When the time comes to replace the windows in your Cincinnati home, one of the first things you’ll need to do is get an estimate. During this estimate, your window contractor inspects your home and makes recommendations,your window contractor inspects your home and makes recommendations, but you should also ask a few questions to ensure the company you’re hiring is reputable and able to offer the windows and installation services you deserve. Here are five questions we recommend asking any window replacement company during your estimate appointment.
1. Are your window estimates free?
Actually, you should ask this question before you even have the company out to conduct an estimate in your Cincinnati home. Most reputable window replacement companies, including Renewal by Andersen, do not charge for an estimate. If a company charges for an estimate or only offers free off-site estimates, move on and look for a better window replacement company.
2. How long are your estimates good for?
Some less-scrupulous window replacement companies may offer you an unbelievable price on replacement windows, but if you read the fine print, you may find that the estimate is only good for a short period of time. It can take some time to make plans and schedule your window replacement, and by the time you get around to it, the estimate is no longer good. You end up paying a much higher price. By asking how long the estimate is good for, you can avoid this sort of trap. A good window replacement company will honor their estimate for a year, which gives you plenty of time to budget and plan for your installation.
3. Are your technicians your employees, or do you hire outside contractors?
Another common problem is window companies that hire outside contractors to install their windows. These contractors may not have a lot of experience with the product, and since they’re not employees of the company, you may have trouble following up if they do not do a satisfactory job. Renewal by Andersen’s window installation technicians are specially trained to work with our replacement windows. Like other top-quality window replacement companies, we do not hire outside contractors to work on your Cincinnati home.
4. What are your replacement windows made from?
Some replacement windows on the market today are made from vinyl. While vinyl is affordable, you get what you pay for. Vinyl does not respond well to fluctuations in temperature. It may crack and separate from the glass, which reduces the window’s efficiency. Windows made from a wood composite material, like Fibrex®, are a much better choice. Fibrex withstands changes in temperature and humidity for lasting efficiency.
5. What type of warranty do you offer?
If a company only offers a 1 or 2-year warranty, it is probably because their windows are not very high quality and are prone to early failure. Plus, a short warranty does not offer a lot of protection for you. Look for a window company that offers at least a 10-year warranty. This means they stand behind their products and also that you won’t have to scramble to replace a defective window a year later.
You can generally distinguish between good and bad window companies by asking the right questions during the estimate phase. If you’re looking for a reliable window contractor, contact Renewal by Andersen to schedule a free consultation in your Cincinnati home.
