If you’ve never had to replace the windows in your home before, you might not have given much thought to hiring a window installation contractor. As with many home improvement projects, until the time comes to do it in your own house, it’s not something that is in the forefront of your mind (no matter how much HGTV you watch!)
In order to select a window installer who truly meets your needs, there are some important questions you ought to ask as you interview various professionals. A careful selection of the top five have been outlined for you next. Remember, these aren’t necessarily the only inquiries you should make as you go through the decision process, but they should get you thinking along the right lines.
- Where exactly is your office located? – This might initially seem like a strange question, but it makes a lot of sense if you stop to think about it for a moment. A reputable installer will not hesitate to provide you with an office address, whereas a dubious company might only be willing to provide a P.O. Box number. Furthermore, the longer a company has been established in your area, the more trustworthy they probably are.
- Is your company licensed and insured? – Reputable window installers will carry any and all licenses and insurance policies required by your state. If you aren’t sure what the Carolinas require, a quick internet search will tell you. In any state, however, contractors should have full liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance. This ascertains that clients like you, employees, and business owners are all protected should a negative situation occur over the course of a project.
- Do you have references’ contact information available? – Before you hire a window installation contractor, you need to contact the company’s references to learn more about them and the work they do. Well-respected contracting businesses usually have references readily available. When you contact these past clients, make sure you ask whether or not they are still pleased with their windows, whether or not the price was as quoted, and whether or not they would hire the contractor again for a future project. You should, of course, also ask anything that pertains specifically to your upcoming job.
- When will I be required to sign a contract? – If a contractor wants you to sign any binding paperwork before you’ve officially decided whom you want to hire, it is a red flag that should not be ignored. No trustworthy installation company would ask you to put your signature on any documents during a consultation; as a matter of fact, many respectable companies perform free estimates.
- When will you be able to start on my project? – This is a critical question, particularly if you’re on some kind of time crunch with your window replacement job. The summer and fall months tend to be the busiest times of year for contractors, but you should not discount a winter or spring project. Window replacement is a relatively short-term job in most cases, so companies are often willing to do it even the weather is chilly.
At Hatch Homes, we take pride in serving families throughout the Carolinas. If you choose us, we will work with you to make sure you select the perfect windows for your lifestyle. Whether you are interested in preserving the historical value of an Antebellum home with old-fashioned wooden window frames or you’re looking for low-maintenance vinyl options for a new construction, the Hatch Homes team is here to help.