I'm getting an estimate for replacement windows at my home. I will be having a bunch replaced. What should I look for from the contractor? What questions should I ask him? Thanks.
2006-10-11 16:16:20 · 6 answers · asked by Mitch 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Ok. Here goes. How do you want tyour windows to open top to bottom left to right, right to left.
what color do you want them.
What is the price range you are looking for? Are you looking for it to be easy to clean? Double hung, you can pivot out the top to vclean the from the inside of the house.
What is the construction of the house 2x4 or 2x6? Obviously what are the measurements. They build window for new construction and remodel diferently, there is a flange that is on a window for new builds, some companies you can cut it off for a remodel and with some compaines it will void the warantee. Is your house brick, stucco, siding?
What kind of glass do you want? low e is a tint that help keeps the heat out, but it is not good for plants.
did you want double pane?
Is the contractor you are using going to stand behind the instalation?
I went to Lowe's and had it done, they not only stood behind the product as for defects, but also any labor issues. SO if it is a manufactuer's fault Lowe's will get it replaced and handle the Labor. If it is a labor defect Lowe's will get it fixed. Some of your independant contractors may string you along for warantee issues, but obviously Lowe's isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
I am very happy with the work!
2006-10-11 20:55:12 · answer #1 · answered by Tankk 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like a good price, as long as the company is licensed, bonded and insured, and the windows are (factory) guaranteed, and the installation is (installer) guaranteed. However, I would encourage you to invest the time in getting alternate bids. I don't usually recommend going with the lowest bid, too often what you get is substandard work. However, you'll get a feel for the "right" price. Also, ask your neighbors for recommendations of companies, watch for trucks driving around. Make sure they've been around for a while. Glass is not cheap and window installers make ok money. Waterproofing a new window into your house envelope is a "specialty field", and a mistake in the flashing can cost big bucks down the road. So, you'll pay upfront for peace of mind.
2016-03-18 08:03:15 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he is strictly an install contractor you probably have your windows in the "works". Things you should know from him are: contractors # , Insured? estimated time to do job, need a permit, what kind of warranty on install, how will final payment be made. You may be instruct by him to have all window dressings removed prior to day of install. Also have all those beds,computer desks,and clutter moved away from the window openings, it will make for a much smoother and quicker install. It will save you from haveing to explain to your child why his new tickle me elmo got stepped on.
2006-10-11 22:05:31 · answer #3 · answered by william v 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I just finished replacing the windows in my home. I went to Lowe's and purchased the Relia-bilt double hung replacement windows. You need to decide if you want single hung (only opens from bottom) or double hunge (top & bottom open), half screen or whole screen, color, argon gas filled glass or plain. If you purchase a window with the Energy star rating, you can get a tax credit for part of the cost. It is not difficult to replace them yourself. Instead of using a contractor, try to do one yourself. If you find out that you can do it, you will save a lot of money. If you find that it is too difficult for you, you can always get a contractor to do it for you.
2006-10-12 07:39:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Before you buy, compare the vinyl window prices to a similar sized window by Andersen. Andersen windows are premium quality vinyl-clad wooden windows, and cannot be beat for quality, beauty and durability over the years. Make sure to ask if the installers are going to do a complete job, meaning are they going to install the window, trim out the interior and exterior of each opening and re-paint, or stucco, or whatever your finishes are , particular to your house back to the original condition, and is their price inclusive of everything that needs to be done. Don't know where you live, but in N.W. Florida, where I live, we charge $450.00 per unit, everything but the window itself included, except in a case where we have to bring a stucco man out to finish the exterior of a stucco house, in which case we let our customers deal directly with our stucco man, who is excellent and can match any texture to it's original condition. Make sure they know what they are doing! Windows must be installed level, square and plumb to operate correctly, and can be ruined during installation! Get references. Hope this helps.
2006-10-12 13:42:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
He'll ask you questions,you could ask to see some references,I can't think of anything you'd want to ask.Make sure they insulate around the windows when they install them.
2006-10-11 16:45:54 · answer #6 · answered by aries4272 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I just had this done CHECK WITH Home Depot they were awsome!! SIDING TOO! Very Professional Sub Contractors
2006-10-12 16:14:36 · answer #7 · answered by jeepguy 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