Start with a proper site visit
A trustworthy installer will want to see the space before giving a price. Every balcony, window and duct is different, and a quote given over the phone without measurements can change once work begins. A free site visit lets you meet the team, see the options and ask questions.
Ask for a written quote
Get the scope and price in writing, and check that it covers the important details:
- The area to be covered and how it was measured.
- The material, mesh size or cable grade and the thickness.
- The type and number of anchors or fixings.
- What is included, such as cleaning up and removing old nets.
- The payment terms and the schedule.
Look closely at materials
Materials decide how long an installation lasts. For nets, ask for UV-stabilised HDPE or nylon and stainless-steel fixings. For invisible grills, ask which stainless-steel grade is used, since 316 resists corrosion better than 304 near the sea. For cloth hangers, prefer aluminium and stainless-steel parts.
Anchors are where safety is decided
A strong net or grill held by weak anchors is not safe. Ask how the installer decides on anchor type for your wall, how the anchors are spaced, and how they test the finished work. Corners deserve extra attention.
See real work
Ask to see photos of finished installations similar to yours. Look at the neatness of edges and corners, the evenness of tension and how the work sits against the building. Real photos say more than promises.
Permissions and safety on site
If you live in an apartment community, check whether you need approval from the association. For upper floors, ask how the team works safely at height and whether they use harnesses or rope access. A professional team plans access, protects your floors and cleans up after the job.
Warranty and after-care
Ask what warranty is offered, what it covers and how to claim it. Also ask for care instructions and whether the installer will come back if something needs adjusting. A team that is willing to explain maintenance usually stands behind its work.
Red flags
- A fixed price quoted without seeing the space.
- No details about materials or anchors.
- Pressure to decide on the spot.
- No photos of previous work.
Questions to ask during the site visit
A site visit is your chance to see how the installer thinks. These questions bring out the details:
- How will you fix the net or grill to my wall, and why that method?
- What could go wrong on this particular job, and how will you handle it?
- How long will the work take and will anyone need to be at home?
- How do I clean and check the installation once it is finished?
- What happens if I am not happy with something afterwards?
Related services
Further reading: Safety net (Wikipedia)