When getting your windows replaced, there are a surprising number of things that need to be considered. Examples include things like energy efficiency, projected longevity, and even basics like what materials are involved. With all of these things to worry about, there are some core considerations that can easily slip your mind.
Today we’ll discuss window replacement and give you 4 questions to ask an installation company in order to help ensure that your quality windows get a quality installation from an installer who’ll fix any problems that may occur.
Let’s talk about what you need to ask to get it done right.
The Most Important Considerations
When you get down to it there are a few concerns that are easy to forget if you aren’t careful. In the interest of protecting yourself and ensuring that your work will be done properly there are some things that you will want to be sure to ask. We’ll get into a little detail with the questions but here they are in a nutshell:
- Are you licensed and insured for this work?
- Can you provide me with an itemized estimate?
- Does my project require any special permits and if so, will you obtain them?
- Will you take care of any issues that are noticed after the job is complete?
Are you licensed and insured for this work?
This is a big one. Many provinces are going to require that your installer is not only licensed but that they carry insurance, as well as workman’s compensation, liability, and more. These things are very important and they protect both the installers and yourself.
Always make sure that you go with an installer who is licensed and insured or those windows might cost you quite a bit more than you were expecting!
Can you provide me with an itemized estimate?
A quick way to weed-out a disreputable contractor is to request an itemized estimate. A reputable contractor has no problem at all with these and you get a realistic look into what this job is going to cost and why. Don’t hesitate to ask for one and if you get another, cheaper estimate, feel free to invite competition. You might just save a bundle!
Does my project require any special permits and if so, will you obtain them?
Some properties may require special permits for certain types of jobs, and window replacement may be one of them. To this end, be sure to ask your contractor and don’t just take their word on it. Follow up with your local municipality and make sure because if a permit is required and your installer doesn’t have it then this could mean a very large headache for you in the near future.
Will you take care of any issues that are noticed after the job is complete?
Finally, when the work is done, you need to know that if the window is leaky or you are feeling a draft just days after installation that you aren’t going to be left having to pay for another visit. Ask your installer if they will correct any issues within a particular day period following installation.
A good contractor has no problem making sure that you get the quality work that you have paid them for.
Conclusion
We hope that these oft-forgotten questions will now be first-and-foremost in your mind when you negotiate the deal to install your new windows. Remember, make sure they are licensed and that no special permits are needed, get an itemized estimate, and go with an installer that backs up their work.
When you are ready to replace the vinyl windows in your home, then get in touch with the professional window installers at VR Windows and Doors. Call us at (416) 717-2730 or send us a message through our contact page.
