Choosing the Right Window Contractor
Like many home improvement projects, the fate of your replacement project lies in the hands of your contractor. This is because replacement windows require proper installation to perform their best. Working with a qualified professional also helps you ensure that no other issues will befall your home during the course of the project, letting you not only avoid delays but additional costs as well.
When selecting a window contractor, make sure your choice is:
- Licensed and Insured – Having the necessary licenses means a window contractor has met requirements to operate in your local area, signifying that you are working with a legitimate business with expertise in window replacement services in Findlay, OH, and nearby areas. Having insurance coverage, on the other hand, means you are protected against liabilities stemming from accidental property damage or injuries, giving you peace of mind.
Experienced – The more years a window contractor has been in business, the better. Having worked on numerous homes before yours, an experienced professional will have what it takes to address your specific window replacement needs. Additionally, the more they know about their products, the more likely it is they’ll be able to provide you with suitable replacement recommendations.
Certified – A certification from trade organizations or top manufacturers in the window industry is a plus because it shows your window contractor is committed to quality work and has invested time and money into receiving the necessary training and education to keep up with the latest technologies and trends. Additionally, a certification gives a contractor access to the top-quality products and generous warranties leading window manufacturers offer. Work with a certified window contractor then and you too will enjoy access to these products and warranties.- Locally Loved – It’s easy for any window professional to claim they are the best in what they do, but the best way to know if you’re really in good hands is to check out reviews and testimonials. You can find these on your contractor’s website, but you can also head online and visit the Better Business Bureau® for ratings from the organization and customer feedback. Take it as a good sign when the window contractor you’re interested in has an A+ rating from the BBB.
Choosing the Right Windows
Aside from working with the right people, choosing the right window is critical to ensuring the success of your window replacement project. Choosing the right windows is about matching a replacement unit with your needs. Different homes have different requirements, so what works for you may not necessarily be right for another homeowner. While you can take inspiration from other people’s choices, you should make your decision solely factoring in your personal considerations.
Generally though, choosing the right windows requires you to:
Know Your Options – The energy-efficient replacement windows available to homes in Findlay, OH, and the surrounding communities, each have their own pros and cons. Taking the time to understand what each one has to offer will help you zero in on the best choice for you.
For instance, if you have an exquisite outdoor view to frame and can make do without the natural ventilation offered by an operable window, then picture windows will work wonderfully for you. On the other hand, if you prize natural ventilation above all else, you should be eyeing casement, double hung and sliding windows.
Aside from getting to know all the window styles available to you, you should also take into consideration the different window frame and glass options you can take advantage of. How well a window performs depends on the sum of its parts, after all, so it’s worth learning which combinations will be right for your home.
Know Your Home – Certain window styles work best with certain home styles, so it’s important to take note of your property’s architectural style, especially if you’re aiming for historical accuracy. Typically, however, timeless options like double-hung or casement windows match traditionally styled properties, while picture or sliding windows are great for more modern or contemporary homes.
Alongside understanding what your home style entails, be mindful of your local climate. Different regions have different requirements when it comes to energy efficiency, so your replacement windows should match ratings for your local area.
The Window Replacement Process: What to Expect
Similar to what you can expect from an expert patio door installation in Findlay, OH, and the nearby communities, window replacement follows a streamlined process to ensure your project goes off without a hitch.
Here’s what you can expect:
Before the Replacement
To jump-start your project, you’ll need to sit down with a window contractor to discuss your requirements and the replacement options available to you. Once the details of the project have been outlined, a representative from your window company will take window measurements to guarantee an exact fit for your replacement units. Measurements in hand, your window contractor will then place an order for your windows.
Before any work begins, however, make sure that you clearly understand all the terms in your contract and don’t have unresolved concerns. Note that if some structural modifications will be needed to make way for your new windows, you may need to secure a permit before the project begins, depending on the local building code for your area.
During the Replacement
On installation day, your contractor will be headed to your home with your replacement windows in tow. They’ll start by moving and covering your furniture and protecting your belongings so the crew can easily move around. Next, they’ll remove your old windows and repair any small imperfections in the wall openings to ensure there won’t be any installation issues with your new windows.
After all that, it’s time to install your replacement windows.
After the Installation
Once your new window is in place, weatherstripping and trims included, your contractor will go over the replacement units with you, showing you the proper way to operate them. If you have any questions about window cleaning and maintenance or your window warranty, now is the time to raise them. Once all your questions and concerns have been addressed, your window contractor will finalize their transaction with you. Depending on agreed-upon terms, payment may also be collected at this point.
If you forgot to clarify something while your window contractor was at your house, don’t worry. You can still give them a call. Great after-sales service is one of the benefits of working with a reputable window contractor, after all. To learn more about window replacement, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a trusted window expert in your area today.