Choosing the Right contractor
Many window companies have a section on their website that tells
you how to choose the right company to install your windows. In
the end, they make their own company seem like the logical choice.
We have been selling windows for 12 years now
and we believe in giving people useful information, quality products/services
and honest opinions.
Here are some things we have learned about along the way and would
advise being aware of:
- WATCH OUT FOR SCAMS. Rebates and discounts
are generally signs of inflated prices. Discounts are generally
available off season. Trust your gut and do some research.
- INFOMERCIALS. If the price drops
every half hour, you may be getting the big sales pitch. A
phonecall to the office and suddenly a new price again. Don’t
get fooled.
- POSITIVE VS. NEGATIVE. If the
salesperson goes out of their way to show you the bad points
to everyone else’s windows, that usually triggers red flags. Listen
to the good points of the sale and discount the bad. Everyone
thinks they have the best window.
 LICENSED AND INSURED. It does
not always mean what you think. In Massachusetts, you need 2
licenses to install windows... a Home Improvement Contractor’s
license and a Construction Supervisor’s license. We have
both and post
them on our website. Insured can mean a contractor
has a minimum $300,000 General Liability Policy, and no worker’s
comp. We carry a $2 million Liability policy and Full Worker’s
Comp for our 10+ employees.
- NO SUBCONTRACTORS. They
may say they have their own crews, but make sure they are employees. Request
certificates of insurance, especially worker’s comp. I
have always felt that hiring someone with employees is a more
desirable choice... there is more pride and care taken in the
work performed.
- CHOICES. Most windows look the
same, and the average homeowner will be happy with any improvement.
Time is the true test of a window’s durability. Choose
a contractor that offers you a choice. If they just sell
vinyl windows, you will be, you will be told of the ills of wood
. If you haven’t heard of a window, and the salesman takes
2 hours to describe why you should be buying it... chances are
there is a better... more reasonably priced alternative. All
of the manufacturers offered by Prowindows are among the industries
most respected name brands. Good Luck.
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