A window is a significant investment for all homeowners since it promotes energy efficiency through natural lighting and ventilation. Their windows also add to their home’s aesthetic appeal and give them a beautiful view of the outdoors. As such, when working on their windows, they should only work with contractors that are vetted, or they can completely trust. However, what if it’s their first time having a major window project? They might not know what they should look out for.
In today’s post, Windows by Toll, the top windows and doors company shares a four step guide on hiring a window contractor to work on your beloved windows.
Find a Reliable Contractor. Before you begin your window replacement or repair project, you need to find a reliable contractor to work with. We personally recommend finding three to six prospective contractors to work with and narrow down your choices from there. You can first ask trusted sources such as family and friends for a trusted referral from the contractors they’ve worked with before. You can also check out the Better Business Bureau® to see contractors with multiple positive reviews in your area.
Vet Your Prospective Contractor. Hiring capable and trustworthy window contractors will dictate how successful your project will be. Once you’ve narrowed down your list, you can ask them some questions to gauge their abilities. You can ask questions such as their years of service, project expertise, licenses, certifications, and even if they hire subcontractors for their projects. These kinds of questions hold the answer as to whether or not you can entrust your window project to them.
Meet Your Contractors. Once you’ve decided on a contractor to work with, this is the opportunity to ask project-specific questions to set your expectations. Some important details to know include who’s going to be responsible for securing building permits, material purchasing, post-project cleanups, even window disposal. Also, don’t forget to ask if they offer quotes, ask details about surprise costs, and even those who handle your window warranties.
Red Flags to Watch Out For. If your contractor doesn’t provide a contract, a timeline, or permit, steer clear from them since they may not be cut out for your project since they lack the necessary documents or skills to carry out the job properly. The worst-case scenario is that they’re a dubious company looking to pull a fast one out of you.
In need of a trusted window installation expert? Call on Windows by Toll! We offer a wide variety of windows from premium brands such as ProVia® and Marvin® as well as window repair services. To request a quote, call us at (203) 580-9945 or fill out our contact form.
