Any homeowner knows that house maintenance isn’t cheap. From new kitchen appliances to repairing the furnace, there are some things that just have to be done, despite the fact that you’d much rather be spending that hard earned money on a vacation to the beach.
Window replacement, for example, is one of these things. You know that in order to keep your home energy efficient as well as appealing to the eye, your windows have to be replaced. You also know that it’s going to cost a fair bit of money to do so, which is why so many people try to cut deals when it comes to window installation. Paying cash, or looking for the cheapest contractors around sounds like a great way to save a few bucks, but in the end it could end up costing you more money. Here’s why:
Why Price Shouldn’t Be the Only Factor in Choosing Window Installation Contractors
1. Licensing
Most of the time, when you find a contractor that is able to charge you far less than everyone else, it’s because they don’t have the proper licensing (and thus don’t have to pay monthly or yearly licensing fees). Knowing that your contractors are fully licensed, means knowing that they have at least the necessary level of competence to complete the job. As well, licensing means that you can legally dispute any discrepancies regarding contract or quality of work.
2. Insurance
Low-end (cheap) contractors don’t always have adequate insurance. If you’re having all your windows replaced, that’s a going to be a big bill, and small-time contractors might not have the adequate insurance to cover any mishaps, repairs or damages caused by improper window installation.
3. Paper Trails
You may be tempted to pay a contractor in cash in order to get a discount, but if anything happens down the road, you won’t have the proper receipts you need to dispute the issues. Whether window and door installation, or even a new roof, the same rule applies – sign legal contracts and leave as much of a paper trail as possible so that should any problems arise in the future you have the paperwork to back up your claims.
4. Longevity/Guarantees
Possibly the most important thing to look for when hiring a company to do your window installation is that they fully guarantee not only their product – but their installation too. Window installation includes making sure the window is a perfect fit and then sealing it properly to maintain energy efficiency within your home. New windows are a big investment, and a good company will guarantee their work so that that you’re not the one paying for repairs if something goes wrong.
5. Efficiency
Paying a bit extra for window installation experts usually means you’ll get a larger team – and one that knows how to work quickly and efficiently. Let’s be honest, installing new windows can be a nuisance to the homeowner if the process becomes long and drawn out. An experienced team will have the entire job done as quick as humanly possible, giving you your home back much faster.
At Toronto Doors and Windows, we often see people spending top dollar for quality windows, only to skimp when it comes to hiring the installers. But good windows are only as good as their installation. So what happens when the seals come apart and the “lowest price contractors” won’t fix it? They call us of course! And it’s not that we don’t want the business, but it’s better to get it done right the first time. And that’s why we’ve provided you with a brief checklist for hiring your next window installation contractor:
Quality Window Installation Checklist
1. Do They Have a Storefront?
Don’t rely on telemarketers and newspaper ads to choose the best installers, and stay clear of the guys who work out of the back of their own rundown pick-up trucks and are willing to be paid in cash and beer. Instead, look for a reputable company with a proper store front that you can visit, with a useful, high-quality website. Choose a company that is completely transparent about what they can and cannot offer you.
2. Can They Provide References?
Ask for a few references from previous clients, but also check with the Better Business Bureau to see if they’ve had any complaints against them. If they have any unresolved issues, or a long list of complaints, steer clear!
3. Do They Have Experience?
Hiring a professional window installation team doesn’t need to break the bank, but remember that you usually get what you pay for. Hiring a quality team with years of experience means they can predict potential problems and fix them before they become an issue. Most importantly, a good quality team will ensure you get quality, long-lasting results.
