Replacement Windows Buyers Guide

Installing new windows require knowledge and experience. For that reason, you should hire a professional window contractor. You need someone reliable, with good reputation, and several years of experience. However, how do you know who is the best contractor for the job.

Hiring someone to do a job for you, require some research. It is not different when searching for a window contractor. Your primary goal is to have the job done properly, from the beginning to the end. The following are some tips that will help you to choose the right person to install the new windows.

Interview
You must interview the person that might be installing your new windows. This is the best way to find out some important information. Make sure that the home windows contractor shows excitement and commitment. The interview will assure you that the replacement windows will be properly installed. Furthermore, your money will be spent wisely.

Get full name and address of the business
It is your best interest to hire someone close to your home. In the case of a problem, it will be easier to stop by at the business and talk to someone. Moreover, you have a better chance to get better service from someone close to home than one from far away.

Liability and worker’s compensation insurance
Insurance and workers comp is not required in most states, to replace windows. However, It is wise to hire a contractor with these types of insurance. In case of an accident, you will be protected. You do not want to end up paying your window contractor because he broke his leg or his arm while working at your home. Keep in mind that someone without insurance will probably be from 20% to 100% less expensive. However, the risk is very high when working with someone that is uninsured.

License and/or credentialed contractor
Please be aware that these are two different things. There are some states and cities that require for window contractors to pass a written test to get a license. You must check whether or not is required by your state or city. However, be aware of a business license. This is only a tax requirement, nothing to do with the person’s competence.

On the other hand, window manufacturers sometimes offer programs and classes about home windows, and other important necessary skills and knowledge. A window contractor with this kind of credentials shows you that he is really taking his profession seriously. Moreover, it is a good indicator of the degree of his knowledge.

Years of experience
We all believe that the more years of experience the better. This is also true with window contractors. In this kind of business, the first three years have a very high failure rate. However, do not trust everyone with many year of experience. Furthermore, do not ignore everyone with no years of experience. You must put all these tips together and select the right window contractor.

References
Getting a list of names and telephone numbers of some of the recent customers will help you to find out more about the contractor. You can also ask for photos of some of the jobs done. However, keep in mind that not many contractors keep photos of their job.

Warranty
A good window contractor or business should give you some type of warranty just in case something goes wrong. You can expect to get from 6 to 12 months of labor warranty. And, most manufacturers offer from 1 year to many years, on parts. Make sure to understand what the warranty actually covers.

Now you are more knowledgeable about what to look in a window contractor. The installation of the replacement windows could be flawless if you keep all these tips in mind.