10 Tips To Choosing Best Value Replacement Window Contractor

Home improvement contractors are not all the same. It is important to prequalify the contractor you choose to replace your windows to make sure the job gets done right the first time. Doing your homework now at the outset will save you hours of unnecessary stress and potentially thousands of dollars later.

The Federal Trade Commission offers some great advice around hiring a contractor, advising homeowners to do rigorous research before signing any contracts or handing over any cash.

“Finding a good contractor is important — a home improvement project gone wrong can cost you. A good advertisement is not proof a contractor does quality work,” they advise. “Find out for yourself. Check with friends, neighbors, or co-workers who have had improvement work done, and check out a contractor’s reputation on online rating sites you trust. Get written estimates from several firms, keeping in mind the lowest bidder may not be the best choice.”

In a world when a simple Google search can return hundreds of potential suppliers, how do you find a reliable and trustworthy contractor? Thankfully, it is easier than you think.

Ask Questions

When it comes to selecting a window replacement contractor, consider yourself a journalist on the relentless pursuit of the truth. Do not be afraid to ask questions and probe contractors for more information. Reliable and trustworthy contractors will have solid answers for the following:

How many projects like mine have you completed in the last year?

Ask for a list so you can see how familiar the contractor is with your type of project.

Will my project require a permit?

Most states and localities require permits for building projects, even for simple jobs like decks. A competent contractor will get all the necessary permits before starting work on your project. You may want to choose a contractor familiar with the permitting process in your county, city, or town.

May I have a list of references?

A contractor should be able to give you names, addresses, and phone numbers of at least three clients with projects like yours. Ask each client how long ago the project was and whether it was completed on time. Was the client satisfied? Were there any unexpected costs? Did workers show up on time and clean up after finishing the job? You also could tell the contractor that you’d like to visit jobs in progress.

What types of insurance do you carry?

Contractors should have:

• personal liability
• worker’s compensation
• property damage coverage

Ask for copies of insurance certificates, and make sure they are current, or you could be held liable for any injuries and damages that occur during the project.

Be Wary Of Low Bids

No one wants to pay more than they have to, especially when it is a significant investment like replacement windows for your home. It cannot be stressed enough - you need to understand the nature of low bids. A low bid can look really tempting and it might be substantially lower than other bids from your professional window replacement contractors. The simple truth is, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Replacement windows are expensive because the hard cost of the materials, the trained, professional labor required in a proper installation and the insurance required to cover workers and protect contractors and homeowners from litigation.

Beware Fly-by-Night Contractors

Many fly-by-night contractors are uninsured and work with cheap, untrained and ill-supervised laborers. They will often use your home’s windows as a training exercise to figure out how to replace windows and will return mid-job demanding for more money to finish a job that was not correct from the start. By shopping for professional, established home improvement contractors, getting multiple estimates from companies with a proven track record, and weighing your window options, you will have beautiful replacement windows, professionally installed at a fair price that adds value and comfort to your home.

Price is important, but it shouldn’t be your sole deciding factor

While a contractor’s price tag is important, you need to be confident that their work will stand the test of time, deliver its stated promise and suit the overall needs of your home. You need confidence that your new windows will be able to withstand harsh summers, brutal winters and everything in between. It’s not worth paying for cheaper windows if they are going to need replacing in 3 - 5 years, or can’t withstand the rigours of everyday life. Will choosing cheaper suppliers and products always give you that peace of mind? While it is easy to be attracted to lower cost options, they have the potential to be an ongoing financial drain, offering little value in the long run and wasting money.

In Closing: 10 Tips That Will Help You Choose A Home Improvement Contractor

When selecting a home improvement contractor, look for a contractor who can: 

1. Provide a detailed, written proposal with descriptions of the product, materials, work scope, specifications and cost, along with approximate project starting and completion dates
2. Clearly lay out his project supervision and quality-control procedures, installation teams, estimated project completion time and payment procedures
3. Provide a permanent place of business, telephone number, tax id number and business license
4. Prove they are Licensed and Bonded
5. Ensure financial stability
6. Provide proof of insurance - liability coverage and workers’ compensation certificates
7. Demonstrate a commitment to professionalism with appropriate industry associations
8. Has a proven track record, client references and a list of completed projects
9. That the contractor is licensed or approved installer with the window manufacturer
10. Show they are clear of possible complaints filed against them with either the Better Business Bureau or Department of Professional Regulation
11. Offer strong contract and window warranties