When choosing window contractors or window experts, there are a few essential questions that you should ask yourself and the window company that is performing the window replacement. First, you’ll want to find a company with a good reputation and has positive reviews and satisfied customers to prove this. One such expert is iwantwindows.com to whom you can come up with a list of questions to ask, so you can be assured that the replacement will go smoothly and that it will ultimately benefit your home.
Here are some of the topics and questions that you should touch on and consider asking the company or contractor that is working with you to replace your windows.
Insurance
To protect your home against accidents that may occur during the replacement process, make sure the window companies you contact and eventually hire to replace your windows and doors has liability insurance and workers’ compensation. When seeking a company to hire and you begin the process of asking questions, it’s crucial that you request to see their various pieces of the certification of both liability insurance and workers’ compensation.
If you hire uninsured contractors and an incident occurs that damages any part of your home while windows are being replaced, you are not likely to get any money for repairs. Because of this risk, it is crucial to ask the company doing the window replacements for proof of these certifications.
Qualifications
If you decide that hiring a company and contractor to replace the windows for you is the way to go, you should ask about their experience and qualifications. Asking questions concerning a company’s past experiences in window replacement and what makes them qualified to perform this job with a certain degree of professionalism will indicate whether or not a specific company is right for your home. Questions you may ask can include:
- Who will be performing this specific window installation?
- How many years of experience have you acquired in this business?
- Can I view some of your past work?
- What are your particular qualifications?
- What is your background in professional window installation?
Fees
Depending on the company you hire and the complexity of the window replacement, the fees inevitably vary. Because the replacement fees will differ based on many variables, you should feel comfortable asking the company you want to hire how much money a window replacement will require. Some questions that relate to costs and payment to your contractor and window replacement company are:
- Is an initial consultation and estimate free of charge?
- How much will the replacement cost, and when do you require the payment?
- How would you like to be paid?
- What are the terms of the payment? And is there a deadline?
- Will this installation include interior and exterior finishes?
- Are there any hidden fees I should be aware of?
Replacement process
Upon acquiring answers about vital elements in the replacement process, like costs and the experience of the company you hire, you should then ask what the replacement process itself will actually look like within your home. Inquire about the plans the company and contractors have, how they will take out the old windows to prepare for the new replacements and how they intend to install the new ones. You should be aware of what this process entails before it begins so you will know exactly what you’re undertaking.
Timeline
The replacement process will be invasive to your home as both the exterior and interior of the house will be worked upon. Due to this fact, you should know the timeline of the replacements so you can prepare in advance to set up your home for the replacement windows. You can also ask for updates when possible to stay on top of the timeline. Some questions you can ask can include:
- Should I be present during the installation?
- How long will it take? Do you have a general estimate?
- Can you lay out a timeline for me?
- Will impending and precarious weather conditions potentially prolong the process?
Window style
After asking about the mundane logistics of the installation process, you can ask about something a bit more excited–the style and appearance of your window replacements! You can either choose two of the most common windows that either slide or crank, but elements like glass thickness, design, and appearance can be customized based on the aesthetic of your home. You can begin to ask yourself questions about what style of window you want most, what kind of window will suit your home, and what windows will work best against the type of climate in your area.
Conclusion
You should ask yourself and window replacement professionals many questions before you pursue a window installation as extensive as an entire replacement will be. Questions regarding insurance, qualifications, fees, timeline, and a window style are all valid to touch on before the replacement process begins in your home.