Start with an opening schedule
Give every side a reference, such as front A or garden B, and mark the viewing direction. Photograph the complete opening and each corner. Record whether the pergola is installed or still on a drawing. Dimensions from an early quotation are not a final site survey.
Record widths at the top, middle and bottom, heights at the left, centre and right, and both diagonals. Keep the separate readings: averaging can hide an opening that needs correction. These measurements describe the site; they are not instructions to manufacture to the smallest number.
Identify the fixing faces and headbox position
Mark whether the screen sits between posts or on the face of the structure. Identify the fixing material and available flat surfaces. Decorative trims and gutter covers should not be assumed to provide suitable support. Request the headbox and guide sections before approving their positions.
Check nearby lights, glass panels, handles, roof mechanisms and drain outlets. Reserve the service access specified for the motor and fabric roll. Do not subtract a generic clearance from your opening: deductions depend on the chosen assembly and mounting method.
Coordinate floor level and power
Show finished floor levels, slopes, steps and drainage channels. Ask how the bottom bar meets these conditions. Fabric reaching the ground does not make a screen a watertight wall.
Mark the intended motor side, cable route and connection location. Ask the supplier and installer to coordinate these before surfaces are finished. The electrical requirements and fixing details must come from the supplied equipment, not a measurement guide.
Avoid common ordering mistakes
Overall pergola width is not the clear opening between posts. Fabric width is not the complete assembly width. Similar-looking bays should each be measured rather than copied from one another.
For example, adjacent bays can have different fixing space because one contains an outlet or offset support. Label each bay and request an approval drawing showing assembly dimensions, guide positions and motor side. Confirm who surveys the finished opening and who approves the production dimensions.
Send a useful quotation brief
Provide the opening schedule, photographs, location, mounting preference, fabric objective and control preference. Explain whether glare, daytime privacy or outward visibility matters most. Request a fabric sample and assess it in the intended lighting.
Before production, retain the dated approval drawing with the order. If paving, posts or glass interfaces change after measurement, flag the affected opening for review rather than assuming the screen still fits.
Buyer questions
Can I order from the pergola model number alone?
No. Actual openings, mounting faces and surrounding accessories still need checking.
Should I deduct space for guides myself?
Submit raw site readings. Use only the deductions confirmed for the selected screen system.
Continue planning your project
Further reference
Renson lists multiple mounting arrangements for its own ZIP shade system. This illustrates why mounting intent matters; its product dimensions and ratings do not apply to JY products. Renson mounting examples.
Discuss the details of your project
Send your location, dimensions, photographs and the questions you want confirmed. We can review the proposed product and quotation scope with you.
Request a quote