Replacing windows in your home is a big investment.  At Scottish Home Improvements, we want to help you make the best decision on the right window company for your unique situation.  Shopping for a contractor might be new to you, and we want to give you a few important steps for a smooth process.

Alside replacement windowsA great place to start is by looking at the website for the Better Business Bureau (BBB).  They have listings for many companies, and you can browse around their site or just look up a company you’ve heard of before.  The BBB rates companies, based on a comprehensive set of standards, anywhere from A+ to F.  Another great reason to go through the BBB is that this service keeps track of any complaints a company has received.  Each year that a company runs free of complaints, they receive a Gold Star rating.  Start looking for window contractors in your area to get a head start on your impression of a particular company.

Getting Estimates for Your Window Replacement Project

When you begin narrowing down the companies you may want to work with, it’s time to start getting estimates from each contractor.  It’s normal to get three or four estimates, especially when you are preparing to make a big investment that you want to last.  Remember a few key thoughts when you’re meeting with contractors:

  • You want to make sure you’re working with a team you feel comfortable with; they will be working on and in your home.
  • Consider how the company makes you feel as a customer.   Do they clearly value your business?
  • Do they invite you to visit their office? Is the setting always professional?

You want to make sure that you end up with a company that you trust, and it is during the estimate process that you can determine this. When you’re working with a project that will affect your home greatly, you want to make sure the products will last, and if you should run into any problems, you want to make sure you have a great warranty.  Consider this when you’re choosing a contractor: is this company here to stay? If you feel unsure of the answer to this question, they may not be the right choice for you.  In ten years, if you need your warranty honored, and the company you used is no longer open, this process may be extremely difficult or even impossible.

Your Window Decision Process: How Can Your Contractor Help?

replacement bay windows from AlsideAnother important aspect to consider when you’re shopping around is how easy a company will make this daunting project for you.  There are literally thousands of options for window replacements, which is overwhelming for most homeowners.  If you end up with a great contractor, however, they can help you every step of the way, and narrow down your options to what will work best for your particular home.

Many companies also use some amazing technology to help you come to the right decision.  Experts may be able to take pictures of your home, and impose your different options on a computer program.   If you have the ability to see what each window option will look like on your home before installation even begins, you can feel completely confident in your choice.  It can be difficult to actually visualize what new windows will look like on your home before you actually install them, so this technology can be extremely helpful.

Consider Price When Choosing Your Window Replacement Contractor

One of the most important factors to many homeowners investing in replacement windows is the cost.  There are a lot of aspects to factor into the cost of a replacement job, and the lowest price is not always the best option for such a significant investment.

The price of a big window project is often dependent not only on the cost of the windows themselves, but also on the cost of labor. Many of the lower-cost contractors have very small crews, or perhaps just work alone.  This can mean a longer time needed for installation, and eliminates supervision on a job.  Companies who charge a little more often offer a project manager for each work site.  Having a project manager means that you’ll have someone supervising to make sure that the work being done is quality, up to building code standards, and they will keep you updated on the progress of your installation.

The cost of the actual windows can be an important decision as well.  There are many window manufacturers, and many different styles of windows. Spending a little more on the type of window you choose could mean more energy savings in the future.  An experienced contractor will be able to help you along the way to choose the best option for your budget, and to fit your needs.

Replacing the windows in your home is an important investment, especially if you live in an older home.  Remember to shop around for the right contractor and the right price, and you can have an amazing experience with this renovation project.