The Great Outdoors Sunrooms and Shade Solutions Inc

February of '23 Chris Russell's TGO built and completed a deck w catwalk that was exceptionally done. I was extremely pleased. I recently inquired to extend that deck and discovered Mr Russell never filed for a Sussex Couny permit. I learned because the pre and post inspections were not done ( specifically the pre footings inspections) there was a possibility that the deck would have to be dismantled and footings corrected to code. I avoided that scenario but it was a looong few days for me to say the least. I'd stay away from that guy

From start to finish, we had a wonderful experience with Chris Russell and his awesome team at The Great Outdoors Sunrooms and Shade Solutions, Inc. Chris was very thorough in his explanation when he provided us an estimate to demolish and haul away an old wooden deck and construct a 21X16 foot Trex deck. He inquired if a veteran or first responder discount was applicable (usually the customer must ask for this). He was happy to honor the discount, for which we are grateful.
The work began when he said it would and was completed in the time frame Chris quoted. We found Chris to be very prompt and professional in response to our phone calls and/or text messages.
The work crew was simply amazing! Josue, the foreman, and his crew (Marvin, Diego, Christian, Quinton, and Robbie) were respectful of our property, so polite and professional, and did outstanding work! We couldn't be happier with the new deck!
We are so blessed to have crossed paths with Chris. It is without hesitation that we recommend Chris and his team from the Great Outdoors Sunrooms and Shade Solutions, Inc. If we were ever to need any of the other services his company provides, we would hire him again without any reservations.
It is refreshing to have such a positive experience in today's business world.

We had a two man crew, Marvin and Diego. They arrived on time as promised. The men worked steadily through both days, removing my old porch screen and old wood. They installed new vinyl covered lumber and new screening. They also removed my old wooden screen door and put a lovely door in its place. Once the job was completed, they spent additional time cleaning up everything. The old parts were hauled away, all of the surfaces were wiped down, and we had a beautiful new living space. Marvin and Diego thank you for an excellent job. Great Outdoors, you guys are awesome. I give 5 stars across the board.

Roof replacement, from the time meeting with Chris till the completion of the job, everything was very professional. The installers did a fantastic job and were also very tidy and professional. All of our questions were answered to our satisfaction! I would highly recommend this company!
*Window replacement installation-from a friend that’s not on social media…My windows are beautiful, installed in a timely manner and Chris was a delight to work with. I’m a very happy customer.

7/2024 Great Outdoors began work on my deck which was redesigned and replacement of most of the rotting deck. It took much longer than discussed to get started on the project. But once started the workmanship was excellent, the crew was polite attentive and very neat. The work was done quickly and I could not be happier with the results, I got a great deck at a great price. I know there are a lot of negative reviews but no problems in my experience. Two years ago I bought a house I knew needed some work and planned for many improvements, every contractor I’ve used so far has been very good but very stretched with personnel issues. If you can be patient, this guy does excellent work.

After arranging a start date for the first week of July, Chris' team of 2 arrived Tuesday, and only after my repeated calls and messages. Demolition of the old and framing for the new completed in about 6 hours. Soon after Chris arrived for another check. Long story short, he won't be back for 2 weeks because he didn't get my check in time to place the windows order. We shall see if it will be a happy ending.
Update. Repeated calls and as of today, no additional work has been done. The original agreement promised work completed by first week of July. Buyer beware!

I would give Chris Russell and this company a minus number if I could. He had taken $27000 from me and I haven’t been able to communicate with him since I gave him the last check on June 6th. I am elderly and am filing a police report bc fraud or exploitation on anyone over 65 is a felony. Stay away from him.

Worst ever. Going back 4 years but just now finding out they never scheduled a final inspection on my permit. This led to delays on selling my house. Not to mention I was forced to pay in August and only got action in February the following year after I threatened to file a complaint with the Department of Justice. The roof still leaks. Piece of shot company. Do not waste your time with them, too many other reputable companies out there. I only gave them a 1 because 0 was not an option.

