, ranging in price from $2,000 to $3,500.