Whenever we work on home improvement projects such as getting window replacements, for instance, we naturally want to make sure we get things done right the first time. One of the most important aspects in making sure that your new window will look great, perform well, and will last long is having a good relationship with your window contractor.
If this is your first time working with window contractors in San Francisco, you can benefit from a few quick tips from Renewal by Andersen®, the leading replacement window expert in the Bay Area, Oakland, Palo Alto, San Francisco, and San Jose areas. These tips can help you get the results you want:
Find the Right Contractor for the Job
First and foremost, you have to find a contractor that you can be comfortable working with. You can shop around, do some research over the Internet, or ask relatives and friends to give you some good leads. Pick a contractor that is well established and is known in your local window industry. A permanent business address is also important: in case any problems arise after the job is done, you can easily contact them to fix the problem. You should also check if they offer warranties (both manufacturer and contractor warranties). Lastly, make sure that the contractor you choose is licensed and insured.
Communication is Key
Keeping the communication lines open between you and your contractor is key to making sure your windows are done right. It is best if you talk with your contractor before the project starts so you can properly plan out the entire project. The planning is what makes it as efficient as possible. Not planning the project properly could cause delays, and with home improvement projects, delays would mean more costs.
While the project is in progress, you should talk with the foreman every morning and ask for progress reports. If you have any concerns, work things out with your contractor immediately as to avoid delays. Make sure that everything is going as planned and if problems do occur, discuss them with your contractor to work out solutions.
Lastly, the only time you should stay and talk with the workers is in the morning before the work starts. Lingering and talking with the workers while work is in progress can disrupt their schedule. Not only will it slow progress on the job, it can lead the contractor to believe you have no faith in their work. Just let them do their jobs.
Document Everything
You should also keep a journal. Write everything down – from the daily progress reports to the prices of every materials used in the project. You should keep all important documents such as written estimates, contracts, and receipts.
Stay Within Your Planned Budget (as much as possible)
It’s your property they’re working on and you are the customer. You should always have the final say in all the decisions made in the project. Be strict with yourself and your contractor about where your money is being spent. If the contractor is recommending a change from the original plan, tell him or her that you’ll consider it but you’d rather get on with what has been pre-agreed upon. You could listen to their suggestions (they are the experts after all) but you should always stick to what you want and what you think is best for you, your family, and your home.
Finally
Be a good customer. This means that you should to pay all the dues on time and be accommodating and friendly to all the people working on your home. This will help keep them motivated to do their jobs properly as well as enjoy working for you.
If you’re looking for a San Francisco window contractor you can trust, put Renewal by Andersen of San Francisco at the top of your list. Learn more about our company, products, and services by browsing through our website or by giving us a call.
