8 Questions to Ask Your Window Installation Company
If you decide to replace your windows, your biggest concern might be choosing the right type of windows from a high-quality brand. However, the window installation company you hire is equally important. After all, a high-performance window can only achieve its potential if installed correctly.
To make sure your window installation experience goes as planned, ask these eight questions of any company you’re considering for the job.
1. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS?
While startup companies may be trustworthy, are you willing to be a window installer’s guinea pig? You’re much better off choosing a company with decades of experience. Not only does this ensure knowledgeability, but it also means the company consistently satisfies customers, a necessity for staying in business long-term.
2. ARE YOU LICENSED AND INSURED?
Window installers are required to receive a license from the state to ensure they remain up-to-date with the latest safety tips and best practices. Then, insurance removes liability from you if a worker is injured while installing your windows. Never work with a window installation company that isn’t licensed and insured.
3. WHAT CREDENTIALS/ACCOMPLISHMENTS DO YOU HAVE?
Only reputable companies earn awards and gain acceptance into local and national associations. These credential and accomplishments indicate that you’ve found a trustworthy company to install your windows.
4. WHAT WINDOW BRANDS DO YOU CARRY?
Installers that only sell their brand are more likely to use hard selling tactics with a stronger emphasis on meeting quotas than satisfying customers. A nonproprietary window installer is different. This type of company offers products from a wide variety of brands to ensure customers find exactly what they’re looking for. Enjoy a vast array of options and virtually zero chance of buyer’s remorse by selecting a window installation company that offers multiple brands.
5. DO YOU HAVE A SHOWROOM?
Searching the internet for window replacement options is a good place to start, but nothing compares to seeing the real thing in person. A showroom is your chance to weigh wood vs. vinyl windows and sliders vs. double-hung windows by scrutinizing them up close. It’s also the perfect opportunity to ask detailed questions of window professionals to help you feel confident in the final choice you make.
6. DO YOU PROVIDE WARRANTY SERVICE?
In the unlikely event that you detect window defects or need field service for another reason, you can simplify this process tremendously if your installer is also your warranty service provider. However, it’s not uncommon for window installation companies to balk at back-end field duties and push them off on the manufacturers, no matter how distantly they might be based. This is why it’s important to ask about warranty service before hiring a window installer for the job.
7. WHERE CAN I FIND REVIEWS OF YOUR COMPANY?
The testimonials of past customers can predict the type of experience you’ll have if you hire a particular window installer. Check the company’s website for reviews as well as third-party sites like Yelp.com and Angie’s List. The installer you want to hire should also provide you with a list of references upon request.
8. DO YOU HAVE A PORTFOLIO I CAN VIEW?
It’s important to find a company capable of completing the type of project you have in mind, whether new construction, replacement, remodeling, or commercial in nature. Viewing a photo gallery is one of the best ways to pick out first-rate companies from the rest.