Similar to siding and roofing projects, a window replacement or repair is a home improvement job that no homeowner should tackle on their own, especially if they’re inexperienced in such tasks. This is because not only does it make you vulnerable to mistakes that can cost a fortune to rectify but it can also put you at risk of accidents. With that in mind, it’s always best that you hire a professional to get the job done.
However, when hiring a window and roofing service professional to replace your windows , you shouldn’t just hire the first contractor or company you come upon on the internet. Instead, there are actually a few things you should look for when hiring a professional to do the job.
In this article, window installation expert Window World of Boston lists the eight things homeowners should always look for when hiring a window contractor. These include:
Training – When trying to narrow down your options for a window replacement contractor, one of the things that you should look at is the professional’s training. This is because no two window replacement projects are ever one and the same, and some window contractors may be inexperienced at handling certain types of projects. As such, the window and siding manufacturers you hire should be trained to handle any project regardless of the size or type of window, and they should also be up-to-date on the latest installation methods.
Experience – When looking for a contractor to help install new windows in your home, you should look at the home improvement company’s experience when it comes to replacement jobs. To do this, simply take a look at how long the company has been in business, as well as the average experience of their installers. The more experience they have, the better. If you turn to the professionals at Window World of Boston to handle your window replacement and installation needs, for instance, experience is the last thing you need to worry about, as we’ve been in the business for 25 years.
References – Since you’re already researching siding manufacturers and window replacement contractors to begin with, make it a point to check their references as well. That way, you can determine if they’re really the right person for the job you need them to do. To accomplish this, you can either check their website for reviews left by previous customers or check out the Better Business Bureau® website to see if they have any history of unresolved complaints. It’s also a good idea to contact at least three of their previous customers and interview them about the contractor’s conduct when they were working on their homes.
Certifications – When meeting potential contractors, always ask them if they can provide you with accreditations and certifications on the products that they’re selling. According to experts, you should never accept verbal promises that the windows are indeed certified, and instead should ask to see the certifications before finalizing the purchase. By doing so, you’ll be able to determine if they have quality windows that are as energy efficient as promised.
Reasonable price – Replacing your home’s windows is a significant investment, especially if you’re replacing more than one, or even every single window in your house. With such stakes involved, you’ll want your windows to look good and last for years to come. With that in mind, it’s best to remember the old adage “you get what you pay for”; while you don’t necessarily have to pay a large amount to get quality windows, keep in mind that if you want windows that will last, you should expect that you’ll have to pay more than the bargain price to obtain and install them in your home. If you want to make your search for quality windows easier, turn to the pros at Window World of Boston for your window and siding replacement needs, and enjoy real value for your money.
Licensing and insurance – Before signing on the dotted line that binds a contractor’s services to you, be sure to first ask them if they have the appropriate licenses and insurance, and if they can provide you with proof of both documents. When you ask this, the answer better be yes, as a license proves that the contractor is knowledgeable about your area’s building codes and is authorized to work in your state. An insurance policy, on the other hand, frees you from any responsibility if a crew member suffers an injury while working on your property.
Warranty – A warranty is an important asset to have when having new windows installed in your home. This is because with a warranty, you can have the window repaired or replaced if they fail prematurely due to manufacturing or workmanship defects. As such, when looking for the right contractor to help you replace your windows, ask if the installation is covered by a guaranteed warranty. If they say it isn’t and that makes you feel uneasy, you’re always more than welcome to part ways with their company before signing the contract and find a different window and siding replacement professional to take on the job instead.
Miscellaneous services – Finally, you should also ask them if they offer any miscellaneous services such as post-installation clean-up. It’s important that you do this, as not every window company offers such services to their clients, which means they could leave the property a mess once the new windows are installed. According to experts, a reputable contractor will want to protect your property from debris and respect your wishes by cleaning up after themselves once the project is complete. If your contractor claims that they aren’t obligated to clean up, it’s best that you find someone else to get the job done right.
If you’re planning to tackle a window replacement project soon, don’t hesitate to turn to Window World of Boston for assistance. With 25 years of experience in the home improvement and roofing service industry and more than 200 locally-owned stores nationwide, we’re dedicated to delivering homeowners quality products and services, making us one of the leading professionals to turn to. Give us a call at (508) 845-6676 or fill out our contact form to request a FREE estimate today!
