Today’s replacement windows are engineered to insulate, protect, and beautify your home. But they won’t function as they should if they aren’t installed properly. Finding the right window contractor is a vital part of the equation if you want to get the most out of your new windows for years to come.
Here are some questions to ask as you choose your window contractor.
What to Ask Your Window Contractor
When your home needs new windows, find a reputable and experienced window replacement contractor so you can move forward with confidence. They’ll not only ensure you get the lasting results you desire, but they’ll also give you great advice along the way as you choose optimal window styles, colors, hardware, and insulation features.
The window replacement process can be seamless with the right fit in a contractor. Here are some questions to ask to ensure you get the best window contractor for your needs:
1. Which window manufacturers do you use most and why?
There are trusted, local manufacturers (like A-Craft and Mon-Ray) and a wide variety of other reliable manufacturers (like Marvin, Sunrise, Andersen, and Pella).
2. Do you give free window assessments and estimates?
Rather than assuming the estimate will be free (and possibly finding out you were wrong), ask directly what they charge to come to your home, measure your windows, and provide a written estimate. It helps to know what to expect, so ask if they do virtual visits or in-home visits. Accurate measurements are critical to a successful window installation, so we encourage you to find a contractor who comes to your home to measure.
3. Tell me about the energy savings I can expect with window replacements
Energy efficiency is one of the big perks you receive with replacement windows. Find out what you can expect in the area of savings from the various options available to you.
4. What makes your company stand out from the others?
Why not find out their biggest strengths by asking them directly? You’re about to invest in something that will impact you on a daily basis, so ensure you have the top contractor for your needs.
5. Could you tell me about your experience with window installation?
Ask how many years they have installed windows and how their workers are trained to do the installations.
6. Who does the window installation?
Find out if the contractor has their own team of installation experts or if they hire out subcontractors to do the work.
7. Could you tell me more about my project’s timeline and what to expect on installation day?
Find out your installation date, what happens if the weather is bad that day, and what you should do to prepare for the installation (to protect your property and landscaping). Ask if you need to be present while your windows are being installed.
8. What does your team do to protect my home during the installation?
Ask about the measures taken to preserve your home—inside and out. Also, ask what they do to clean up after the installation to ensure there are no dangerous nails left accidentally on your property.
9. What warranty do you offer with window installation?
Find out (in writing) how long the warranty lasts, what it covers specifically, and how quickly they respond to a request. (If a faulty window acts up during the winter, you’d like to know they deal with the situation promptly.)
10. Can I see some of your recent work?
Ask for references from recent clients and take a look for yourself at the work. Reputable contractors should have either pictures to show you or be willing to direct you to a location to drive by to see their recent work.
11. Where can I find references from your customers?
Check the Better Business Bureau, Angi, the contractor’s website, and Google for online reviews.
12. Could you explain the cost of my window replacement?
Ask for included costs to be clearly displayed on your estimate. Ask if and when they expect a deposit on your new windows and when the final amount is due. This is also a great time to inquire about financing, as some contractors offer that for your convenience.
13. How do you handle customer feedback?
While you expect to hire someone who won’t make mistakes, if something happens that doesn’t match a customer’s expectations, how do they handle that? Ask how they handled customer complaints in the past. Do they fix a mistake to ensure customer satisfaction?
14. Do you have workers’ compensation and general liability insurance?
If a contractor doesn’t have these specific types of insurance, don’t hire them. Imagine the implications if they don’t have insurance and one of their workers gets injured on your property. Request they provide you proof of both of these insurance types. They can even contact their insurance carriers and have them send you proof of insurance before you hire them.
Transform Your Home with Attractive New Windows
At Beissel Window & Siding, we install energy-efficient fiberglass, low-maintenance vinyl, slim profile aluminum, and classic wood windows (as well as storm windows that add insulation and safeguard your home from extreme weather).
We are a Marvin Windows Authorized Replacement Contractor, so you can rest at ease that your windows will be installed with precision and you’ll get the high-performance results you deserve.
Discover how our window services can transform your home.
