There are many reasons for wanting to update your windows and doors. New windows and doors will most certainly be more efficient than your old ones, helping you save on your energy bills. They will help rejuvenate the exterior of your home, increasing your overall curb appeal. And new windows and doors will increase the value of your home if you consider selling in the near future. No matter the reason for wanting to upgrade your windows and doors, there is a question you must first work through; “How do I choose a window and doors installer?”

Even if you purchase the top-quality windows available, there is still a chance that they will not function as expected if installed incorrectly. In many cases when windows and doors are not installed correctly, the homeowner has no option but to have the windows reinstalled and, in some cases, replaced due to damage from the sub-par installation. This is why we don’t suggest you turn your window replacement project into a DIY project unless you have above-average carpentry skills and renovation experience. 

Here are a few things to look for so that you can confidently choose the right windows and doors company for your next project:

1. Reputation

What past clients have said about a company should hold a lot of weight in your decision process. Their reviews give you some important insight into what to expect if you move forward with a company. Start by performing a quick Google search on the company you are considering; their profile and rating should pop up. Don’t just look at their star rating, looking at how many reviews they have, and what people had to say. Look for reviews with added details about the installation process, finished product, and customer service experiences as they will help paint a picture of what to expect, versus a generic “Great Job!” or ‘Bad Service” review.

2. Tenure and Capability

The longer a company has been in business, the more likely they will be there for after installation support if needed. Ask about how many installers they have on their team? How many jobs they normally have going at a time? And if their installers are trained and certified? This will help you understand the size of the company and their capabilities, as well as if they have a full-time installation team or utilize contractors or even summer students for their installations.

3. Product

Get to know the product being installed in your home. Some companies have a manufacturing facility where they build the products for your order, while others have suppliers that will buy your windows from. There are advantages to having an installer that also manufactures as they can walk you through the different options they carry and their process of building. You are also only dealing with one company in this case versus a manufacturer and installer. If the company is using a supplier for your windows, ask for details of the company so you can do your research on them, or even see if they have a choice of suppliers that you can choose from.

4. Warranties

Even though warranties are great to have, remember the warranty is only as good as the company that issues it. This is why it is important that you do your research before signing on the dotted line. If an issue comes up and the installers or the manufacturers are no longer in business, you will have no one to turn to. If your installers are using a supplier for your windows, make sure you clarify who you would be dealing with if there is an issue as some installers may want you to go direct to the manufacturer. Most manufacturer warranties are between 15-25 years and most workmanship warranties are 12-24 months. 

5. Timelines

Knowing how long the process will take will help you be prepared for the install. Get an understanding of how long your windows and doors will take to be built, and how long the actual installation process will take. Based on the timeline provided, you will be able to gauge if it works within your timeframe.    

There are plenty of windows and doors installers out there for you to choose from, but choosing the right one will take some time and research. Ultimately your choice on should be based on which company has proven to be trustworthy and which who you are comfortable with, don’t neglect your gut feeling when it comes to choosing the right installers for your project.