As a homeowner, the process of replacing your windows and doors can be quite daunting. Finding the best products for your home? Twice as tough. Believe it or not, choosing the right window supplier can make all the difference on your project. We’re sharing 5 important things to consider when hiring a trustworthy replacement window manufacturer or supplier for a new home.
1. Background
Ideally, we recommend hiring a window supply company that has been in business for a minimum of three years. Make sure to check their portfolio. Do they have any photos of completed projects displayed on their website? In their office? Their showroom? Additionally, many window manufacturers offer a list of programs to their dealers that help establish their credentials as professional, experienced window companies. For example, we at Monumental Windows & Doors only offer dealerships to licensed professionals who are well-experienced in fabrication and installation.
It’s also important to look for certifications from the National Glass Association or local business bureaus. References and review sites are also great resources to confirm their reputation among their customer base. Beware of window suppliers who do not offer you a physical address, or those who use a P.O. Box. Someone working with few employees or no physical address may not have access to products from more reputable manufacturing companies.
2. License & Registration
Many cities require professional licensing. It’s necessary to check if your window supplier has the appropriate credentials in your area. If your state requires a contractor’s license, then your contractor should have had to pass a written examination in their field. They must also have met and satisfied the standards upheld by the license board. To verify the status of a contractor’s license online, search your state’s professional license board by the company name or individual. An unlicensed contractor cannot legally obtain city, county or state permits that are required to complete certain types of work. As a result, any work completed without a permit or that is not up to code could negatively impact the value of your property.
3. Insurance
A window supplier should carry comprehensive liability and workers’ compensation insurance to protect you in the event of an accident. Contractors who carry insurance and follow safety guidelines likely have higher overhead costs. Consequently, those expenses could affect their pricing model as compared to uninsured contractors. Don’t let the less expensive and uninsured contractor fool you. If you’re a homeowner and an uninsured worker is injured on your property, you could be liable for their medical costs and lost wages. Similarly, if an uninsured worker causes damage to your home, it is likely your homeowner’s policy will not cover it. To put it simply, hiring an unlicensed and uninsured professional is quite dangerous.
4. Sign a Contract
When hiring a window manufacturer in California, contracts are crucial for several reasons.
First, a written agreement ties your payment to verifiable results. A payment schedule with clear terms should leave no room for misunderstandings. Depending on the laws in your state, you may be required to fund between 10 to 50 percent at the start of the project.
Second, ensure that the time frames and demands of the desired work meet your expectations. Read the details carefully. Is the window supplier clearly stated in the contract? Does your supplier include permit costs?
Finally, review their cancellation policy. Window products are custom-made and cannot be returned once the order is placed with the manufacturer. If you’re a homeowner and request to cancel your order, you are likely responsible for charges based on materials and costs incurred for work done prior to the cancellation order.
5. Warranty
Most important of all: make sure your contract includes a warranty. Typically, California window company contract labor warranties are good for one year after installation. An experienced window supplier will usually replace defective materials and correct any installation issues to satisfy their customers. Further, ask for a copy of the manufacturer’s warranty pertaining to the specific window products you have purchased.
If you’re looking for a window and door manufacturer in the Palm Desert area, Monumental Windows and Doors provides some of the best windows for new construction, home renovation, and much more. If you’re looking to become a dealer for our products, visit this page to learn more about the requirements. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you and your home.