Installation quality affects the look and performance of home replacement windows as much as anything. Living with badly installed windows is sort like walking in the rain with your coat unzipped — the materials can do the job, but it doesn’t really work if everything isn’t sealed up.
You’ll be ready to hire a contractor when you find someone who listens to what you want for the windows’ performance and style, and has experience with the type of windows you need. For starters, that means hiring a home replacement windows specialist rather than a general contractor.
We’ve been in this business since 2007, so we know what you’re going through. You want the right home replacement windows, at the right price, from a window installer who knows what they’re doing!
Here’s the best advice for finding a windows replacement company:
Go Ahead and Get Estimates
To get started, you only need to know how many windows are being replaced and their approximate size. You may also want to have ideas about the type of window you want, although vinyl windows are almost always the right choice thanks to excellent modern technology and style variety.
Then, do yourself a favor and start making phone calls today. Ask the low bidders about possible extra charges, and ask the high bidders why their services might cost more. Often you’ll determine that the lowest bids are an illusion! Not that the highest bids guarantee better quality — home replacement windows specialists should be able to do the job efficiently.
Find Someone You Trust
As you talk to contractors for estimates, you can get an idea of how friendly and customer-oriented they are. After a few phone calls, you’ll have some price ranges and you’ll know which contractors seem professional and trustworthy.
Don’t just take someone’s word for granted, though. Ask to see references and portfolios of past work that is similar to the home replacement windows you will be getting.
Know Who Will Install Your Windows
Some contractors out there are basically middlemen who hire laborers to do the job. Obviously it’s better to know who will do the work, and that those people are experienced and licensed.
Ask for all the important stuff in writing:
- The company name and address
- Whether subcontractors will be used
- Insurance information
- What happens if the job takes longer than expected
Remember that Installation Quality Impacts Performance
Home replacement windows that are improperly sealed or misaligned will suffer in terms of energy efficiency and the ease of opening and closing them. As the EPA’s Energy Star windows guide notes, even the best home replacement windows will fail to achieve the energy ratings promised by the manufacturer if not installed by talented professionals. Sliding windows and casement windows may become difficult to operate over the years if the installation was imperfect, too.
The sooner you get started, the sooner you can enjoy the fresh look and better energy efficiency of new windows. We provide top-quality installation of home replacement windows in the Sonoma County, CA area. Contact us today for more information about our selection and process.