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The View and You: How to Choose a Window Contractor by Karl Fendelander It can be tricky to choose a window contractor, especially when you don't know which questions to ask. Here are some tips: Have Some Standards You should consider more than just the price and the view. Reputable contractors should be able to discuss the following: - The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC): This organization rates, certifies, and labels most windows to ensure that they meet quality standards.
- Energy Star: Its logo is probably already on many appliances in your home; this government agency provides ratings for energy efficient windows, too.
Know the Lingo You can't interview a contractor properly if you don't know anything about windows. Some things to talk about: - Take Panes. A pane is an individual sheet of glass. Depending on your climate, you may want double- or triple-pane windows.
- Don't Get Hung Up. Some windows are double hung, some just single, still others fixed. Double hung windows allow both window sashes (individual window panels) to be moved for added functionality.
- Get Material. Vinyl windows, glass block windows, bay windows, whatever you want, just make sure you do some homework first, so you don't glaze over when the contractor starts talking shop.
Get Down to Business Participating in the window-specific parts of the discussion with a contractor helps you narrow your choices. Once that's done, ask about the following: - Licensing: Find out if your state requires window contractors to be licensed. If it does, get their contractor's license number. Unlicensed contractors often come with nasty side-effects, like uninsured workers on top of ladders in your yard. Guess who's liable when they're injured? It isn't the worker; it isn't their uninsured boss. It's you.
- References: Like any other job, history is important. Just because your contractor hasn't done projects exactly like yours doesn't mean they have to be shy about showing you what they have done. A reluctance to provide references or examples of previous work spells trouble. Get references and check them. This is your home we're talking about.
Using these tips, you can make an informed choice about a windows installation contractor. Source |
