Welcome to my essential tips for replacemnent windows and double glazing buyers. Apart from the first tip (which I consider most important) the tips are not in any particular order. We hope they will assist you in coming to the correct buying decision. Please note a lot of these tips can be equally applied to selecting any contractor.
Replacing windows on your property can change the visual appearance of your Home considerably. You should choose a style that matches your property and enhances its looks. This is particularly important with Vinyl / PVCu and Aluminium designs when they are fitted to older properties. It's a good idea to look at properties similar to yours in the area and compare the effect of various replacement window types. It is also a good idea to make sure you have adequate numbers of opening windows. It's been known for some salespeople to promote designs with very few openings and of a very simple nature. The simpler the design and the fewer the openings - the "cheaper" the window. Whilst you may end up with a price you like it's more likely you will regret this option in the end - especially as badly designed windows can turn out to be a very bad investment and even lower the value of a property. We have known of buyers of properties negotiating a reduced price for a property just because of this. What's even sadder is that the seller had only "replaced" these windows a few years earlier.
Always ask your supplier how long the delivery will be. It's also a good idea to have this stipulated on your contract. Additionally ask for an "estimate" of how long the work will take to complete once they are on site.
One major problem with the window, siding and roofing business is that anyone with a pickup truck and a ladder can easily call themselves a contractor. Many do not even bother to get a proper license. (Incidentally a licence can easily be obtained by filling out a simple application form and payment of less than $200.00 per year). These contractors are not required to have an office, they can work out of their basement, back yard or just out of their pickup truck. It's easy to get into the business and it's even easier to get out of the Business. For this reason in particular we only recommend you deal with established contractors who have a supporting infrastructure.
Ask your contractor / supplier for a written lien waiver. Employees, subcontractors, and suppliers have the right in most jurisdictions to file mechanics liens against your property if the contractor does not pay them. Even though you may have paid your contractor for those materials or work, if he doesn't meet his financial obligations, the workmen or suppliers can look to you for payment. After you pay the contractor, make sure to get copies of lien waivers to protect yourself from having to pay for the job twice.
Most window replacement projects do not require permits. However, in the instance of enlarging an opening and installing a new header permits are required. Another area to watch is if a bedroom window has a change of style, the building department will require the new style to conform to the egress code. Many contractors will arrange permits at an additional cost - since it consumes more of their time. Some will simply ask you to pay for permits, which they will arrange for on your behalf.
If permits are required for your work then make sure your contractor pulls the required building permits. This way you will know things will be done to "code". Note: many homeowners' insurance policies require pulling a permit on any major remodelling to keep your Home properly covered. Some contractors prefer not to pull permits because of the time involved and the "hassle" with the inspectors. Some contractors may even ask you to get the permits. This could be a warning sign that they are not able to pull the permits because they are unlicensed, or the work is outside of their license."
How do you handle job debris? Nothing can be more frustrating than a contractor that has no respect for your property. Make sure that the final price includes removal of all job debris from your property and full clean up. A clean work site is fundamental to a smooth remodelling project. Your contractor should clean up any debris at the end of each day, k
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