Replacing the windows in your home is a big investment. Depending on the size of your home and the number of windows, it can be thousands of dollars. Because of this, you want to make sure the installation is done right. If your windows aren’t installed well, they won’t look right and they won’t work as they should. Finding the right company for your installation is key.
Get Multiple Bids for Your New Window Installation
Some window companies go for the hard sell. A salesman who comes to do your estimate will want to close the deal the same day. They will offer incentives, show you plenty of data, and urge you to make the decision right away. It can be hard to resist this kind of sales strategy, but like any other home improvement, a reputable company will encourage getting multiple bids or estimates. If a company tries to discourage you, it may be a red flag. If a contractor leaves you with the bid and encourages you to compare it with others, that’s a sign of a contractor who has faith in their work. With some companies, the only person you may make contact with during the bid process is the salesman, but they won’t be the one doing the work.
Ask for the Specifics
Get bids that include the window brands, how many windows you’re replacing, the size and type, and any add ons. Your bid should also include installation details. Is there existing damage to repair? How will the windows be sealed and insulated? A good installer will also be able to let you know about how long the job will take, and will be able to walk you through what the process will look like. If a contractor says that all the removal will take place before any installation of new windows, ask what the reasoning is. A good contractor will usually replace each window immediately after removal of the old one. If all the windows are removed and a problem comes up, you could be staring at plywood covered window openings for days.
Do Your Homework
- Is the installer certified and manufacturer trained?
- Do they carry insurance?
- Do they guarantee their work?
- Are they licensed?
- How long has the company been in business locally?
Once you have the basics covered, look for references from local homeowners. Checking sites like Angie’s List or the Better Business Bureau will generally let you know if there’s a history of positive or negative feedback. When you first reach out, note how the company interacts with you. Do they return calls promptly? Are they professional in your interactions? You can often get a good sense of how an installer will be on the job by how they interact with you while getting your estimate.
Stay Local
While national companies offer flashy sales pitches, local contractors are focused on the community they serve, and it’s in their best interest to do quality work because most of their business comes from word of mouth and is based on their reputation. This is not a project homeowners do often, so companies have little room for error when working to gain satisfied customers. When you stay local, you can look at the work and even talk to previous clients about their specific experiences. You can find out whether a company finishes their work in the promised time period. You can discover how problems were handled.
With such a big investment in your home comes the big job of finding the right installer. Speaking to local contractors and asking the right questions when you get your estimates is the right first step in the process. We’re excited to hear you’re thinking about getting those old windows finally replaced! We are proud of our local community and our reputation. Contact us for a virtual appointment to talk about your new windows today!
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