Home improvement projects are a significant investment and require the right professionals to avoid substandard work. One crucial project requiring hiring the right professional is window and door replacement. Many homeowners believe investing in only the best quality windows and doors is sufficient. However, installation is as important as the products themselves when replacing windows and doors. This is because incorrectly fitted windows and doors can lead to 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 are some easy tips to help you choose the ideal contractor for your window and door installation needs.
1. Verify the license 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 risks. 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 ensure the information is current. In addition to this, you need to check their insurance policy also. A liability insurance policy will protect you if 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 with installing doors and windows. Moreover, they also have 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 your area’s challenges and building codes.
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 with a proper physical business office or store. Ensure 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 names, call each one. Ask these professional installers to provide you with 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. If so, you must check the brand and quality of installing windows and doors. 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 with a signed contract. Their contract should include complete details of all materials and labor costs and the project’s completion. Da addition, you need to check the warranty they offer 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 later.