Window replacement and installation projects can transform your home, increasing its curb appeal considerably while improving its energy efficiency. However, these projects can quickly turn into a nightmare if you hire someone unqualified or unprofessional to carry out the work. Here are some of the red flags to keep in mind when hiring a window contractor.
They Are Unwilling to Provide You with Referrals
A good window company should have a long list of satisfied customers who will be willing to vouch for them. Be sure to ask the window installers that you are considering for a list of references. If they are unwilling to do so, you should move on to the next name on your list.
They Do Not Have a Portfolio
When you are meeting with a window contractor and considering enlisting their services, ask them for a portfolio. Reputable contractors will be excited to showcase their best work and make a good impression on potential customers.
Before hiring a window contractor, ask to see a physical portfolio with photos that you can leaf through in person, or they may direct you to a digital portfolio on their website. If you are not able to see any pictures of their previous work, consider it a warning sign and move on.
They Are Not Insured
One of the most important questions to ask any window contractor you are considering working with is whether or not they have insurance. This is a very important question as working with someone who is not insured can cause significant headaches and expenses down the line.
Should someone working for the window contractor be injured on the job at your home, you could be responsible for covering their medical bills if the company is not insured. A legitimate window contractor will be happy to present you with proof of their insurance if you request it.
They Rush Through Your Initial Consultation
A trustworthy contractor will take their time going through the details of your window replacement project with you. A professional understands that a client will have many questions before hiring a window contractor and will listen to your ideas and ask you questions about your vision, and they will take the time to explain how the process works. They should also consider your budget.
If you find that a prospective window contractor rushes through your initial consultation or pressures you to sign up with them, consider it a red flag that the company you are dealing with is not trustworthy.
The Prices Seem Too Good to Be True
Windows can be expensive, and, understandably, homeowners want to find the best price they can. While you can certainly find good-quality windows at reasonable prices these days, a suspiciously low estimate could indicate that the company you are dealing with does not work with experienced professionals and may be using low-quality products. Comparing prices is smart, but be wary of extreme outliers.
They Insist That a Sale Price Is Only Good for Today
If a window contractor is insisting that they can offer a sale price for today only, they are essentially pushing you to make a rash decision. A reputable window contractor understands that windows are a major purchase and homeowners need to take some time to consider it carefully. They will take the time to understand your situation and find a solution that works with your budget, no matter how long it takes you to make a decision.
The Contract Terms Are Vague
If the contractor you are considering presents you with a vague contract, this is another red flag. Contracts that lack details related to the scope of the work for the window project, the contractor’s responsibilities, the beginning and ending times of the project, and the payment schedules should be a major cause for concern.
Every detail should be included in the written agreement before hiring a window contractor, including the materials, equipment, supplies, subcontractors and vendors that will be used. Anything that is not listed specifically in the contract, such as removing the old windows, will likely end up carrying an additional charge.
The Contractor Has Questionable Reviews
With so much of our lives online these days, it makes sense to take some time to check out the public opinion of the contractor you are considering online. If you see any bad reviews, it is important to take them seriously. While even the best contractors may have one or two detractors, multiple bad reviews that mention a lot of the same issues should give you pause.
Another thing to look out for is a contractor who does not have any reviews online as it may be that they dissolved a previous company and set themselves up under a new name to get around a bad reputation. Contractors who cannot clean up their reviews or improve their brand often start over under a new name.
Reach Out to the Experienced Northern Virginia Window Contractors
Working with professionals is the best way to ensure your window project is successful. At Adelphia Exteriors, we have several decades of experience serving homeowners and businesses in Northern Virginia and understand the frustrating process of hiring a window contractor to do the job right.
As a family owned and operated company, we have worked hard to build an excellent reputation and pride ourselves on high-quality workmanship and excellent customer service. Contact us today to schedule a free window replacement estimate.