How to Choose the Right Window and Door Contractor (Part 1)

Choosing the right contractor to install windows and doors in your home is not for the faint of heart! According to a recent survey from Qualified Remodeler Magazine, 52% of homeowners said they would not use the same contractor again and 60% said they would not recommend a contractor they had used previously. The statistics in Pennsylvania are even worse, because Pennsylvania has no certification or licensing requirements for contractors, resulting in more than 75% of homeowners expressing dissatisfaction with their home remodeling experience! So why is it that so many people get the short end of the stick when dealing with contractors? Because most homeowners who don’t have previous experience “don’t know what they don’t know” about contractors. That is why it is so crucial to educate yourself before you buy. Choosing contractors based solely on the lowest price would be fine if all products and companies were created equally. Unfortunately, they’re not. This post is the first of a four part series of the components you should look for to ensure you are hiring a reputable contractor to trust with your new windows and doors:

Stability: The first component to consider when hiring a contractor is the stability of the company. Make sure you are doing business with a stable contractor who has an established reputation in the area, someone who can provide with a positive experience and who will be there for you should you have a problem somewhere down the road. Ask for these documents to ensure the stability of the company before trusting them with your home:

A Bank Letter: A signed letter from the contractor’s bank proves financial stability for the company you are considering. This letter also reflects the bank’s opinion of the contractor, as no reputable bank would provide a letter of stability for an untrustworthy contractor. If your contractor is unwilling to provide this documentation consider it a red flag. 

A Supplier Letter: A letter from a supplier reinforces the reputation and stability of a contracting company and provides confirmation of a contractor’s relationship with a supplier of materials they build with, which in turn boosts the contractor’s legitimacy. These letters are easy for a company to obtain from suppliers, so don’t let a contractor tell you otherwise.

Proof of Insurance: This one is a biggie! Never, never, never hire a contractor who can’t provide a Certificate of their Liability Insurance! A reputable contractor should have  around 1,000,000 in coverage. Why is this so important? Because if your contractor’s insurance policy can’t cover potential damages, the contractor is financially liable. If he is unable to cover the damages, the homeowner becomes responsible since most homeowners policies exclude damages or injuries caused by contractors. Additionally, ask for proof of Worker’s Compensation Insurance for each person working on your property. If they are not covered and they get hurt, they can sue you for their pain and suffering!