Tips for Hiring a Replacement Windows Contractor

Replacement windows for your home can reduce your heating and cooling costs which helps the environment while making your home more comfortable for you and your family. Here are some helpful tips to consider when choosing a contractor to install energy efficient replacement windows in your home.

Ask your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers who have purchased replacement windows what type of windows they bought, who they bought them from, and who performed the installation work. Once you have some ideas and recommendations take the time to do a little research and find out about the license and insurance requirements in your state for contractors. These requirements can vary from state to state, and the contractor you choose should be compliant with these requirements and able to demonstrate that they are licensed to work in your area.

To help potential contractors understand your needs you should decide what windows you want replaced. Note any rooms or areas that you think are uncomfortable, drafty, or just too difficult to keep sufficiently air conditioned or heated. When you begin shopping around for replacement windows it's a good idea to look for any special offers and rebates that may be available. Replacing windows is a significant investment for a homeowner and you can reduce costs without reducing quality by tapping into rebates that may be available through local utility companies or federal programs on energy-efficient ENERGY STAR qualified replacement windows. Contractors should be able to show you calculations of savings for ENGERY STAR qualified replacement windows which are required to meet strict energy efficiency guidelines established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Your next step would be to contact the contractors who offer the products you are interested in and schedule an in-home consultation and evaluation. This is when the contractor will inspect the current windows in your home, address your concerns and evaluate your needs, show you the products they offer and discuss in detail the benefits their products provide, and then offer you a cost proposal for the products and services required.

During this consultation and evaluation make sure you and the contractor are on the same page regarding the product; is it a vinyl or fiberglass replacement unit, double or triple pane glass, or single or double hung. Are you better off staying with a particular style of window or would a different type of window such as an awning-type work better in a particular location. Do you have a choice of colors or not, and if you wish, can you have the windows ordered to include special locks, screens, in-pane dividers or other hardware that would best fit your needs and tastes.

Before "signing in the dotted line" make it a point to request customer references or testimonials regarding their products and services. Take the time to contact the references and ask if their contractor completed the required work within the time frame promised and agreed upon budget. Although calling these references may make you a bit uncomfortable this step can save you a lot of time, money and aggravation when you make your decisions on which products to purchase and who will install them.

When comparing the contractor's bids make sure you compare not only the costs of the product and services they promise to provide but also the energy efficiency ratings of the product, any warranties provided, any rebates that can reduce the final cost, and that the products offered are the same (single hung versus double hung, etc.). The lowest price product may not be the best product for your home. If it is not the most energy efficient the up-front savings you gain will be spent over the years as your heating and cooling costs go out the less efficient window.

Make sure that you sign a written proposal with your chosen contractor before they start any work. This will protect you by specifying the project costs, job schedule, warranty information, and model numbers of products to be used. Once the contractor is finished installing the windows take the time to check each and every unit to ensure it is in proper working order and performs to your satisfaction. With the right products and installation you will have a home that is more energy efficient, providing you with years of cozy comfort and significant savings.

Ryan Windows & Siding of Rochester MN installs replacement windows in Minnesota to improve the energy efficiency and value of your home.

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