Having windows replaced is a serious project, and one you’ll have to deal with for years to come. In order to get the results you want, however, you have to make sure that you work with the right contractor. Make a mistake, and you could end up with delays, a sub-par job, misunderstandings, and in a worst-case scenario, losing your money. Not only that, but there could be actual legal repercussions for hiring the wrong team. So, you have to make sure that you vet any potential contractor thoroughly, and take the time to do your research. Here are a few questions you should ask when hiring a window contractor.
Can I Have Your Business’s Address and Full Name?
This might seem like a basic question at first glance, but it’s absolutely essential. By doing so, you’ll be able to get the history of the contractor, and make sure that they’re actually a legitimate business. It’s usually also a better idea to work with a locally based supplier, especially for maintenance and follow up visits.
How Long Have You Been in Business?
This one is actually very important. This will allow you to get an indication of their expertise, and whether they can actually be trusted. Established businesses are also much less likely to vanish into the night when you need guarantees to be honored.
Contractors like American Vision Windows, for instance, have been in the window replacement and window installation business for close to two decades. They have amassed a great reputation in their community, and are well known for offering quality. Working with a company like this will make it easier to look for references, and they’ll also make sure to maintain their reputation by offering top quality service.
Are You Insured?
You also want to work with a contractor who has the proper coverage. Not only will it ensure that any damage they cause to the property will be covered, but will protect you from facing legal repercussions.
For instance, liability protection will make sure that their insurance will cover any injuries caused to someone while they were performing a job. You also have to make sure that their employees are covered too, as you may end up being legally responsible if one of them gets injured without coverage.
Is Your Work Covered as Well?
You have to make sure that the contractor can provide a copy of both the manufacturer’s warranty as well as a warranty on craftsmanship. You have to also make sure that you read these policies in detail so you don’t end up invalidating the warranty without knowing it. If you have any questions about the warranty, you want someone who’ll be more than happy to explain it to you. You want to work with a contractor who’s confident in their work, and aren’t afraid to back it.
How Large is Your Selection?
It’s always best to work with contractors who are familiar with a wide variety of window types, models, and manufacturers. If you go with this type of contractor, you are more likely to find your particular type of product, and they will have choices for any kind of budget.
You also want to stay away from any contractor who is hell bent on pushing one particular brand on you. These kinds of contractors will be more concerned about selling a particular company’s product instead of looking after your interests.
Do You Work with Subcontractors?
Using subcontractors is very common in this business, and while it’s usually not an issue, you have to make sure that you know if the provider you’re working with is doing it. If they do, you need to ask for a complete list of exactly who will be working on your property as well as proof of insurance and licensing. You should also know for how long the contractor has been working with this subcontractor.
How do You Deal with Complaints?
No one wants their project to go sour, but in the case that something happens, you have to know what the contractor will do to address the situation. You should ask any contractor you’re thinking of hiring how they handled issues in the past, and if they’ve ever been involved in a lawsuit with a dissatisfied customer. Also know that this information is in the public records and can be easily verified, so make sure that you perform due diligence on your part as well before you make your final decision.
These questions should be more than enough to get a clearer idea of who you’re working with and whether you can trust them. This will also ensure that both of you are on the same page, that the job goes smoothly, and that you get the desired results.
