One of the most valuable renovations you can complete on your home is a new window installation. This is especially true if you own a home that was built several decades ago.
Window technology has progressed exponentially in the last few years. Modern windows significantly improve the energy efficiency of your home. They keep the heat out during the summer and the cold out during the winter.
If you’re due for new windows, however, there’s an important question to answer. How do you find the best window installation company for your needs?
Not sure where to begin? No worries, that’s what we’re here for. Keep reading for a quick guide on hiring window installers.
Window Installation Experience
First, do a little research online to find out more about each window installation company in your area. You’re looking for a company or contractors who have years of experience in the industry. A professional window replacement company in Cleveland can help you with your window work. They will be more capable of removing your old windows and installing the new ones without causing damages to your home.
Find out how long they’ve been in business, what training they have, and how they certify each employee.
Types of Windows
Next, make sure you find a window installation company that carries the type of windows you’re looking for. Visit their website to see what they offer.
For example, White Plains Window has:
- Awning windows
- Bay and bow windows
- Double-hung windows
- Gliding and sliding windows
- Picture windows
- Casement windows
- And more
Additionally, if you need a custom window for a unique frame, find out if that’s something they can accommodate. Some window installers will be able to create a specialty window to meet your needs. This is vital for hand-built shops, sheds, and other structures.
Online Customer Reviews
Before hiring a window installation company, you need to find out about its reputation among consumers. Use Google to search for “window installation companies nears me.” Then, visit each of their websites to find customer reviews and testimonials.
What do other home and business owners have to say about their services? Do you see any common complaints or recurring issues? What do their customer reviews say about their professionalism, workmanship, friendliness, and communication skills?
Try to find reviews that directly relate to the work you need to be done. For example, if you have a custom window that needs to be replaced, find reviews that mention custom/specialty windows.
Licensing and Insurance
When looking at your options for window installers, it’s also important to verify their professional business license and certifications. First, they need to have a legitimate, state-issued business license. They should also have the proper contracting licenses that certify them to perform residential contracting work.
Furthermore, check their insurance policy to make sure your interests are covered. For example, if a contractor accidentally causes damages to your home while on the job, their professional liability coverage would compensate you financially. If they don’t have this type of insurance, it would be up to the contractors to repair or replace what was damaged.
If you’re working with a window installation company, rather than an independent contractor, they should carry worker’s compensation insurance. This policy is in place to provide financial restitution to employees injured on the job. It pays for things like medical bills, lost wages from time off work, ongoing medications, physical therapy, etc.
Product Costs and Installation Fees
Whether you’re replacing windows in your home or at your business, the cost is always a major factor. There are countless benefits to upgrading your windows, however, it will be a major investment.
Therefore, you need to find out what your total expenses are going to be. This includes the costs of the windows and the installation fees.
To get a good idea of your costs, reach out to each local window installation company to get a free quote. They may need to come out to the property to take measurements and assess the job.
Then, start comparing installation fees and product costs. However, don’t automatically pick the cheapest company. They may not have the best experience, insurance, or customer reviews.
Find a company that offers a competitive price, yet doesn’t sacrifice quality for affordability.
Product Warranties and Workmanship Guarantees
Whether you’re installing residential windows or commercial windows, look for a company that offers warranties on their windows. If the window installation company gets their windows from a supplier, make sure the windows have a manufacturer warranty. If it’s defective in any way, you shouldn’t have to pay to have it replaced.
Just as importantly, make sure the window installers guarantee the quality of their work. What happens if a window they installed starts to crack? What if you’re unhappy with their work once the job is complete?
If the window installation company offers warranties and guarantees, they must be covered in the contract. Otherwise, you might have a hard time holding them to their word, should something go wrong.
Employee Background Checks
Next, ask the window installation company what type of background checks they conduct before hiring their employees. The window installers you hire will be at your home, and likely, around your family. Naturally, you don’t want to put your home or your family at risk by inviting unsavory individuals to your house, especially if you’ll be at work while they complete the job.
A thorough hiring process will weed out employees who might not be trustworthy in the homes of their clients.
Availability
Finally, find out when the window installation company can come to your house for a free inspection and quote. You may not be in a rush to get your windows replaced, but that doesn’t mean you should wait several months for the window installers to become available.
Ask how soon they can come by to give you an estimate. Once the estimate is complete, determine how soon it will be before they can start your renovations. How long do they expect the project to take?
Looking for the Best Window Installation Company?
If you want to hire the best window installation company for your home or business, you’ll need to do a little homework to vet your options for window installers. Follow our guide to make the right choice and remember, it’s okay to take your time.
If you’re looking for more homeownership advice or consumer tips, don’t go anywhere. Our blog is full of helpful and insightful content created for people like you. Check out some of our other articles while you’re here.
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