BEFORE YOU SIGN CONTRACT OR WRITE A CHECK PLEASE READ!!!!

I'm still praying that Chris and Great Outdoors will make right on their commitment but based on the comments I see below I have very little confidence. I met w/ the owner Chris on March 7th and signed a contract and made a deposit of $3298 on March 8th. At that time I was told they were about a month out and was provided with an estimated start of 4-6 weeks. I began calling the company and leaving voicemails daily at the start of week 5 (4/8/24) for an updated timeline but never received a response. At the end of week 6 (4/17/24), I spoke with representative of the company, she was unable to provide an update but did offer advice that I text Chris since he typically responded back faster to text. On Friday 4/19/24 I received a response back from Chris to my text message stating they were behind schedule do to rain but were planning to start my project the week of 4/29/24. The week of 4/29 came and went with no service and or communication. I called the company phone as well as called/text Chris directly each day that week but never received a response. My messages and calls continued into the next week, and finally on Tuesday (5/8/24) I received a response back from Chris. Very similar to the previous message pointing the delay to weather and staffing challenges as a result of illness. Chris promised to call me the next day (5/9/24) to provide an updated schedule for the project. As of 2:00 pm (5/14/24) I have not received any communication from Chris or his company (WEEK 10).

Chris, as I've stated in my calls and text; if your company is unable to provide my service please just let me know and I can pursue other plans. Please show some professionalism and get back to me ASAP.

I contacted the Great Outdoors for an estimate to provide a rollup sunscreen to the front of my retractable Sunesta awning. Chris arrived at my home on time and I explained what I was seeking for a solution to block the sun.
Chris suggested to simply lower the angle of the awning with a simple adjustment that he helped me with. Now my awning will block the sun during sunset, allowing us to utilize our deck fully. Thanks Chris for your exemplary support and honesty resolving my awning issue.

We engaged Chris and his team build our deck in Lewes. The entire experience was excellent…from the contract process to post installation customer service, I can not say enough about this company. If you are looking for a straightforward, honest customer experience that exceeds expectations, go with The Great Outdoors!

I contacted this company in May 2023 for an awning installation. Sal came over measured and assured me when my HOA approved the request the awning would installed in 6-8 weeks. I gave a 50% deposit. It is now December 12 and I have no awning and no response from this company. Filed complaints with the BBB of Delaware as well as the Attorney General's office who has submitted it to their next level. Still no response from this company Paperwork sent to the DOJ states that the awning was ordered November 8; verified with Sunesta and that delivery would be Nov 30. Absolutely no contact from this company. I will be contacting tv stations and putting my complaint on the air, I will also be taking this company to court. I want my deposit back but it will cost them more money now. PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY. They do not deserve any star rating but had to give one to post this review. They was awful

The Great Outdoors built a beautiful, super nice screened porch for me. It is all vinyl, has a fan and well built. The guys worked steady and cleaned up nicely when they were done. I love it!

DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY!! We gave him a check in April and for half of a deck step project that was to be completed by Memorial Day. Over the next few months we learned that he had no business license with the town and he seems to always has some excuse about the county or the town being the hold up.
We have left voicemails and called and nothing has been done 6 months later. Next step is to report for contractor fraud.

We had a sunroom out
In last December (after a delay of 6 months) and have had nothing but grief with the room ever since. The latest problem has been the door coming inside from the back. Water pours (literally) almost every time it rains. We had to replace the entire door only to find out the water has been leaking in from the window above the door! Window is being held in barely with a ton of caulking! This company should be shut down for a multitude of reasons, in particular a salesman who b.s.’s his potential customers, shoddy workmanship, cheap building materials, poor business practices, lack of communication and lying to customers, etc etc etc. DO NOT CONTRACT WITH THEM UNLESS YOU WANT A MONEY PIT FOR A SUNROOM!

