With winter fast approaching, one of the most sought after home improvements is more than likely re-placement windows and doors.
There are numerous window manufacturers and a large variety of qualities and designs to be looked at, some good, some bad, and some ugly.
Most home owners have little or no knowledge of what to look for when it comes to the basics of quality re-placement windows and doors. Below are several things you should consider before purchasing.
A. Material/s used in manufacturing: vinyl (good), wood (good if outside is wrapped with vinyl or aluminum skin), fiber glass (good) and aluminum (not good).
B. Glass: Single pane (not good) - Double pane (good) - Triple pane (excellent).
C. Thermal qualities: Low E coating (good) - Low E and Argon gas (better) Heat Mirror (best).
D. Quality and performance rating: Energy Star rated (good) not rated (bad).
E. Manufacturer s warranty: 5 years (bad) 10 years (fair) 20 years (Better) Lifetime (best)
F. Local Somerset County contractor
qualifications: Properly licensed and insured Get references and at least 3 price quotes.
G. When getting a Somerset County contractor
: Never pay anything up front, read all contracts thoroughly before signing any paper work. Check with Better Business Bureau.
5 Things to consider prior to starting any replacement window project in order to eliminate the hassles of the project going bad.
Make sure and answer the below 5 questions about yourself and any Somerset County contractor
before starting your re-placement window project.
1. What is my experience in this type of project?
How experienced is the Somerset County contractor
in doing projects like mine? Is he a specialist in this type of project, or will he be using my home as a learning process?
2. Who will be doing the actual work?
Will the individual you're talking to do the work himself, or will he be contracting the work out?
3. What happens to the initial bid if changes are necessary during the installation?
Is there a change provision written in the contract? Read the contract carefully several times before signing.
4. Am I ready to be flexible if the unexpected happens? Most qualified Somerset County contractor
s are very people friendly and considerate of your concerns, treat him or her likewise.
5. How do I feel about working with this Somerset County contractor ? Do I trust him or her?
If you have any doubts, don't act until you are completely satisfied that you are making the right decision.
Beware of being scammed, more than 130 million dollars are lost annually because of unlicensed and fraudulent Somerset County home improvement contractors. Making the wrong decisions could cost you a fortune.
