Book sooner rather than later
Installing new windows is one of the simpler projects you can do to upgrade your home instantly. After all, it only takes an hour or two for a local window replacement professional to remove and install old windows. But when you factor in tasks like selecting new windows, replacing old glass, or ensuring your installation is energy-efficient, the job may be more challenging than initially advertised.
Use this step-by-step guide to help you hire a great window replacement pro and make the job easy.
Finding the right pro can be a time-consuming process. Let’s go over some tips to help you while you search.
One great way to find help is to rely on word of mouth. If you have a local friend or family member—or even just a neighbor—who recently had their windows replaced, they may be able to point you in the right direction. When you hire professionals based on others’ experience, you already have some built-in testimonials to rely on—and even better, they’re from people you trust.
Searching online is another solid option, especially since public reviews can somewhat replicate the “word of mouth” experience. Try searching for a local window replacement pro, reading reviews, and checking out the pro’s credentials before getting a quote. We suggest getting quotes from at least three contractors to help you get the best deal.
Finally, if you’re working with other contractors on home improvement projects and you’ve found professionals in those areas whom you trust, ask them if they have any recommendations for a window replacement pro. They will likely know who the best in your area is.
Before hiring a pro, research what type of new windows will best fit your desires, needs, and budget.
Window replacement contractors typically diagnose, determine what type of window frames you need, cover the areas around windows, and remove and install new windows for you.
Deciding in advance what type of windows you want can save you money and make your contractor’s life easier. Higher-end items, such as triple-pane windows, may only be installed by certain contractors, too, so you may need to order and schedule the work sooner rather than later.
Do your research to see if you need any of the following:
Weather-specific windows (i.e., for strong winds or hurricanes)
Here’s one important question to ask yourself when shopping: Will you be installing replacement windows or new construction windows? Replacement windows are more affordable, but you may be limited by the number of products you can install or retrofit into your existing frames.
Window replacement pros should have a contractor’s license and liability insurance. Both are important—otherwise, you might not be covered financially or legally if something happens to a worker on the job or if installation isn’t completed properly.
Asking for references or reading reviews online is a good way to identify who may be worth hiring. Aim to call and receive quotes from at least three different companies.
Questions to ask your window replacement professional include:
Are you an independent contractor or a certified installer?
What type of windows do you specialize in?
What type of windows do you recommend for my budget and needs?
Are you licensed, and do you have insurance?
How fast can the windows be replaced?
What type of warranty do you offer (10 years plus two for labor is standard)?
Do you have references and referrals I can contact?
Once you’re ready to start your project, it’s time to hire someone to help. After you list potential contractors, you can conduct a series of introductory interviews to see who you mesh with best—and who can offer you the best deal.
Ask your pro for a background check, ensure you understand your contract and payment agreement, and keep records of the project as it goes on to ensure a smooth ride to the finish line. From first phone calls to troubleshooting, let’s take a closer look at these steps—and tips for how to do them well.
The first step? Research to see who is well-regarded in your community for window installation. Along with online reviews, you can also ask around among friends and family who may have recommendations.
Still, just having someone’s name, even with the seal of approval of a loved one, doesn’t tell you much about who they are or how they work. That’s why many people prefer to call a few professionals to get to know them before moving forward, including asking for quotes or estimates for their project.
Once you list potential candidates and receive quotes from each one, ask for all the estimates in writing. Most contractors provide free quotes but check if the estimate costs money before scheduling an appointment.
Window replacement typically costs between $200 and $1,800 per window. This large variance could mean one quote is much higher than another. Most of these costs come from window materials, but about a quarter of them will cover installation.
While price is important, your safety is even more important—and home contractors get a lot of access to your physical home as well as sensitive information. If you have any misgivings, and even if you don’t, it’s wise to ask your chosen pro for a background check to ensure they’re legitimate. If a pro pushes back on the request, that’s a red flag.
Your contract should include the final price tag with installations or payment milestones. Both you and the contractor should be comfortable with the terms as they’re outlined.
Some contractors may offer to reduce the price if you pay 100% of the cost upfront, but it may be a better bet only to put down 20% to 30% to protect yourself in case something goes awry. In some states, contractors are only allowed to charge a certain percentage of the job up-front, so research before making a big payment.
Remember, warm weather months are the most common time to replace windows. Tackling the project at the beginning or end of the season could speed up your timeline for installation.
Keeping records as the job progresses is also smart, especially if you’re installing construction windows or simultaneously working with a local window glass replacement company.
Generally speaking, it takes about an hour per window for installation. But it’s not uncommon to wait four to six weeks for windows to arrive once ordered, so documenting milestones and dates helps ensure that work is completed on time.
Hopefully, with your research and the careful steps you’ve taken, everything will go just fine with your window replacement project. But if something does go amiss, the best time to fix the problem is as soon as it happens—that way, you stand a better chance of having the professional you originally hired take on financial responsibility for their errors (rather than having to hire someone new to fix the problem later down the line).
Some red flags that indicate a window installation hasn’t gone well include increased energy bills or audible noise from outdoors (which may indicate the seal between the home and the window isn’t tight), a sudden influx of insects or pests, or difficulty opening and closing your new windows.
If you’re satisfied with the work your window contractor has done, be sure to leave them a review and pass along the good word to friends. This simple step helps support local businesses in your area and helps other homeowners find solid professionals to complete their window installation or repair jobs.
Ben Kissam contributed to this piece.
