How to Pick the Right Window Installer

Why Is It Important to Pick the Right Window Installer?

Installing windows may seem like a simple thing to do, but if done incorrectly, it can lead to additional costs. For example, if the window installer you hire does a shoddy work—maybe they didn’t measure correctly and now water and cold air are coming in through the considerable gaps on the sides of your new windows, maybe the caulk they used for the exterior has turned an unsightly yellow—you’re going to want the job redone, right? Unless it says in the contract that they’ll redo everything for free if you’re not satisfied with the initial job, you’re going to need to hire another contractor to correct the problem, which, needless to say, entails spending more money. What’s more, installation mistakes may lead a decrease in your home’s energy efficiency, resulting to loss savings on heating and cooling. Even if your contractor installs the most high-performance products out there, if they do a poor job of it, you’re still going to end up with an astronomical energy bill month after month until and unless the issue is fixed.

As such, it’s important to do your homework, and really do it, before you decide on any one window installer. Finding out everything you can about your contractor will help you decide if they are the right fit for you and your window project. 

What Window Certifications Should I Look For?

But how exactly can you tell if your window installer is legit? A professional, reputable window installer will have accreditation from various trade associations, most notably the American Windows and Doors Institute (AWDI) and InstallationMasters.

Founded in 1988, the AWDI provides contractors with the necessary training to meet industry standards. It also serves as a forum for evaluating, testing, and refining door and window installation guidelines. The AWDI established the first Residential Installation Certification program for replacement windows and helped create the Guidelines and Standards for the Installation of Residential Windows.

InstallationMasters, on the other hand, is a program that provides nationwide training and certification for new construction and replacement window and exterior glass door installers in the residential and commercial markets. There are about 12,000 certified window installers that have been trained and certified through the InstallationMasters program nationwide.

Even if you verify that your window installer is certified (you can ask to see their certification or visit the AWDI and InstallationMasters websites to see their official lists of certified installers), it’s still a good idea to keep in mind these tips when doing deciding on which contractor to hire for your window project.

1. See if the contractor is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). A company that has been accredited by the BBB has been determined to meet accreditation standards, including a commitment to resolve consumer complaints to the best of their ability.
2. Don’t just go for the lowest estimate. Take the time to sit down with the contractors you’d like to work with and evaluate the work and rates each offers. 
3. Before you even meet with different window installers, it would be best to ask for a proposal. A written proposal can give you a more detailed overview of  what you’re actually signing up for. 
4. Before you sign on the dotted line, read the fine print and make sure warranties, insurance, and work permits (if necessary) are in order. 
5. Don’t forget to research your window options ahead of time. This will let you and your contractor a much better chance of meeting eye to eye on what window you want and what will best fit your home, not to mention save yourself and your contractor a lot of time.

What Are the Different Types of Window Work That I Should Consider?

Your research for the best window options has probably opened your eyes to the fact that there are quite literally hundreds if not thousands of window styles and types out there. This makes narrowing down your choices seem impossible, but keeping in mind your purpose for getting new windows can help make the task easier.

Obviously, windows no matter the variety or material will bring in more of the sun’s light and warmth into your home. They will also help improve air circulation and ventilation in any room in your house, helping address indoor air quality issues. Also, windows have the ability to make any space bigger, figuratively and literally. The daylight that windows bring into a room increases the apparent size of the latter, creating the illusion of space. What’s more, window styles such as bow and bay that protrude outward will add a bit more square footage to a tiny room and create a niche for a desk, table, or some chairs, adding to the room’s utility and functionality. 

Other window styles to consider are garden, picture, casement, sliding, and transom. These all serve the same purpose of illuminating rooms during the day and giving you a view of the great outdoors. They come in a variety of materials, including wood, vinyl, and aluminum, each with their own advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, aesthetic appeal, ease of installation and maintenance, durability, and overall performance.

How Much Should I Expect to Pay a Quality Window Installer

After looking around for a window installer and researching what types of window best suit your home and personal preferences, it’s time to talk about cost. Here are some average installation costs to give you an idea of what to expect to pay for your window job.

Installing less than five windows can cost around $2,220 for the entire job, with homeowners spending between $1,244 and $3,198. For five to 10 windows, the cost is $4,917 on average, with homeowners spending between $3,367 and $6,491. For upwards of 10 windows, the average person spends around $14,504, with a range between $8,532 and $20,605. You should remember that these are average costs for window installations and not replacements, which are usually cheaper. 

For the best idea of what price you can expect to pay, download an app like Contractors.com (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/contractors.com/id1078704337 for iOS or https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.contractorsapp for Android devices) to connect with the best window installers near you and get a free quote.

Everything You Need to Know About Window Installers

Before you go and give your friendly neighborhood window installer a call, keep these things in mind.

• Don’t forget to do a bit of research to get an idea of what type of window you want to install or replace in your house. It will save you time and help keep you on budget.
• Make sure every bit of their paperwork is in order and do a quick background check on their previous jobs. Remember that the best window installers are the ones that make sure that everything is done perfectly the first time and take care of their customers’ concerns in a professional manner.
• Lastly, it’s best to set aside a budget for your window installation needs and go over the estimates accordingly. Talk it over with the professionals so that they can tell you what they can do for what you’re willing to spend.

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