Are you getting ready to choose a window replacement contractor to work on your home? If so there’s some information you should know first. We decided to write this article not to be self-serving but instead to help educate homeowners on what to consider when choosing the right company to work on their homes.
In fact, this may be the most important “how to buy replacement windows” article ever written. In this article, we’ll discuss the common errors we’ve heard homeowners make when shopping for new windows for their home in Upstate New York.
Over the past 40+ years, we have heard many horror stories from homeowners. People that hired the wrong company to work on their homes and how badly their project turned out. In some cases, it caused them to spend even more money to correct the issues. We don’t want to see that happen to any homeowner. That’s why we decided to outline some things to consider when you’re in need of hiring a window replacement contractor. This information will help you make a decision with confidence and avoid many sleepless nights.
The Problem
Unfortunately, most homeowners don’t have a lot of experience purchasing new windows. This serves as a major problem when investing thousands of dollars to upgrade their home. Today, we live in a buy now, have it tomorrow society.
Unfortunately, this is not how purchasing a home improvement project works.
Home improvement projects involve a lot of detail. They have specific steps that need to be accomplished to ensure the project is done correctly which takes time to complete.
A major problem we see happen over and over again is customers wait to shop for windows until right before they want them installed. In Upstate New York, this tends to begin in the spring when winter weather breaks. This time of year, many window shoppers begin getting quotes from window companies and get frustrated that they can’t get their window project installed immediately because home improvement companies have other window installations already booked on their calendars.
Here is where the problem compounds for customers… confronted with a dilemma, buy out of emotion choosing a window replacement contractor who can install their windows the soonest or wait for the company that gives them the best quality for their money to be available.
You should never choose a company based solely on how fast they can have your project installed. There just might be an underlying reason why they aren’t as busy as everyone else.
There are many benefits to replacing old windows in your home. The biggest for many homeowners is making their homes more comfortable. The way to do this is to choose the right windows and make sure they are installed the right way to lower your energy bills and get rid of those nasty drafts during our harsh Upstate New York winters. Below are some things to consider when choosing the right window company to work on your home…
Choosing the Right Window
There are many windows on the market today. Vinyl windows. Wood windows. Composite windows. All offered in similar window styles, all claiming to be the perfect window for your home. So you might be asking yourself, how do I determine which is the right choice? It should first all center around working with a window company you can trust. You should also consider how their window will perform in your home’s climate and the warranty it comes with.
Here in Upstate NY make sure you choose a window that can withstand our harsh weather. A lot of windows are manufactured and rated for a different region than we live in. These windows simply won’t hold up to the varying temperature fluctuations we experience. To purchase the right window it’s very important to know exactly what your buying for your home.
Making Sure You Have A Quality Window Installation
Now that you have an idea of what to look for when choosing the right windows for your home, you need to know the quality of the window company’s installation. Not all companies install windows the same way. Be aware of companies using subcontractors. Many window companies in Upstate New York use subcontractors to handle all of their window replacement installations. Unfortunately, this is a problem for you, the customer, because it leads to quality issues during the installation process. The way the windows are installed is very important. If a window is not installed properly it won’t perform as it should no matter how good of quality it is. Subcontractors tend to take shortcuts and rush through the job. The installation, if not done properly, could cause your windows to fail and also void your warranty leaving your investment unprotected. Make sure when meeting with a window company or home improvement contractor that you ask how and who will be performing the installation. If they give you a shady answer, run!
Knowing What The Warranty Is
Most companies advertise that their windows are the best in the industry and will not break. As we all know as homeowners, that’s surely not always the case. All warranties are not created equal. When purchasing new windows for your home, it’s important to have a warranty that protects you from any manufacturer issue or a faulty install that impacts how the window will operate down the road. Knowing how long your windows are protected for and what is covered is very important. Unfortunately for some, they overlook reading the fine print of what their warranty actually covers. Some don’t even ask about it. This results in them having to spend more money on new windows for a second time shortly after having them replaced. Whether it’s a misstep in the installation process or a seal failure out of the blue, things happen over time. When doing your homework and searching for a good window company, be sure you know what is covered by the warranty. You also need to know how long they’re covered. Find a company that not only covers manufacturer defects but important aspects of a window’s functionality. Make sure you choose to hire a company that will be there to help down the road to make sure your windows work properly for as long as you own your home.
Work With A Company You Can Trust
When shopping for new windows, do not put the trust of your window replacement project in the hands of a company that can only offer a quick install. Remember, there’s a reason why they aren’t busy and can install your project immediately. Don’t base your decision on only the install time frame and price. Look at the total package of what the company has to offer. When it comes down to choosing the RIGHT home improvement company to work with, gather the facts and ultimately trust your gut. Take the time to check references. Know how long they have been in business. Ask yourself if the company has tried to educate you on their company. If they have your best interests at heart for your window project. Do so and you will likely have few regrets and a lot less stressful moments down the road because you will be working with a company that you can trust for your project.
At Comfort Windows & Doors, we manufacture and install custom hand-crafted windows for customers across Upstate New York. If you’d like to get quality replacement windows made for your Upstate New York home, Comfort is the company for you. Please request to schedule a free estimate by clicking on the button below.
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