In the 1960s, long before Bates & Sons became a trusted name in Aiken home design, two brothers pedaled through Crosland Park with lawnmowers tied behind a two-seater bicycle. Johnnie and Ronny Bates were just boys then. They worked diligently, saying yes to small jobs neighbors requested. Grass cutting soon turned into odd repairs which then grew into more substantial tasks. When it came time to lay out pricing, Johnny turned to his father Tom for guidance, unknowingly laying the foundation for a family business that would endure generations.
What began as a childhood hustle, slowly evolved into a home improvement and construction company framed by integrity, accountability and pride in workmanship. Through the 1970s and ’80s, as Aiken developed, so did Bates & Sons. In 1978, Johnny and Tom formally incorporated their business, anchoring the company in family values that would remain unchanged even as services expanded and demand increased.
“It just kept growing as the town grew,” says Johnny’s son and current owner Todd Bates. “It’s been a steady evolution for my family along with Aiken.”
Today, Todd leads Bates & Sons after purchasing the company from his family, continuing their legacy with the same personal approach that built its reputation. With a team of six, the company focuses on meticulous craftsmanship and thoughtful design. This philosophy is evident in the work Bates & Sons is most popular for today: custom sunrooms and screened-in living spaces.
Sunrooms, for Todd, are about light, comfort and livability for the family.
“We listen first,” he explains. “We want to understand how our customers intend to use the space before we design it.”
Some homeowners want a fully climate-controlled extension of their home with heating and air. Others prefer the relaxed feel of a screened porch or an Easy-Breeze three-season room that still allows fresh air to move through. Bates & Sons designs each space around lifestyle not trends.
That said, Todd notes a clear return to glass-forward designs. Homeowners are choosing expansive picture windows, sliding glass panels, tinted glass and traditional double-hung windows to create rooms that feel open, refined and connected to the outdoors. Many clients also want these spaces to feel distinct from the rest of the home. They desire a retreat that brings in natural light while maintaining a certain level of comfort year-round.
From initial consultation to completion, the process is collaborative and deliberate. After contacting the office, homeowners meet with the team to discuss vision and function. Depending on the scope, Bates & Sons handles everything from permits and plans to foundations, framing, roofing and final installation. Materials are ordered with care, timelines are clearly communicated and craftsmanship remains consistent from start to finish.
The company offers a one-year labor warranty and works with long-standing, American-made manufacturers, but Todd is quick to say they often go beyond what’s written.
“We are committed to excellent service before and after a sale,” he says. “We have worked with the same manufacturers for many years. Almost everything we install is American made.”
Thoughtful planning is central to every sunroom project. The team considers sun exposure throughout the day, wall space for televisions or décor, and energy efficiency to ensure comfort even on the coldest days.
“Those small details make all the difference,” Todd notes. “This is why we work with many repeat customers. We treat people the way we would want to be treated.”
Beyond sunrooms, Bates & Sons also provides window installations, screen rooms, Easy-Breeze enclosures and gutter services. With the next generation waiting in the wings, their story continues to be guided by time-honored principles and a lasting commitment to Aiken.
Located at 4310 Vaucluse Road in Aiken, SC.
(803)648-3581