Updated 21 September 2026 · Reviewed by the Umbrella Tent & Shades project team
A useful car parking shade quotation starts with a clear description of the site, the parking layout and the work required. The contractor does not need a complete engineering package at the first stage, but accurate preliminary information helps identify the right questions and avoids assumptions that can delay the proposal.
For projects in Saudi Arabia, the quotation should also identify the city and any site conditions that may influence material selection, steel protection, access or installation planning. The final dimensions, foundations and structural requirements must still be confirmed through the approved design process for the specific project.
1. Identify the project location and site use
State the project city and explain what type of property the parking area serves, such as an office, school, warehouse, residential compound, hospital or industrial facility. A site in Dammam or Khobar may require discussion of coastal exposure and the specified protective coating, while a Riyadh project may have different access, dust and operational conditions.
If the site is already operating, mention working-hour limits, permit requirements, restricted areas and whether vehicles must continue using part of the car park during installation.
2. Share the parking layout
Provide the number of parking bays and, where possible, a marked site plan showing bay lines, drive aisles, entrances and exits. If a drawing is unavailable, clear photographs and approximate measurements can help with an initial review.
The layout should show anything that may affect the shade position, including:
- kerbs, wheel stops and pedestrian routes;
- walls, gates and building entrances;
- light poles, signs, trees and landscaping;
- drainage channels and inspection covers;
- underground or overhead services; and
- accessible parking spaces and loading areas.
This information helps the designer study column positions without unnecessarily obstructing doors, vehicle movement or pedestrian access.
3. Explain the coverage you need
Describe whether the requirement is for a single row, two back-to-back rows, a boundary row or a larger parking field. If a particular design is already specified, name it. If not, state that you want the contractor to recommend a suitable arrangement after reviewing the site.
Single and double cantilever layouts are common options, but their suitability depends on the actual bay arrangement, available support zones and circulation. The choice should not be made from the shade name alone.
4. Provide approximate dimensions as preliminary information
Share the approximate length and depth of the area to be covered, together with the number and arrangement of bays. Do not present preliminary measurements as final construction dimensions.
Final geometry should be coordinated with the surveyed site, approved drawings, vehicle clearance, fabric form, drainage approach, structural calculations and applicable project requirements.
5. State the required shade material or performance brief
If the project specification names a fabric, include it. Common options for shade structures can include HDPE mesh, PVC-coated polyester and selected PVDF-coated membrane systems, depending on the intended coverage, detailing and approved manufacturer system.
If no material has been selected, explain the main objective instead. For example, the project may prioritise solar shading and ventilation, broader weather coverage, a particular appearance, or coordination with an existing facility standard. Ask for the proposed product name and current manufacturer documentation with the quotation.
For a fuller comparison, see the shade materials guide.
6. Confirm the steel-finish requirement
State whether the project requires painted, powder-coated or hot-dip galvanized steel. For coastal, industrial or owner-controlled sites, include the coating specification exactly as issued in the tender or project documents.
Do not replace an owner or consultant specification with a generic coating description. Projects near the coast should be reviewed with the relevant exposure and maintenance requirements in mind; the coastal shade-planning guide provides additional context.
7. Define the requested scope of work
Clarify what the contractor is expected to include. A scope may involve site review, design, engineering, fabrication, supply, installation, fabric replacement or repair, but the quotation should not assume every item is included.
Where applicable, identify who is responsible for:
- site survey and setting out;
- design calculations and drawings;
- approvals and permits;
- excavation and foundations;
- relocation or protection of services;
- steel fabrication and coating;
- membrane supply and installation;
- reinstatement of paving or landscaping; and
- inspection and handover documents.
A clear scope makes proposals easier to compare.
8. Attach useful photographs and documents
Wide photographs should show the entire parking row, while closer images can record kerbs, walls, existing columns, paving, drainage and service covers. Mark the intended shade area on a plan or image if possible.
Attach any available architectural, civil, utility or parking-layout drawings. Use the current revision and identify whether each document is for information, quotation or construction.
9. State the programme and site restrictions
Give the required completion period or tender return date without asking the contractor to promise an unverified installation duration. Mention security induction, delivery restrictions, work permits, school calendars, operating hours or other constraints that may affect planning.
The programme can only be confirmed after the scope, approvals, material availability and site readiness have been reviewed.
A practical quotation-request checklist
Before submitting the inquiry, check that it includes:
- project city and site type;
- number and arrangement of parking bays;
- approximate dimensions, marked as preliminary;
- plan, photographs or both;
- preferred shade layout, if already selected;
- required fabric or performance brief;
- required steel finish or coating specification;
- requested design, fabrication and installation scope;
- known site-access or operating restrictions;
- drawings and specifications available for review; and
- required proposal date and intended project programme.
What happens after the request is submitted?
The first review should identify missing information, possible layout options and whether a site visit or survey is required. A responsible proposal should separate confirmed requirements from assumptions and exclusions.
Final fabrication and installation information should follow the approved design, site verification and project-specific engineering. An online example or unverified standard size is insufficient.
Frequently asked questions
Can I request a quotation without drawings?
Yes. Clear photographs, the project city, an approximate bay count and preliminary measurements can support an initial discussion. Drawings or a site survey may still be required before design approval or a final scope is confirmed.
Should I choose the shade material before requesting a quotation?
Not necessarily. If the project specification does not name a material, explain the required coverage, appearance, exposure and maintenance priorities. The proposal can then identify an appropriate product for technical review.
Why does the contractor need to know the column locations?
Columns affect vehicle doors, manoeuvring, pedestrian routes, kerbs, foundations and underground services. Their position must be coordinated with the whole parking layout rather than selected in isolation.
Is a preliminary size enough for fabrication?
No. Preliminary sizes can support budgeting and layout discussion, but construction information should be based on verified site conditions, approved drawings and project-specific engineering.
What should I include for a coastal project?
Identify the location, exposure and any owner or consultant coating specification. Ask the contractor to state the proposed steel-protection system and maintenance assumptions clearly.
Request a project review
Use the quotation form to send the project city, parking-bay information, approximate dimensions and available drawings or photographs. You can also email the brief to info@umbrellatentshades.com. For a quick response, message us on WhatsApp.
For service details, visit car parking shades in Saudi Arabia. Local service information is also available for Dammam, Khobar and Riyadh.