10 Essential Tips for Choosing the Best Window Replacement Contractor

Hiring the best contractor to replace your windows is important. Keep reading for 10 essential tips for choosing the best window replacement contractor.

There’s a growing demand for new windows among U.S. homeowners. In fact, the window market is expected to reach a $15 billion valuation this year.

Are you considering replacing the windows in your home? If so, then it pays to have a contractor come and handle the project for you.

Read on to learn more about the benefits of hiring a window replacement contractor.

You’ll also learn some tips that will help you find the best window replacement contractor to update your home for you.

Signs You Need to Replace Your Windows

Before we get into the specific things you should consider when searching for a window replacement contractor, it helps to know whether or not you actually need to replace your windows.

The following are some signs that it’s worth it for you to invest in new windows for your home:

• You can hear lots of noise coming in from the outside
• You feel cold drafts coming in
• Your energy bills are through the roof
• There’s damage to the window frames
• The windows are hard to open, close, or lock
• There are cracks in the windows
• Condensation builds up on the glass

If you notice any of these signs, a window replacement is almost always the way to go.

You may also want a replacement if you’re looking to update your house and make it look more modern. New windows can revamp your house without having to invest in more costly renovations.

Why Hire a Window Replacement Contractor?

Based on the information laid out above, do you think it’s a good idea for you to purchase new windows?

If a window replacement is in your future, you might have started brainstorming ways to save money on the project. You may even be considering doing the project yourself to avoid paying a professional.

It might seem like an unnecessary expense to hire a window replacement contractor. Before you decide to go the DIY route, though, consider these benefits that come with hiring a professional:

• Get the job done more quickly
• Prevent damage and protect the market value of your house
• Make sure windows are stalled according to local and national codes
• Enjoy results that are guaranteed to last

Paying a contractor to replace your windows can actually help you save money, too. If you try to handle the task yourself and don’t know what you’re doing, you’ll be more likely to make mistakes — possibly even expensive ones.

If this happens, you may have to spend more money fixing the problem than you would have paid a contractor to take care of the job in the first place.

How to Find the Best Window Replacement Contractor

Alright, you’re convinced that hiring a contractor is the right approach to take. How do you know which contractor to hire, though?

The following are some tips that will help you identify the perfect contractor for the job:

1. Choose Your Windows First

Before you start looking for a contractor to handle your window replacement, it helps to know what kind of windows you want to use in your house.

That way, you’ll be able to find a contractor who specializes in installing that specific type of window.

This will help you to get better results and avoid working with someone who is not as experienced as you’d like them to be.

You’ll also be able to get a more accurate quote since the contractor will know how much work is required to install those specific types of windows.

2.  Ask About Their License

Make sure that the contractor you’re considering hiring is licensed to work in your area.

Get a copy of the contractor’s license, then reach out to your state’s Department of Labor and Industries. You can check with them to make sure the license is valid and up to date.

Be wary of a contractor who is hesitant about giving you their licensing information. This is a major red flag. Working with an unlicensed contractor could lead to subpar window installation, damage to your home, and even potential legal issues.

3. Make Sure They’re Insured

In addition to having a valid license, your contractor should have insurance, too. All contractors should have the following types of insurance:

• Personal liability insurance
• Worker’s compensation insurance
• Property damage coverage

Ask for copies of your potential contractor’s insurance certificates. Look at them carefully to make sure they’re current.

You may want to call the insurance provider to verify them as well. This will protect you from being held liable for damages or injuries that occur while your windows are being replaced.

4. Get Multiple Bids

It’s a good idea to get several different bids (at least three) before you choose a window replacement contractor. This will allow you to compare prices and find a contractor who offers reasonable rates.

This also gives you a chance to get to meet different contractors and find someone who seems like they’ll be good for you to work with. You don’t have to be best friends with your contractor, of course, but it helps you can be friendly with them.

5. Don’t Choose the Lowest Bidder

After you’ve received bids from a few different contractors, you might want to go with the person who offers you the lowest bid.

Sometimes, the person with the lowest bid is also the best person for the job. In this case, there’s nothing wrong with choosing them.

Don’t make your decision based only on the contractor’s bid, though.

If someone is charging a lot less than their competitors, that might be a sign that they do subpar work. Remember, with home renovations, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for.

6. Review Each Estimate

Look over each estimate with care. Don’t get so fixated on the final price that you don’t pay attention to the details.

The bid should contain specific information about the cost of materials and products the contractor will use. It should indicate whether they include materials and labor in the bid or not, too.

Check for start and finish dates as well, and let all of these factors play a role in determining whether or not you’ll hire a specific contractor. Remember, the final price is not the be-all end-all.

7. Look for a Full-Service Company

Try to find a contractor who runs a full-service company.

A full-service contractor will be able to handle all aspects of the window replacement with the help of their own team. This will help to eliminate the need to hand off certain aspects of the job to subcontractors and other professionals.

Working with a full-service contractor keeps things organized, makes the payment process easier, and allows the window replacement to go by much smoother.

8. Verify References

Always ask for references before you decide to hire a window replacement contractor (or any professional, for that matter).

According to American Vision Windows, contractors ought to have a list of references at the ready for you to review. If they can’t put you int ouch with any past clients, that’s a red flag.

Be sure to verify their references, too. Call or email them to ask about their experience working with this contractor.

Were they happy with the end result? Was the contractor courteous and professional throughout the project? Would they work with them again?

Let the answers to these questions guide your decision-making.

9. Check for Business Complaints

Verifying a contractor’s reference is a must when you’re considering hiring them to handle a project for you. It helps to look into other reviews of their work, too.

Look online to see if they have any reviews on third-party sites. If so, what do people have to say about them? Are they generally satisfied with their service?

You might want to check and see if there are any complaints against this contractor’s business with the Better Business Burea and other professional organizations, too.

10. Read the Fine Print

Be sure to go over the contractor’s agreement with a fine-tooth comb before you sign anything.

You ought to know exactly what you’re agreeing to before you bring them on to handle your window replacement. Take your time reviewing the agreement and ask questions if anything seems off to you.

If a contractor tries to pressure you into signing the agreement without reading it carefully, that might be a sign that they’re not the best person for the job.

Hire a Window Replacement Contractor Today

If you’re getting ready to replace your windows, it’s important to hire a contractor to help you through the process.

A contractor will help you ensure your windows get installed properly and will save you a lot of time and money.

Be sure to keep these tips for finding the best window replacement contractor in mind as you begin your search. They’ll help you find the best person for the job.

Are you looking for more advice on updating and fixing up your home? If so, check out some of the other home improvement articles on our site today to learn more.