Phone Vetting a Potential Windows Contractor

When considering a window replacement or installation, choosing the right contractor is as crucial as selecting the best window design for your home. While online reviews and testimonials provide some insights, nothing beats the direct interaction of a phone call. Vetting window contractors over the phone allows you to gauge their professionalism, knowledge, and responsiveness firsthand, ensuring you embark on your renovation journey with a trusted partner by your side.

Evaluating Window Contractors by Phone

In recent interviews with Modernize, 90% of homeowners requested a checklist to help them find and vet contractors. One of the most important steps of that process is your first phone call with potential window contractors, during which you will vet this contractor against the others you’re considering. While finding someone you feel comfortable talking to is significant, it’s not all an abstract exercise. There are some questions you should definitely ask during this phone call to be sure you’ve covered foundational bases before moving forward with a windows replacement contractor.

Questions to Ask Windows Contractors

Use the question guide below and adjust it to your own circumstances to ensure you get everything you need from your windows installer vetting phone call.

1. How Long Have You Been In Business?

Simply put, the experience is tantamount to good work. And window replacement is no exception. Years of experience could mean local expertise and technical knowledge that will elevate the quality of your installation or upgrade. Less experience isn’t necessarily bad or telling of a low-quality installation, but it does mean the rates and warranties should be lower, leaving you room to negotiate on pricing.

2. How Much Experience Do You Have with Windows Installation or Incentives?

When it comes to the quality and efficiency of windows replacement — which will determine the effect your project has on the increased value of your home — existing financial incentives could further increase your savings after installing windows.

Be sure to ask your contractor for an individualized assessment of your windows installation. A trustworthy contractor will examine your current utility bill and study the physical properties and opportunities your house presents — like local, regional, or federal financial incentives — to best save you money after installing windows for your home.

3. What Is Your Project Estimate and What Happens If It Changes?

Once you have an estimate of the project’s tentative costs and duration in your hands, you need to understand how it was conceived and what happens if anything in it changes. Be sure to get clarity on these details and don’t be shy to ask for an explanation if you feel you don’t fully understand something.

Agree that any unexpected project expenses will be presented in writing. Surprises, in other words, shouldn’t surprise you or your contractor, and they should definitely not surprise your investment.

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4. Can You Provide a List of References?

While this windows replacement or installation could stay with you (or at least your house) for decades, it will also build, or continue to build, their reputation into a prosperous business. Ask the contractor for testimonials from past clients and don’t feel shy to ask for contact information so you can call those references yourself and get a take on what their experience was like.

Connect with trusted windows installation contractors in your area with Modernize. This is an important investment you’re making, and the more information you have about the company you’re giving your hard earned money to, the better.

5. Can You Provide Proof of Insurance for Personal Liability, Worker’s Compensation, and Property Damage Coverage?

When home improvement projects result in accidents, you want to be sure your family, your house, and all the people involved are safe and taken care of. You want to rest assured that your contractor is fully insured for personal liability, worker’s compensation, and property damage coverage. Even with a clean slate of past accidents, it only takes one to harm your project’s outcome and, more importantly, your personal savings.

Warranties will also impact your quoted cost. Most installers offer manufacturer’s warranties that protect you from faulty equipment. Some might offer additional guarantees for the installation, as well, covering potential damage to your house. Be sure the quoted warranty is clear in what it does and doesn’t cover.

The Modernize Contractor Checklist will help you vet a trusted contractor, so you can relax knowing your windows project is in good hands. 

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