Questions to Ask Your Replacement Windows Contractor Before Hiring Them

Windows are a popular decorative element, enhancing your property’s architectural and aesthetic appeal. However, they do more than just beautify your home; they shield it from outdoor threats. 

So, when your windows show visible signs of damage, it’s time to replace them. Finding the right window replacement contractor is necessary to ensure proper and lasting installation.

Many factors go into hiring window experts, but one thing is certain: there are essential questions to ask window replacement contractors. This blog will help you create the ultimate checklist you can use in your search.

Company Information

Gathering basic company information ensures you’re working with a reputable business. Key details to inquire about include the company’s name and address, as well as whether they are licensed and insured. 

What is the company’s name and address?

Verify your prospective window replacement contractor‘s legitimacy by asking for their business name and address. Running into a scam is the last thing you need. You’ll also need this information to comply with legal and regulatory policies. This question is even more critical if you’re operating a commercial establishment, as it helps protect your reputation.

Is your business licensed and insured?

Why hire a licensed and insured contractor? It’s simple: to protect you against potential liability. A licensed contractor meets the regulations to perform window replacement work correctly and safely. Meanwhile, insurance safeguards your financial interests, ensuring you won’t be held accountable for accidents, injuries, or damages that might occur during the process.

Check if the contractor meets federal and state licensing requirements. Some states require contractors to pass exams; others may look for registration and certification. Inquire with your local government for more details.

If the contractor works for a company, ask for its license number. Look for their presence in local construction trade associations or online sites like Better Business Bureau (BBB). This will determine whether they comply with the local codes and are truly knowledgeable in their industry.

Experience and Expertise

Credentials aren’t enough to make a hiring decision. You need to know if the contractor possesses the hands-on skills to replace your windows at a high standard. Here’s what to ask.

How long have you been in the window installation business?

Window replacement requires specific skills. The contractor must remove old windows without damaging the structure and properly install new ones while minimizing disruption to your home. The more experienced they are, the likelier it is that they have earned the skills to accomplish these tasks. 

You want a contractor with many years of successful window installation experience, a solid reputation in the industry, and knowledge of the latest best practices. They don’t need to be extremely popular—they just need to have a proven, consistent history of delivering excellent service.

Do you have your own crew? How long have they worked with you?

Ask if you’re speaking to sales representatives or the installers themselves. Will they provide an in-house crew or work with subcontractors? Hiring a stable installation team increases the likelihood of quality workmanship and hassle-free processes.

You’ll want a team of contractors who follow consistent methods and standards, are accountable, familiar with each other’s workflows, and communicate effectively.

Project Management

A good window replacement contractor sets clear expectations about handling projects. Understanding their process eliminates unwanted surprises and ensures you stay informed throughout the service. 

What does the window replacement process entail?

Ask about the phases of their service, from initial consultation to cleanup and final inspection. Include timelines in your question to understand how long the work will take. This allows you to address possible issues early, track progress, and keep the project on track.

Will you provide a detailed quote?

Ask about the potential costs of the contractor’s window replacement services to avoid financial misunderstandings and hidden fees. Your questions should include details such as

• labor costs,
• material costs, 
• expected payment schedule, and
• other specific costs that may add up.

Window Sources and Options

The contractor’s skills are only part of the equation; the materials used also influence the quality of the window replacement. 

What window options do you offer?

Choosing the style or type of windows to be installed requires careful consideration. It should match your home’s aesthetic and functional needs. Making informed decisions also saves you time and money. When choosing a contractor, ask if they specialize in your desired window option.

Some contractors specialize in modern projects, while others work on old-fashioned, historic structures. Additionally, the manufacturer, window features, and insurance coverages vary, so ask about them when discussing available options.

Don’t have a style in mind? You can ask the contractor to provide practical recommendations for your home. 

Where do you source your materials?

Enhance your home without compromising the environment. Ensure that the contractor’s materials are sourced from high-quality, durable, affordable, and sustainable providers. Tackle manufacturing details such as raw materials, certifications, suppliers, or vendors they work with, and look for transparency in their answers.

Warranties and Guarantees

Receiving assurance from someone you hired to work on your home—a significant and long-term investment—is crucial. A window replacement contractor can offer warranties or guarantees to provide you peace of mind.

What warranties do you provide?

Warranty policies differ between contractors, so it’s essential to ask for specific information before hiring one. Generally, a window replacement contractor should have both a manufacturer and a workmanship warranty. 

• Manufacturer warranty protects the windows against manufacturing defects. It typically lasts for ten years or more.
• Workmanship warranty covers defects due to installation. It may last for one or two years.

Warranties are one of the most important questions to ask window replacement contractors, so ask away to your heart’s content. What guarantees do they provide for the option you chose? What is the duration? A short warranty may indicate a lack of durability. What does the warranty cover? The more specific the answers are, the better. What is the contractor’s response time? You’ll want it as quickly and efficiently as possible.

References and Reviews

Your potential contractor might sound convincing and promising, but do they actually walk their talk? Find that out by asking about client references and reviews.

Can you provide references from past clients?

A good contractor usually shows examples of previous projects without being asked. If they don’t, avoid jumping to conclusions right away. Ask for the documents and see if they’re willing to have you inspect their past clients. 

Get a list of references you can contact for quick feedback. If you’re hiring a local contractor or company, consult others in the area who have previously hired that contractor. If you know someone who has been a customer personally, that would be even better.

Are there online reviews or ratings available?

Are you not satisfied with the references provided? Research online reviews and photos of their past work on their official website, Google Reviews, BBB, or Yelp. A good candidate should have many genuine, positive testimonials. A few bad ratings here or there should be fine, but you need to know how the contractor handled the issues mentioned.

Remember: authentic feedback unlocks insights into a contractor’s credibility, quality of work, and customer satisfaction. These will significantly aid in making an informed hiring decision for your home improvement project.

Handling Complaints and Issues

Complaints and issues are bound to happen regardless of a contractor’s skills. What distinguishes a top contractor is their ability to address these problems effectively. 

How do you handle complaints from clients?

When hiring a window contractor, ask them to provide examples of customer complaints in the past. Did any of those lead to legal consequences or license suspensions? How were they handled, and what were the outcomes? How do they prevent similar problems in the future?

Conversely, you can come up with your own scenarios instead. For example, a customer complains about newly installed windows not operating smoothly. A good contractor usually handles this by 

• promptly acknowledging the issue,
• arranging a schedule for thorough assessment,
• effectively repairing or replacing faulty components, and
• explaining the situation to the customer to ensure they understand and are satisfied with the solution.

If you notice similar responses to the ones above, you’re likely on the right course to meet a reliable window contractor.

Takeaway

Asking questions is paramount when hiring someone to replace your windows. However, with limited knowledge of window systems, it’s easy to miss out on crucial matters. We hope this blog about the questions to ask window replacement contractors will help you find the right one.

If you need a contractor for your window project, Storm Guard Roofing of Madison is here to help. Our licensed and insured window experts deliver superior installation and replacement, backing our services with generous labor and lifetime manufacturer warranties for assurance and protection. 

We highly prioritize customer satisfaction. We’d be happy to chat with you to understand your needs before hiring us as a window replacement contractor so that you can reach the best decisions and outcomes.

Contact us today to get a FREE estimate.