BASIC Window Replacement Information

Re placing your windows is a major investment that will carry a long-lasting impact on your home's comfort, appearance, and resale value. There is a lot to consider regarding the size, shape, and style of your new windows, not to mention their energy efficiency, light transparency, and other non-cosmetic features. Choosing the perfect windows for your home is only half the battle, however. You want to make sure they will be installed properly and efficiently, so that you won't have to fix any unforeseen issues and so that you experience minimal disruption to your daily routine and comfort. When it comes to hiring a window contractor, it's recommended to put the same care and effort into the search as you would for finding the right doctor or auto mechanic. Use this guide to help you through the process.

Important Questions to Consider Before Hiring a Window Replacement Contractor

Is your company and team licensed and insured?

Working with a contractor that possesses the proper licensing and insurance protects both of you in the event of any problems, injuries, or damage. Most states require contractors to have these. Before signing a contract, you may want to request proof of insurance and review the coverage of their liability and workers comp policies.

Do you offer itemized estimates?

Free estimates are something most people look for and rate highly when choosing a company to tackle any home improvement project. While free is great, it's more important to get as much detail included as possible. An itemized estimate will show you the exact distribution of expected expenses among parts, labor, and more. This way you'll have a record of a baseline to work off of in the event of any disputes during the project.

What type of installation warranty do you offer?

Even the best contractors can't guarantee that an issue won't develop months later. You don't want to invest in a quality installation only to get stuck with a number of repair expenses on top of it. Get a company's warranty policy in writing and hold onto their contact information throughout its duration. Ask for details about their approach to handling various service issues as well.

Does my window replacement project require a permit?

Certain municipalities require permits for home construction work on this scale. If your contractor of choice is local, they should know the answer to this question right away. For example, Arrow Home Improvement has experience with the permit laws of Suffolk County, Nassau County, and Long Island, NY. Ideally, they will obtain any necessary permits themselves, or at least offer the service to you for an additional fee.

How long will my window replacement take?

The time period between ordering new windows and completing their installation can be difficult to predict. Some styles of specialized windows could take weeks to be delivered. Depending on the time of year, you may decide to delay embarking on this project in order to keep your windows from being out of commission during a seasonal change. An experienced contractor should be able to provide you with an accurate timeline.