Very pleased with final product. Work was started later than promised, if there was any rain, there was no work done the entire day (even if it only rained a little in the am), ZERO communication unless initiated by us (then took all day or longer to get response), used our recycle bin for non-recyclables, did not notify us when.completed...just left and didn't put any of the furniture back on porch. Project took at least a week longer than quoted. As stated in beginning, we are happy with the finished project.....so far.

Been waiting since April for windows that are falling apart to be replaced under the warranty. Texted, called owner Chris as well as office (both mailboxes full) numerous times with no response whatsoever. Even contacted his subcontractor and he doesn’t know anything either. Very poor customer service and would never use again nor recommend to anyone.
Guess I won’t get my windows now since the con artist has been arrested.

Was very pleased with this company,reliable,quality work and friendly people.Chris was very professional and on time with estimates and workers,they did 100% of everything I asked,I will be using them again,thanks again!

We contracted with Chris from The Great Outdoors to screen in our existing new build concrete patio. We got several estimates and although his was not the lowest it wasn’t the highest either. After a miss up regarding our email address , communication went without a hitch. Once we received the HOA approval the job was scheduled and completed within 3 business days. The professionalism , workmanship and talent of the crew Mike,Josh and Andrew is absolutely wonderful. Very very happy , thanks so much!

New deck is beautiful. Workers were Josh, Mike and Andrew. They were all professional, great at their job and very pleasant to communicate with. We have 6 rescue dogs and they went the extra mile to make sure the dogs could get in and out while the work was going on. Would definitely use this company again. Thank you

Unfortunately this is the only Sunesta dealer in Sussex county. Chris R. Came by to see what needed to be repaired for my automated sunesta shades for my pergola. Till this day this irresponsible and unprofessional business never answered my calls or text. I also reached out to Sunesta which is another story of irresponsible not customer oriented businesses. Stay away. I only needed the puley hooks replaced and stabilize the pergola posts which you ignored and I only declined the quote for a shade for the top of the pergola but never for fixing the pulley hooks. Get your story straight

Our deck and awning exceeded our expectations. The crew worked long days and were very professional. Chris was very nice. Someday, when we are ready to screen in our porch, we will be contacting The Great Outdoors. You should too!

Chris was very professional and friendly. Stuck to his quote and kept us up to date and informed every step of the way. I would highly recommend them for your job.

The owner Christopher Russell is nothing less than a thief. I had an existing deck closed in by this horrible company. They only completed about 75% of the job and they stopped coming. They were paid 100% of the money. They also did not get any of the necessary permits to do the work. I would not trust this company.

Chris how do you live with yourself. Everything I have said is true. You have been sent numerous emails with things that you and your company have not completed. Now I’m fighting with the town because you never pulled any permits. I hope you did not forget that I have cameras all around that record audio also. See you soon

They did an amazing job. A 4 Season room & a deck. We received a lot of compliments from our neighbors. I would definitely use them again.

The Great Outdoors & Sunroom Sales Rep (Chris Russell) was very knowledgable and professional in designing our 18 x 22 Deck and his crew of Carpenters were very curtious, Hard working, and very good at there craft. We were very pleased with the deck they designed and built.

Jim & Donna Kay

What a pleasure it was contracting The Great Outdoors Sunrooms & Shade Solutions to furnish and install a pavered patio.
"Sal" B. O(our sales rep) was congenial, knowledgeable, patient, and above all professional. Kia (the office manager) kept us informed with timely updates and always answered our project related questions.
We were very fortunate to have had Angel G (the crew chief) assigned to do the job. What a talented individual!!! His work ethic and attention to detail is admirable and a rarity in todays world. Assisted by his hard working team: (Jose, Pedro, and Miguel) they completed project within an a totally acceptable time frame.
We are ABSOLUTELY thrilled with the end result. Kuddos to Chris (the company owner) for providing us with an exemplary construction experience.
The Workleys'
Two very satisfied customers
Milton, DE.

Beautiful job!!!!quality work and good quality products. The crew worked together well. Took down our old deck and built our beautiful deck in 3 days.

