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Have you ever agonized over the purchase of a beautiful, expensive, quality window, only to have it poorly installed by the handyman or contractor you entrusted the job to? If so, you’re sure to be more cautious about selecting someone to handle the installation of your new windows this time around. Find a reliable pro to do the job so that your investment doesn’t go to waste.
PART 1 Getting Started: Qualifications to Look For If you want to hire the right window contractor for your project, you need to know exactly what to look for. There are several ways to search for potential contractors. In the past, people used to rely on a phone book, but these days, a quick Internet search is your best bet, second only to recommendations from friends or family. Regardless of how you came across your potential contractor, it will still fall on you to practice due diligence. Find out as much as you can about the contractor and take the time to ask hard-hitting questions, not just to test their knowledge but also, to see whether you are able to work together. • Local - It’s best to start your search with available contractors in your area. Local contractors will be more invested in doing a good job because they have a local reputation to uphold; they’ll be more likely to have the necessary permits and licenses to operate in your neighborhood as well. • Licensed - Any potential contractors you interview should be able to readily present their licenses and permits. Also, check for other certifications that can attest to their skills or quality of workmanship.
• Insured - Your contractor should have proof of insurance to ensure that, should anything go awry at any stage of the window installation project, you would be protected financially. • Committed - Lastly, make sure the contractor is totally committed to working with you till the project’s completely done, especially if you have special requirements. Some contractors just want to get the job completed as quickly as possible so they can move onto the next customer. You can usually tell who’s in a rush: do they simply want things done their way, and pay no attention to your needs or requirements? If so, then its best to move on to the next contractor on your list.
You might also be considering a DIY project to cut back on expenses and the hassle of finding a contractor. In the next part of this ebook, we’ll discuss why you’re better off hiring a window pro instead of opting for a DIY project.
PART 2 Why Hire a Window Pro Instead of DIY? You may be good with your hands and might even possess a bit of technical knowledge, but this doesn’t mean it’s a good decision to attempt to handle your own window replacement. Before deciding on a DIY window replacement, take some things into consideration: • Consider the cost of a replacement window – Replacement windows, especially those with premium features such as top-of-the-line frames and energy-efficient glass, are big investments. Are you willing to risk damage to the windows? Are you okay with poorly executed installation? While hiring a professional window contractor may cost more, you can expect high-quality workmanship, along with protection from strong warranties. Furthermore, if something does go wrong, insurance will be able to cover liabilities. • Consider your skill set – You may be skilled in certain types of technical jobs, but are you skilled specifically in window installation? It takes years to learn a particular skill, and professional window installers have spent years mastering their craft.
• Consider the possible problems – In a perfect situation--where you would only need to remove the old window and replace it with the new one--nothing should go wrong if you have the necessary skills. But perfect scenarios rarely exist. Seemingly small problems such as a crack in an adjoining wall or a slightly off-sized opening can be seamlessly addressed by a pro, but would be very challenging for a DIY-er. • Consider the time it will take – It’s second nature for professional installers to remove and install windows, so the job is often completed quickly. Amateurs, however, often end up spending more time than it’s worth just figuring things out or trying to solve problems. Your time is valuable, maybe even more than the cost of a professional installer.
Even if you do have the necessary skills to get the job done, there are still plenty of advantages to hiring a pro. However, you don’t want to hire just any pro, you want to hire one of the best in the business. How do you go about doing this? We’ll discuss some important questions you need to ask a potential installer in the the third part of this ebook.
PART 3 Important Questions to Ask Your Window Contractor There’s a thin line between a professional window installer and a reliable professional window installer. Though both should be able to get the job done with high quality workmanship, a reliable installer will not just be a pleasure to work with, but will also go the extra mile to ensure that you’re completely satisfied with the outcome of the project. You’re probably thinking, how do you know which contractor to pick for the job? Simple: Ask them the right questions before finalizing the contract. Among the questions you should ask a contractor are: 1. How long have you been in business? The length of time a contractor has been in business may not be a guarantee of their reliability, but it definitely gives you confidence that they know what they’re doing. Should there be problems during the contract, they’ll know the best possible solutions. 2. What are the payment terms? Be skeptical of contractors that require a large upfront payment or deposit to commence work on the contract. Contractors usually require deposits that are only a fraction of the total contract price.
3. How long will the window installation contract take? Reliable contractors will be honest with you. They’ll discuss the installation process and provide an realistic time frame for its completion, barring unforeseeable problems. 4. What type of warranty do you offer? Always ask for a warranty. There are times when it’s not easy to spot defects in a window installation. These defects can lead to the malformation of the window or incorrect or poor operation. A warranty protects you from these potential issues. 5. Can you provide work references or recommendations? Not all contractors are willing or able to provide recommendations or references. Those who are willing to provide references are proud of the quality of work they provide. It’s best to hire contractors that are strongly recommended by their past customers.
It takes time and effort to hire a reliable window contractor, but your diligence will reduce the chances of your hiring the wrong person or team. If you want your window installation to go well, then take the time to interview your prospective contractor thoroughly. Keep in mind that choosing the best window contractor is just as important as choosing the best windows for your home.
Renewal by Andersen of Cape Cod 3 Colonel Drive Bourne, MA 02532 508-936-1171 www.MyFlawlessWindow.com