Questions to Help You Find the Right Window Contractor

How can you find the just-right window contractor for your home's needs? Before you hire a pro or agree to an estimate, take a look at the questions to ask your would-be future window and glass contractor.

Do You Do Your Own Work?

It might seem obvious that a contractor would do their own window work. But this isn't always the case. Some companies subcontract their work to other professionals. This means you won't necessarily know the experience or expertise levels of the technicians who will install your home's new windows.

If the window company answers no to this question (in other words, they do use subcontractors), ask for more information on the technicians who will work on your home. The contractor should provide you with qualifications or the other details you need.

What Do You Know About Energy Efficiency?

Windows play a primary role in your home's overall energy use. Old, drafty, or damaged windows can let the heated or cooled air out and the warm or cold air in. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, these gains and losses account for between 25 and 30 percent of home HVAC system-related energy usage.

To reduce the amount of energy your home's heating and cooling system uses, and the resulting costs, you may need to replace your windows. But if you don't choose the right replacements, your new windows may not do much to keep either down.

Not every window contractor is a pro in energy efficiency practices. If reducing your home's energy use and saving money on heating and cooling costs are important to you, make sure your future window and glass contractor has the products and professional knowledge necessary.

The company you select should sell windows with high performance ratings from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). Look for Energy Star certified windows with low U-factors and a low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC).

Along with the windows, the contractor should provide installation services that increase your home's energy efficient. These include weather stripping, sealing, and other similar methods. Poorly installed windows or windows installed without the correct sealants can let the air in or out. This means your high quality energy efficient windows may not do much to decrease costs.

What Are the Pricing Options?

Some contractors may only carry high-end brands or specialize in higher-priced windows. While these types of replacements have superior energy efficiency and can accent your home's exterior aesthetics, they may not meet your pricing needs.

If you're on a strict home improvement budget, you need windows in a specific price range. Ask the contractor whether they sell windows at different pricepoints and how the installation costs will impact what you'll pay for the entire job.

Whether you're on a budget or not, you may also want to learn more about how the contractor charges and the company's pricing plans. Some questions you can ask include:

• Do you expect a partial payment when I sign an estimate? If so, when is the second or final payment due? The written estimate should specify how much and when each sum is due to the contractor.
• Do you offer a payment plan? Some contractors may offer a payment plan. This can help to offset the initial costs and may make it possible to buy windows at the top end of your budget.
• What forms of payment do you accept? Do you need to pay for your windows with a credit card? Verify that the contractor will accept your preferred form of payment before you get an estimate.

Even though it's tempting to choose a contractor based on price, don't go with an estimate purely because it's low. Again, windows are available at a variety of price-points. Instead of low price, choose a contractor that offers several high-quality options and (if needed) several ways to pay.

Do you need to replace your home's windows? Contact Bob's Glass for more information.