At first all seemed well. Then as construction continued they had many supply problems and as it turned out did sub par work. It is now 4 yrs later and I’m having serious problems with their work and they won’t even answer the phone to talk about my supposedly life time warranty’s, I would never use them again

My porch enclosure was done in December of 2021. I have called the office for the last several months trying to get it resolved . Every time I’ve called it’s been the same things from the receptionist . EXAMPLES, I’ve told them, No one has called you, I’ll give you a call back in and hour. My porch enclosure still not complete and no one from the company seems to care about my concerns. VERY DISAPPOINTED CUSTOMER

The Great Outdoors just completed a beautiful sunroom for us. PROS: We replaced our slider door with French Doors and installed the vinyl windows that are great. They matched perfectly the trex flooring we had already in order to enlarge the footprint. The contractors were efficient and worked hard to complete this project. CONS: The design for the outside deck is weird and not practical nor really usable. We added skylights to the roof and they are small - too small really. Otherwise, the job was done well. Not cheap but good workmanship.

Please do not used this company. They take your money with a smile. I'm been waiting for them since September to finish my 3 season room with hot tub are and grill area. They started in February after repeated phone calls and text. I had to get my permit in their name because they Lied and said they had it. DO NOT BELIEVE ANYTHING THEY SAY. PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY. By the way they don't answer. Sal was nice at first to get the contract. Then he as well as Chris is very nasty. As previously reviews stated the do not communicate after taking your money. It has been a HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE. Don't waste your time it's not worth it. I will be filing official report with the better business burea. I also made dispute with loan company Greensky which because of so many complaints they are no longer allowing customers to use them. Also they hire outside people to do the work.

It’s a shame because the gentlemen who came out and gave us the estimate was nice and worked with us on price. The deck looks nice besides a few little fixes, and we are happy with it overall. I never write reviews, but I have to share how awful it is to deal with the lady who answers the phone. The deck railing was a bit crooked so we contacted the company no less than 15 times over the past few months to ask the status of the railing because it’s our vacation home and we aren’t always there. We also inquired about additional jobs like siding. The receptionist/scheduler woman was ALWAYS confused and could never remember our previous conversations. Her go-to line is “okay let me give them a call, and I’ll call you right back.” She NEVER calls back or has anyone call back, and she’s ALWAYS confused! After about the 10th+ call, the company did send workers out to repair the railing. My husband only knew that because he was at the beach house when the workers were there. However, they did not finish the repairs that day, and my husband had to leave. The confused receptionist lady never communicated it to us so everything was always a mystery! We haven’t been back down to inspect it. We have called since they went out, and we can’t get any clear answer from the receptionist. She never remembers our name or job, but she assures us she will call us back without confirming our phone number. We’ve also expressed interest in them doing our siding and asked for quotes for that. She won’t let us speak with anyone in their company. Either she plays the fool because they tell her to or there’s something really wrong and she needs help. Regardless, I hope the owner sees this and corrects this problem/hires a new person/whatever because I’m sure they are losing a lot of business due to this. It’s a shame!

I contracted with them to build a deck, screen in a porch and build a patio with a firepit in July 2020. The contract stated 6-7 weeks for start date and 10 days for completion, after starting. I will not get into detail as it would take too long and it makes my blood boil just thinking about this whole experience,. The deck was completed in October 2020 and the patio was finished in July 2021. The screened in porch was canceled as we could not get any answers as to when that would be done. Bottom line, Chris is a POOR COMMUNICATOR. He does not answer emails or texts. I used that form of communication so I would have a record of his answers. I have a lot more to say about this company but it just isn't worth it. I would never consider using this company again and will definitely not recommend them to anyone. As a previous customer posted BUYER BEWARE.

