Windows are an underappreciated aspect of the family home. Not only do they provide sunlight to keep your house feeling light and airy, but they also protect against drafts and prevent rain and snow from entering your home, saving you thousands in costly repairs from water damage.
They can also be a beautiful architectural feature both inside and out, which just enhances all the other aspects of your home’s exterior to make you feel inspired and comfortable in your beautiful residence.
When your windows start to show wear and tear, you’ll probably begin the process of picking out the right windows for your home’s style and needs. This includes considering the size and shape of the windows, their opening mechanics, and what materials will work best in your home.
But once you’ve hit upon a general idea of what you want, it’s time to think about who will actually install the window, something many people gloss over when they need a window replaced. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a contractor to install the windows in your family home.
They Explain Things in an Easy-to-Understand Manner
It might surprise you to learn that there’s incredible variety in window materials, shapes, and features. From different frames to various types of window forms, it’s a lot to consider, and it’s easy to get confused about what will actually work best for you.
A great window replacement company will walk you through the process in detail, as well as suggest what might work best for your needs. They’ll keep the shop talk to the professionals and explain things to you in a way that’s easy for a layperson to understand, without bogging you down in unnecessary information that will only confuse you.
More than that, a great company will provide you with this information before you even pick up the phone, with a comprehensive website that explains the steps in detail. This way, you know exactly what to expect and will feel more confident scheduling your estimate.
They’re Upfront with their Costs
Windows are a significant investment that can last for decades, and as such, they can get very pricey. A good window replacement company won’t hide extra fees in their paperwork and surprise you with a huge bill at the end of the process; instead, they’ll lay out all the expected costs for you, including labor and materials, so that you know how much to budget for the project.
With any home repair, it’s possible that extra fees will pop up, but a trustworthy company will inform you of these right away and explain exactly why your window replacement might take more time or require a different material.
They’re Trained on the Windows they Use
Not all windows are made equally, and they can’t all be installed equally either. Each brand of window has its own processes, and a good window replacement company has taken the time to be trained and certified on the products they sell.
Look for a company that mentions that they’re qualified on the specific brands that they use, which will generally be displayed on their website. This may mean that they’ve gone through an installer academy or that they’re part of a contractor alliance for that particular brand.
They Have Great Reviews
The best signifier of quality for any company is that other customers loved working with them, and you can find this through verified reviews. Many companies will share these on their website, along with pictures of their previous jobs, which will give you a jumping-off point for what to look for. However, you should also check with third-party review sites to see what others are saying about this company, good or bad.
Watch for trends that are mentioned repeatedly, such as good service, fast installation, knowledgeable employees, or quality workmanship. If you find similar reviews across multiple websites, these were likely written by different people, which means that many customers had the same experience with this company.
You Feel Comfortable with their Staff
Having a window replaced means that people will be entering your home, and so it’s essential that your gut tells you that these are trustworthy and responsible people who you can rely upon to be respectful of your home and family. Never underestimate the value of your intuition when it comes to individuals who will be on your property.
A great window replacement company will hire great people, those who are polite and kind. Be sure to get to know not just the salespeople, but the installers if possible, and ensure that you feel safe having them enter your home. After all, peace of mind is priceless, and you should always feel comfortable in your own house!
Final Thoughts
Our homes are our castles, where we relax and unwind after work or recreational activities, and having good windows can make all the difference in how our home looks and feels. When it’s time to replace a window, it’s important to put thought not just into how a window will look, but who will install it, too. Keep these factors in mind as you look for a qualified window replacement company, and soon enough your home will be even more beautiful than before.