7 Questions to Ask a Replacement Window Contractor Before Signing

If you are looking for a quality replacement window contractor, there are a few necessary and important steps you need to take. Finding a replacement window contractor can be as easy as a quick online search. But how do you know about the quality of their work and if they’re the right contractor for you? Searching online is a good start (as is asking for references from friends and family), but it is the first step. You need to do your due diligence and ask your potential replacement window contractor a range of questions to vet their credentials and capabilities. In this article, you will learn the seven important questions to ask a replacement window contractor before signing on the dotted line below. 

1. How Long Have You Been in Business? 

Generally speaking, the longer a replacement window contractor has been in business, the better. Now that is not to say someone who has only been in business a few years cannot be good, but the longer a business has been around the more experience they will have.

2. Are You Licensed? 

Not all US states require replacement window contractors to be licensed, so do not skip this question. A contractor might say they have a business license, but this is just a tax requirement and not actually relevant to their competency in replacing windows. That is why you need to make sure they are a licensed contractor, as their credentials show their level of knowledge, professionalism and dedication to the industry. 

3. Can I Have References?

As with most things, references from past clients are incredibly important. It is actually one of the best and most honest ways to vet a window replacement contractor. If a contractor says no, or has no references to provide, take this as a red flag. Otherwise, ask for a list of their most recent clients and call several from the list and ask what they thought about the contractor, how happy they are with their work, and so on. You should also ask the contractor for photos of recently completed work so you can see the quality of their work.

4. Is Your Company Insured? 

We know a good contractor should be licensed, but they should also carry comprehensive liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. Before you sign, ask to see their proof of insurance. It is important to note that window replacement contractors with insurance do have higher overhead costs, but it is a small price to pay for peace of mind. 

5. Do You Offer a Warranty? 

Most contractors will generally offer a warranty of about a year. Although, it is not necessarily about the length of the warranty but rather the intent of the contractor to honor their warranty policy. The only way to find out if your contractor is honest is by using customer referrals. However, if a contractor says they do not offer any kind of warranty, we would advise not using them. A contractor should always cover their work, while the manufacturer should also have warranties for their products, this means you will have two warranties covering your replacement windows. 

6. How Long Will the Window Replacement Take? 

A good replacement window contractor will be able to give you a rough timeline of how long the project will take from start to finish. In the home improvement industry it is hard to give exact dates and times, but generally speaking the contractor should be able to provide an estimate. This includes how long it will take for the windows to be delivered and how long the installation will take depending on how many windows you are having replaced. The contractor should also keep you up to date with the progress of the project as much as possible. 

7. Has Anyone Ever Made a Formal Complaint Against Your Business? 

Problems are sometimes inevitable, so it is a good idea to ask how the contractor handles problems when they arise. You should also ask the contractor if they have ever had a complaint made against their business, or if their license has ever been suspended. You can also check with authorities like the Better Business Bureau and licensing departments to find out if any complaints have been filed against the contractor.