Don’t believe any of the posts that are favorable. I gave these guys $4269 last November. They both came to my house Sal when he sold me and Chris in June telling me it would be done by end of July. To date No sunroom and I have asked for my deposit back. Crickets. Now I have to get a lawyer to sue to get back my money. Stupid on their part because it will cost them more than the $4269. They don’t return calls, letters, texts or even when I went to their office and told their secretary to tell Chris I wanted a return of my money and please call me. NOTHING!
BUYER BE WHERE!!!!!!

I wish that these horrible reviews that I am now seeing here, on homeadvisor.com and Facebook were posted before signing my contract for a 3 season room back in September of 2020. The salesman Sal that came to my home was great. He took my $7,500.00 deposit and told me their process of getting the permits from both the county and my home owners association. The contract stated the work would start in about 2 months. After 3 months I started to worry, only to find out the permits were not even applied for and the paperwork that I gave them for my HOA was never completed. I have left many messages by phone and text to both Sal and their office with no replies back from them. I am trying all avenues possible to get my money back at this time. I was recently told that they fired the person who was in charge of obtaining my permits. As of today 4-2-21, they have not even contacted my HOA or filled out the paperwork that I gave the salesman Sal 7 months ago. I am disabled and feel that I was taken advantage of by this company along with being ripped off for $7,500.00. Before giving them any money make sure to carefully read through the entire contract and not take them for their word like I did. I would highly recommend to stay clear of this company (If in fact that they really are a company)

This company is a complete joke and disappointment. They are quick to take your money but take forever to either complete a job or repair a job they have completed. Chris the owner is horrible when it comes to customer service and communication as we have called and texted him multiple times with no reply back. This company will give you the run around until they are blue in the face. Sal is a great sales man. That's the only good thing i can say about this company . They will start a job and take months to complete. They also take advantage of the elderly. STAY AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY. Trust me it will save you a headache. HORRIBLE HORRIBLE is all i can say. Very unprofessional!!! STAY AWAY!!!!

almost a year and job still not complete. they ask for final payment but job is not done. no response no resolution. very upset with customer service and job is not complete

UPDATE: January 28,2021
Over a year now still living in a construction zone with three kids. Horrible company leaving a veteran and family out and cold air coming in horrible quality or what work was done and consistent lying. Do not trust save your money. Siding was not installed correctly neither were the windows as we have come to find out cheap material and cheap workmanship. Incomplete work. Going other avenues to get this rectified.

Great Outdoor did a great job replacing my deck and enclosing a screen porch. They did an excellent job making sure everything was structurally sound and added additional joists and supports to a previous undersupported screened porch. Everything they do is to building code or surpasses it. They were easy to work with and responsive.

The Great Outdoors was GREAT! Sal was amazing and gave us all the information I requested, ordered the awning and it was built and installed within 2 weeks! NOBODY could have matched that. I am extremely satisfied, the installers were amazing and had the entire job done in 3 hours. They were friendly, showed me how everything worked, and cleaned up everything after they were done. Truly the exception and did a fantastic job! I would recommend The Great Outdoors and Sunesta to any and everyone thats looking for an awning. I have already gotten many compliments and it looks amazing! Truly awesome company and product. You are all winners in my book!

We loved the work that our installer did. He was professional and answered all of our questions and did a thorough job cleaning up. The only reason why we gave them three stars is that the company itself is very unprofessional. We were not notified when the windows were ordered, we were not notified when the windows came in. We were called at 10:30 in the morning and told that the installers would be at our house by noon. We informed him that we would not be home and he wanted to come anyway. I skipped my grandson's graduation so that I could be home when they came. I tried several times to contact the company to let them know that I would be home. There was no answer or answering machine to contact anyone at the office. I then tried to contact the salesperson on his phone and got nowhere. For over 90 minutes I tried to let someone know that I was going to be home. They started the job the following day and the installers were amazing. When the job was completed I contacted Frank from the office and asked him to have my salesperson call me when the charges were posted. No call from him or anyone else. The charges posted and I tried to contact the salesperson and he just kept telling me that it was procedure and I should be happy with the results. Very poor customer service. Love the product and the installers.