How To Choose The Best Window Replacement Company

Replacement windows are an investment that can add both value to your home and convenience to your life. Working with the best window company is essential to ensure that the job doesn’t inconvenience you for an extended period. Improve your chances of a pleasant experience by choosing the best window replacement company. You have a lot of options. So how do you select a window company?

Tips On How To Choose The Best Window Replacement Company

Read Online Reviews

First, brush up on those online reviews before hiring a window contractor. Both Google reviews and Angie’s List are helpful when you’re deciding. See if the contractor is considered by other homeowners to be well-prepared, completed the work by the deadline, and stuck to the estimate While you can’t rely 100% on online reviews, they are a good indicator. If you see a contractor with a trend of people making the statement that they went over budget, for example, this is indicative of an overall lack of compliance with your budget. Steer clear!

Ask For Referrals From Friends

Your friends, neighbors, and family members are often fantastic resources for contractors.

Do you have a friend or neighbor whose home you admire? Do they love their replacement windows? Ask them what window company they used. Also, be sure to ask them if they’d hire them again, any problems they encountered, and how the installer resolved any issues that arose.

This is all tremendous first-hand information you’re getting from an actual customer who is likely comfortable being honest with you about the experience.

Ask Window Companies For Certifications And Licenses

Once you’ve narrowed the field with online reviews or a referral from a friend, ask your candidates about any certifications that they may hold.

Certifications show that the window company is skilled, has the experience, and is committed to the industry. On the other hand, licenses prove that the company is registered with and legally permitted by state or local laws to perform the work.

Certifications and business licenses can separate the top window contractors from fly-by-night operators who could leave you dissatisfied.

Contractor Insurance Requirements

Find out if your final candidates hold the proper insurance policies to protect you while they work on your property.

They should have the following insurances:

• Liability Insurance protects you from damages if the contractor accidentally damages your property or hurts someone on your property while he’s working.
• Workers’ Compensation to cover you from liability if the contractor or one of his helpers gets injured on the job.
• License Bonding guarantees that if a contractor leaves with work that’s not to code (or is faulty), the insurance will take care of the damages. This makes you, the homeowner, off the hook with the authorities and puts the liability back onto the contractor’s insurance company.

Ask the window company to share a copy of his insurance certification with you. Then, call the insurance agent listed on the certificate to make sure that his insurance is still in good standing.

Warranties

Finally, ask the window company about warranties. In some cases, there will be “manufacturer’s warranties.” Reputable window companies will provide a materials warranty.

However, you also want to make sure that he offers a written warranty on his artistry. This binding agreement means that if he leaves the job and an issue develops within a particular time (usually one year), he will be more likely to come back to fix it for you. Sadly, disreputable contractors have made this agreement necessary to give homeowners the peace of mind they need before spending their money.

Wrap-up

Don’t hire a window company without doing your homework. Ask these hard questions and do your research before you hire any contractor so that you will have a wonderful experience. Replacement windows are a substantial investment. Choose the best window company, and you’ll enjoy the results for many years to come.