Why does your choice of window contractor matter? To put it shortly, the success of your replacement project depends on it. You see, windows will only perform well if they have been installed correctly. This is true regardless of the kind of replacement windows you get.
Just imagine–how will a window effectively prevent air and water infiltration as well as energy wastage if there are gaps between it and the wall? Working with the ideal window contractor can help you avoid problems such as:
- Air leakage
- Decreased energy efficiency
- Premature damage
- Voided warranties
Some may think that window replacement is easy. After all, you just have to remove your old windows and put up new ones, right? Little do they know that there are critical steps to ensuring a quality installation. For starters, accurate measurements should be taken, old windows should be properly removed, and weatherproofing should be adequately applied. Given the steps to be undertaken to ensure quality, trusted window manufacturers like Renewal by Andersen only allow qualified and certified contractors to offer and install their products. Otherwise, you won’t be able to benefit from the warranties that come with their windows.
What to Look for in a Window Contractor
Now that you know how important it is to work with a professional, certified contractor, the next step involves finding the right one for you. There will be a lot of window contractors out there so here’s a checklist to help you determine what you should look for:
- Are they licensed?
Window contractors, and any contractor offering their services for that matter, are required to secure licenses and business permits. It is important to ask the contractor for copies of their licenses and business permits as this will guarantee that you are dealing with a legitimate business. Having a license means that the company has passed stringent local contractor qualifications, while the business permit signifies they are allowed to operate as a business in your area.
- Are they certified by your chosen manufacturer?
As mentioned above, top manufacturers only let certified contractors offer and install their products. For instance, Renewal by Andersen has its group of Certified Master Installers, window companies who passed certification requirements and are committed to undergoing continuous training. A manufacturer certification assures you that the contractor uses quality products and meets manufacturer standards for installation, ensuring you receive the expert craftsmanship you need to make the most of your new windows.
- Do they offer detailed, written estimates and contracts?
A good window contractor will not keep details from you, as they value transparency. This is why from consultation down to the actual contract, they will provide complete documentation. In the consultation, for instance, you can expect to find details about issues they found on your existing windows as well as their recommendations. In the contract, every detail about the product and materials to be used should be laid down, as well as the schedule and total cost of the project, among other pertinent details.
This is important because this will provide you with all the details relevant to your window replacement project, letting you know where your investment will go exactly and guiding you on what to expect.
- Can they provide you with a list of references?
A window contractor can only say so much about their qualifications and why you should hire them. The more valid statements about a contractor’s reputation and level of service are those that come from their previous clients. Your contractors should be more than willing and confident to provide you with a list of references that you can contact to ask about their performance.
It is important to ask for references as this is a way to verify and assess the window contractor’s capabilities. The more satisfied customers there are, the better.
- Are they insured?
The ideal window contractor has general liability and worker’s compensation insurance. Ask for a copy of insurance policies to check if your contractor is capable of protecting you against liabilities that may arise during the course of the project, such as damaged property and injured workers.
Ensuring Successful Window Replacement
Make sure your window contractor ticks all the right boxes and you can expect a successful replacement project. It may take a bit of work finding the right window contractor to work with but the guaranteed satisfactory results you’ll enjoy at the end will make all the effort well worth it. It’s not every day you’ll be replacing your windows, after all, so it’s crucial to make the most of your decision to get new ones for your home.
Author Bio:
Michelle Lamb is the marketing department leader of Renewal by Andersen, the replacement window division of Andersen Corporation. She is a member of the executive leadership team, responsible for marketing, sales and customer experience leadership for in-home sales organization.
