When it comes to replacing the windows in your home, hiring the right contractor is equally as important as the new windows you select. Quality windows are available in a variety of styles and materials and can be purchased from many different places but hiring the right contractor will make or break your window replacement project.
Knowing how to choose the right window installer will ensure that the job is done correctly, and the windows you select will perform as they are intended to.
Here are some helpful tips to finding the right window company:
Do Your Research Ahead of Time
Windows come in a wide variety of styles and materials, so one trick to finding the right company to do your window replacement is to decide in advance which windows are best for your home. Then find a company who offers or even specializes in those types of windows. Knowing what you want ahead of time, or at least having an idea, can make the hiring process a little easier and less stressful than going into it without doing any research at all on your own first.
Get More Than One Bid
Rather than hire the first company you call, it’s always a good idea to obtain a few bids first. Ideally a bid should specify which types of products and materials the contractor will use, as well as which materials and labor are included (or not included) in the price. A proper bid should also specify a start and a finish date.
The more detailed and specific a bid is, the better because this will prevent certain issues from arising later, such as misunderstandings about what was covered or wasn’t covered. Request that the payment terms be included in the bid as well if they aren’t already. If the contractor is asking for the entire amount up front, then that’s a red flag and you should look elsewhere. Bids should only require a downpayment of 20 to 30 percent at the start of the job, with the rest being paid throughout the project or at the completion. Check your state laws as some states limit the amount a contractor can charge for a down payment.
Read the Fine Print
Should a problem arise after your window replacement project is completed, you want to ensure that you’re covered under the warranty. A standard window warranty is typically around 10 years or so, but the contractor should also offer some type of workmanship warranty or guarantee for the first couple of years after the window replacement project is finished.
Check References and Reputation
When it comes to checking references, it’s always a good idea to check for both the window replacement company and the window manufacturer. You want to choose a company with a good, solid reputation as a window product supplier. Request to view a portfolio of previous jobs they’ve done and ask for references from prior customers. When you’re obtaining bids from various companies, make sure to thoroughly evaluate and investigate the company’s reputation and history, experience and expertise in window replacement, and reviews and word of mouth from prior clients and their level of satisfaction and take all of these factors into account before making your final decision.
Choosing the right company to perform your window replacement is the most important step in ensuring that the project is a success, so it’s crucial that you take your time and go with a local, established company with an upstanding reputation for getting the job done right. Armorvue Home Exteriors has been installing quality windows in addition to several other exterior home improvement products for decades, and we have the reputation and workmanship you’d expect from a local industry leader. Contact us today for a virtual appointment to talk about your exterior home improvement projects today!
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