Most of the time, you rarely think about many parts of your home until it needs repairing or replacing. When it comes the time that you need to repair or replace your windows, you need the right window contractors for the job.
Choosing the right window contractors can get overwhelming. You want to employ the services of someone who is experienced, trustworthy, and reliable.
In today’s post, we’ll share some practical tips on how to choose home window contractors for your next home windows improvement project. We hope the information you find here will aid in your search for the best window installation company.
Reputable Window Contractors Are Insured
Any home improvement service provider must have comprehensive liability insurance and workers’ compensation.
These items protect you and your property against any accidents that may occur during the project.
Before you sign any work contract, ask for copies of insurance documents for workers’ compensation and liability insurance.
Before the project begins, you can ask the contractor to send the documents to you.
Usually, these insurance types are why most contractors (when they have them) are charging more for their services.
Contractors will also usually carry other types of insurance, such as life, auto, and health insurance. Thus, when you have reached out to a contractor and have insurance, ask them to specify exactly what they currently have.
Depending on your jurisdiction, workers’ compensation rates can increase the labor expenses up to 100%. If your window contractor is charging you a significantly cheap price, it may be because they don’t carry insurance – which you should be wary of.
It’s not wise to work with uninsured window companies. You are putting your property at risk. Here are some of the reasons why a contractor doesn’t have full insurance.
- They don’t stand behind or honor their work.
- They can’t afford to pay the premiums.
- They don’t have enough experience in the industry and are just starting out.
- They don’t work as a full-time company.
Imagine this: you hired a window company without a workers’ compensation and liability insurance to understand the risk of working with uninsured contractors. A contractor – without meaning to – drops a huge part of the window from your second floor and ruins your front yard or deck.
In many cases, it’s not a scenario where your homeowner’s policy will take care of this for you – unless, of course, if you’re paying for in-home contractors or employees’ coverage.
Also, if you have a contractor gets injured while working on your property with no worker’s compensation coverage, you may be expected to pay part of that contractor’s claim.
Make Sure The Window Contractors Explain to You How their Products Work
Most people think most windows are the same, or that they don’t require any special instructions. Once they are installed, and in place, the job’s done, until they need replacing or repairing.
However, home windows come in many different styles, shapes, and features. These attributes are what will help you determine if a specific type of window will work for your home.
For instance, casement windows provide the best security, so ideally, you want to install them on the ground level of your home.
You can opt for Low-E Windows if your concern is more about energy efficiency and climate control inside your home.
If you are looking for a window replacement, ask the contractor if they can match your existing décor – both inside and outside your home. This ensures that the design of your replacement windows will blend well with your current décor.
An experienced contractor will have no problem explaining to you what options you have and how to make the products work best in your current space.
A specific feature you have to look for home windows is if they have the Energy Star rating. This rating means that window products can provide property owners with significant energy savings and comfort all year round.