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Windows are one of the most important features of your home as they contribute to the overall design, comfort, and safety of the house. Properly installed windows should be durable, energy-efficient, and excel at their job—protecting you and your family from the elements. A broken pane of glass causes a lot of safety issues as well as water damage. Similarly, an old, leaking set of windows will cause your utility bill to drastically increase. To decrease the risk of these types of issues happening in the future, it’s good to be proactive about replacing your windows.
Whether you’re changing up your home’s windows for aesthetic reasons or want to replace outdated ones that have reached the end of their lifespan, it’s time to start searching for a contractor for your project. Replacing windows can be pricy and time consuming, so hiring a reliable window contractor ensures the job gets done right the first time, with quality results that add value to your home.
When it comes to choosing a window contractor, several factors can impact your decision.
Before you reach out to a window supplier or contractor, take some time to outline your desires and needs. Are you searching for a specific type of product or material? Do you have a style of window in mind that you prefer since it matches your interior space?
Before you contact a professional window installer company, conduct a bit of preliminary research to determine the most suitable windows that align with your vision, personal timeline, and budget. Sometimes local windows companies have unique services or offerings that other big-box stores don’t—which is a factor to keep in mind as you deliberate. A trustworthy contractor will evaluate your home’s windows and give advice on where to repair or enhance but will also make sure to have a clear understanding of your preferences.
The next step is to start searching for local window installers nearby in the greater Columbus, Ohio area. A great contracting company should showcase their years of expertise, transparent pricing, and their reliable reputation, which speaks for itself. Ask for referrals from friends or family members in the area, read reviews and customer testimonials online, and call a few businesses to create a list of quotes to compare. Each window installer has a different process which impacts turnaround time. If a particular contractor is in high demand because of the quality of their work, you may be on their wait list for a while. Taking the time to research and select a trustworthy windows contractor ensures your project will be completed in a meticulous, comprehensive manner. Plus, this also gives you extra time to learn some of the “red flags” to look out for.
1. Unlicensed or Uninsured Contractors: Any kind of home improvement contractor without proper licensing or insurance should be avoided as it poses a risk to you and your property. If a worker gets hurt on the job or the windows project never gets finished as promised, various insurances will correct the situation and hold the company liable. A good rule of thumb is to ask the contractor for proof of licensing and insurance coverage so you can verify their validity.
2. Lack of References or Work Samples: If a windows contractor cannot provide references or examples within a project portfolio; it may indicate a lack of experience or poor work quality. Established windows contractors will have plenty of photos, reviews, and other proof of craftsmanship readily available to showcase to a new customer.
3. High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Replacing your windows isn’t a lengthy project, but you should discover how to choose a windows contractor and collect helpful tips at your own pace before making a decision. Be cautious of companies that create a false sense of urgency to pressure customers into signing a rushed, sloppy contract.
4. Unwillingness to Provide Details: A reputable contractor will gladly provide a written estimate or in-depth quote of a new windows project during your initial consultation. Ask the contractor to outline a detailed proposal clarifying the scope of work, materials to be used, and pricing breakdown that is aligned with your expectations. It’s difficult to predict exactly how long the project should take due to arbitrary circumstances beyond the contractor’s control—however, they should be able to give you a general project timeline as well.
5. Bad First Impression: Remember to trust your instincts and choose a contractor who makes you feel comfortable and confident in their abilities (they are the ones with the expertise to back themselves up!) Don’t hesitate to ask difficult questions and voice your concerns. However, if a contractor is unresponsive or uncommunicative from the start, this sets a bad precedent for future communications about your project.
Once you’ve considered the financial cost, style of windows, and chosen your window replacement professionals, it’s time to get together a list of questions to ask your window contractor. Discuss the installation process, estimated timeline, potential disruptions, steps they take to protect your home during the window installation, and other concerns. You can even go visit in-person to view their showroom of trusted window brands before scheduling a consultation or site visit.
It’s helpful to clearly communicate your concerns and get your questions answered by a pro before signing a contract. Once you feel ready, sign the contract with all agreed-upon terms and conditions documented in detail. By following these steps, you can carefully evaluate the proposal and make an informed decision to hire APCO as your trusted windows contractor. With years of hands-on project experience, we’ll provide the industry’s highest quality window products and services to produce the most beautiful, long-lasting results! Give APCO a call today at 614-254-5489!
The Architectural Products Company
The Architectural Products Company