Home improvement projects are a significant investment and require the right professionals to avoid substandard work. One such crucial project which requires hiring the right professional is windows and doors replacement. Many homeowners believe that it’s sufficient to invest in the best quality windows and doors only. However, installation is as important as the products themselves when it comes to replacing windows and doors. This is because incorrectly fitted windows and doors can lead to many problems like air seepage and loss of energy efficiency. Moreover, if installed improperly, the product warranty may also become void.
So, to keep your home safe and sealed, you need to hire a professional window & door installer. But with countless professionals present in the market, finding the right installer may seem daunting. Since not all contractors specialize in installing doors and windows, homeowners need to pick a perfect contractor for the job vigilantly. Below, we have mentioned some easy tips to help you choose the perfect contractor for your window and door installation needs.
1. Verify the licensed and insurance of the contractor
As you look for a contractor, consider only licensed professionals. Although not every state requires contractors to obtain a license, it’s better not to take any risk. When you hire a licensed contractor, you get a guarantee that they are trained and qualified to perform this job. You need to check their license number and make sure that the information is current. In addition to this, you need to check their insurance policy also. A liability insurance policy will protect you in case a worker gets injured while working on your project.
2. Look for experienced contractors
Another important consideration is years of experience in the industry. Established and experienced contractors can deal with all kinds of complex issues that come with installing doors and windows. Moreover, they also have established a relationship with suppliers, which can help you get better quality products at the best rates. Since they have worked on hundreds of projects earlier, they better understand the challenges and the building codes of your area.
3. Check the Physical Address of the Company
There are some horror stories where a fly-by-night company fooled homeowners. So, to avoid such fraudsters, always hire a contractor who has a proper physical business office or store. Make sure you visit their office and meet the professionals in-person to ensure their legitimacy.
4. Gather References
You can ask your friends and colleagues to recommend some good contractors. And once you have a list of few names, call each one of them. Ask these professional installers to provide you references for their past clients. By speaking to their previous customers, you will get an idea of their quality of services. Also, by looking at their portfolio, you can assess their skills and artistry of past installations. In addition to this, you should also read their customers’ online reviews to know what others are saying about their business. You may check if the contractor had previous complaints or court cases that may have caused the suspension of their license.
5. Look at the Quality of Products
Some companies offer complete services which include supplying products also. If this is the case, you need to check the brand and quality of the windows and doors installed. Since door and window replacement projects can be a significant expense, you want to ensure that products are of the best quality to stand the test of time. In addition to this, make sure they offer both product and artistry warranties.
6. Get it in Writing
Once you’ve found a reliable and experienced contractor, ask them to provide you a written, signed contract. The contract they provide should include complete details of all materials and labor costs, as well as the project’s completion date. In addition to this, you need to check the warranty they are offering on the products and installation services. This will help you protect if there’s a problem with your home’s windows or the installation artistry a few years down the line.