If you’ve just purchased brand new windows from Renewal by Andersen windows Eugene, you don’t want to waste any time getting them installed. Waiting too long could quickly undo all the work your new windows are there to do by letting in too much cold air and moisture. That’s why you need to minimize the time gap between choosing windows and installing them. This doesn’t mean, however, that you should be hasty when it comes to choosing the right contractor for the job. Before you hire someone, you should have total faith that they’ll do the job right. If you ask the right questions, you’ll be able to figure out whether your choice of contractor is truly the best fit. If you’re getting new windows installed, don’t take any chances. Here are a few questions to ask to make sure you’re trusting the right people.
1. Do You Carry Insurance?
If you’re having a hard time figuring out who’s trustworthy and who isn’t, the best way to open the conversation is by asking about insurance. When a worker is insured and certified, you have a much better chance of ending up with a job you’re satisfied with, or at least one that can be tailored to your specific needs. When a contractor isn’t insured, you won’t just be on the hook for any damage incurred by your property during installation, you’ll also have to pay for your worker’s medical bills should anything happen to him during the job. While this might seem unlikely, you can never be too careful. It’s best not to play around with this, especially if you need windows installed on higher-up floors of your property.
2. Do You Have References?
The best way to tell whether someone’s work lives up to your standards is to see a few examples firsthand. While this might seem less important for a smaller job like window installation, it’s still necessary to check references to make sure your contractor has a clean track record. If they have a history of installing windows incorrectly or doing a poor job, it could mean problems for your home. Many leaky windows leading to rot and mold cause danger due to improper installation. You want to avoid paying someone for a sloppy job at all costs. Checking references doesn’t have to take forever, just call up a few past customers to get their take and find out if they’re satisfied with the work.
3. Do You Have Residential Experience?
While many contractors do a great job at installing windows in commercial residences, the same workers might not be the best pick for a residential job. Not only will you be using different dimensions and materials, you’ll be expecting different things from a contractor. For instance, just because someone is used to doing large-scale jobs for enormous companies doesn’t mean that their talent will easily translate to a smaller-scale appointment. Always ask whether your contractor is comfortable doing residential work before hiring them.
4. Are You Licensed or Credentialed?
If you’re trying to hire contractors in the area, one of the things you always want to ask about is certification. Many states require contractors to be licensed in order to work. Others, however, don’t require this. You always want to make sure any worker you hire is at least credentialed before you hire them. This will ensure that you don’t run into any trouble later on, either with your state’s specific contractor laws or with the work itself. If you’re hiring someone who’s attached to a company, you’ll be able to check credentials easily. It may be more difficult if you’re hiring an independent contractor or a freelancer. Always make sure that whatever you do, you hire someone with a strong history of legal, quality work.
5. Does Your Work Come With a Warranty?
Not all installation jobs turn out perfectly. Just as you need a warranty from a car’s manufacturer, you need a warranty from any large-scale home improvement job you commission. This is to help you avoid paying for fixes that could have been avoided in the first place. In the case of a poor or improper window installation, this could also help you avoid having to pay for any resulting damage to your home if you’re experiencing drafts or air leaks. You can also use your warranty to get your money back in the case of a poor job or a problem with the installation. Nobody wants to pay double for a job that should have been done right in the first place. That’s why you should always remember to protect your purchase by asking about a workmanship warranty.
