Take your time in hiring a replacement window contractor. Your new replacement windows are a big investment so you want make sure you work with a contractor that is knowledgeable and experienced in jobs similar to yours. Improperly installed windows can lead to years of headaches from water and air leaks to windows that don’t open and shut properly.
Hiring a contractor to replace the windows in your home is a lot different, and more difficult than hiring most other contractors. Trustworthiness is a common trait to look for in any contractor. Aside from trustworthiness, what you want from most contractors is for them to be knowledgeable and to do quality work. A good window replacement contractor requires several more skills.
What to Look for in a Window Replacement Contractor
Knowledgeable about different window types and styles
You will rely heavily on your contractor to help you choose the best type of window (vinyl, wood, aluminum, etc) and style (single hung, double hung,casement, picture, etc). A knowledgeable contractor can help you choose the best type of window based on your budget, your priorities (cost, appearance, energy efficiency, low maintenance) and style window based on its location and expected use.
Knowledgeable about energy efficient features of windows
Many things dictate what the best energy efficient window is for a particular location in your home. For instance, a window which does not receive direct sunlight may not necessarily benefit from having Low-E coating. Same goes for dual and triple pane windows. A contractor that is knowledgeable and trustworthy can save you money by not selling you “too much” window if the application doesn’t require it.
Knowledgeable about home energy efficiency
If your home has factors, other than your current windows, that make it not energy efficient there is a limit to the benefit you will receive from adding energy efficient windows. Adding high priced, super energy efficient windows to a home that lacks proper insulation, construction, design or energy efficient doors is overkill and is a waste of money. An contractor that recognizes the other weaknesses in the energy efficiency of your home can save you money by advising you not to install the best energy efficient windows.
Knowledgeable about different construction techniques
Your contractor needs to understand various construction techniques (brick, vinyl and wood siding, stucco) so they can remove your old windows without damaging your house and to properly install your new windows.
Skilled craftsman
Many home windows have wood trim, sometimes quite intricate, on the inside and/or outside of the window. Sometimes the old windows can be removed with the trim intact but other times it must be removed and reinstalled once the new windows are in place.
Design skills
A good window replacement contractor can help you select new windows that best match the design and architecture of you home.
Questions to Ask a Potential Window Replacement Contractor
- How long have they been in business in your area
- What kind and how much experience do they have with projects similar to yours
- Will they perform the work or will they sub-contract it out. Using sub-contractors is not necessarily a bad thing, just be sure that the contractor will be held responsible for the sub-contractor’s work and for ensuring the sub-contractors they use are licensed and insured or that the contractor’s insurance coverage covers the sub-contractors
- Do they offer any guarantee that the work will be completed on-time and within budget
Protect Yourself When Hiring a Window Replacement Contractor
- Get a written contract
- Do not pay in cash
- Do not pay for all the work up-front
- Withhold some amount of the final payment until the work has been completed
- Ask for and check references provided by the contractor
- Check additional references not provided by the contractor. We recommend Angie’s List*
- Verify their license with the Registrar of Contractors in your area
- Check their standing with the Better Business Bureau
- Screen replacement window contractors by phone initially
- Meet in person with 3 to 4 of the ones you liked the best on the phone
- Get several bids on the job – the lowest price is not always the “best bid”
*Additional online resources to check references and why we recommend Angie’s List is available here.
Spotting Contractors to Avoid
- They came to your door asking if you want your windows replaced
- They ask to be paid in cash
- They want all the work to be paid for up front
- They use high pressure sales tactics
- They offer you a deal because they have materials left over from another job
With a little effort you can easily spot the contractors to avoid and find one that you feel comfortable working with and have confidence that your new windows will look great, work great and last a long time.