Choosing a Vinyl Replacement Window Contractor

Whenever I write an article, it's usually tailored to the do-it-yourself homeowner to help them save some money on the high cost of labor these days. This article is for the "not so handy" homeowner who wants to have new vinyl windows installed in their home. So, where do you begin? Well, the first step is to get estimates. You should always get 3 estimates. Keep in mind that the price you are quoted doesn't necessarily reflect the quality of the product. For example, I used to wear the hat of Owner, Salesman, and Installer. So, when I would give an estimate, my only markup would be to pay my salary. On the other extreme, some companies have an inside sales staff who do telemarketing as well as mail solicitation. These people set up in-home estimates. Then, there is an outside sales staff who visit the customer for an in-home estimate. If the customer signs a contract, there is another employee who measures your windows. Then, the installation crew comes out and actually installs your windows. In many cases, you never even see or talk to the owner. Now, imagine if this company, let's call them shears, was selling the exact same window that I was selling. After you got both estimates, you might be inclined to think that my product must be inferior if I'm able to sell it so much cheaper. The reality is, it's cheaper because I pay two salaries; my salary and my other installer's salary. The other owner has to pay his own salary plus Inside sales, outside sales, field measurer, and installation crew.

So, when you get each estimate, these are the important things to know about that particular brand: What kind of warranty do they offer? Any reputable vinyl window manufacturer should offer a lifetime warranty because any quality vinyl window and door really is made to last a lifetime. Ask how long the MANUFACTURER has been making vinyl windows. A lifetime warranty is meaningless if the manufacturer goes out of business. Once you're confident that the manufacturer is well established, find out how long the installer has been replacing windows. Make sure they are licensed and insured. Being licensed and insured doesn't necessarily mean they're good, but it does give them accountability. I knew an unlicensed window installer who was as good as any licensed installer, but if he were to mess up a job, the customer had no recourse against him.

Once you are satisfied with the price, manufacturer, and installer, you can determine the level of quality of the actual product. You can get all hung up on specs such as U-Value, R-Value, Air infiltration, etc. But i believe you can actually get more confused if you start trying to compare all of those numbers. Just ask if the product is an energy star rated window. If the answer is yes, then you know the specs meet the highest government standards. You can confirm this by going to the Energy star website.If the manufacturer is listed on the energy star site, you can be sure that the U-Value, R-Value, SHGC, and Air infiltration tests have met the requirements. So, now you can concentrate on some of the functional parts of your window. If you are in the market for a single hung or double hung window, ask about the mechanism that is used to hold up your window sashes. If they still use the old spring and string method (sometimes referred to as block and tackle), or the spiral metal balances, you are not getting a high quality window. The constant force balance system is more technologically advanced. It uses a titanium coil that is designed to last longer than you or I. Also, a good quality hung window will have sashes that can tilt in so you can clean the glass from inside the home. This is a nice feature to have, especially if your windows are on the second floor. Just these two items can tell you a lot about the quality of the window. On horizontal sliders, look at the weep holes located on the lower fron of the window. There will be one on each end. These holes are there to drain out any water that might get inside. On many windows, the weep hole is just a punched hole that leads to the inside track. Unfortunately, with this type of situation, a strong wind can blow cold air and dirt through those holes, right into the home. A better quality window will have a one-way trap door on the weep holes. The door stays closed against wind and dust, but if any water gets into the inside track, the door will open to allow the water to escape. Also, check the frame corners. A quality window has welded corners. The vinyl corners are welded through a heat and cool process. A lesser grade window will use screws to hold the corners together. When you make your appointment for the estimate, be sure to request a sample of the window be brought to your home so you can visually check these things.

A salesman is taught to focus on their product's strong points and avoid the weak points, so it's up to you to stay focused yourself, and don't allow yourself to be distracted. "How long has the manufacturer been in business?" "What is their warranty?" "Are the windows Energy Star rated?" "Are the installers licensed and insured?" "What mechanism holds up the sashes on the hung windows?" "Do they tilt in?" "Are the frames welded or screwed together?" "Do the horizontal sliders have weep hole covers?" If you get satisfactory answers to these questions, you are on your way to a positive vinyl window experience.

John Rocco has been installing replacement windows since 1978. To learn more, visit How To Install Windows

---

Hammocks Create a Stress Free Zone

Stress is all around us, from the office to the... Read More

Add Value to Your House - Interior Remodelling

Interior remodeling can have an amazing impact on the look... Read More

Colors: Their Connotations and Perceived Meanings

Throughout the ages, colors have been used to evoke certain... Read More

5 Steps for Creating a Garage You Can Love ? and Use

A major US corporation recently launched a new line of... Read More

Traditional Interior Design

Traditional interior design encompasses a great variety of elements in... Read More

Work From Home and Make Money from On-line Rewards and Incentives Programs

You'll be amazed at how much free money you can... Read More

Why You Should Get A Patio Awning

In these days of climate change, the UK summer is... Read More

Spring Deck Prep Tips

It's finally spring! Time to move out the patio furniture... Read More

Baking Soda for Cleaning

Baking soda is a common, inexpensive household item that can... Read More

What Are Light Fixtures Used For?

Light fixtures are something not many of us think about.... Read More

Employ Passive Solar Energy and Start Saving Electricity Today

1. Orientation, layout and positioning of your house on the... Read More

Add Value To Your Home With A Home Improvement Loan

Buying a home is a big and important investment for... Read More

How to Design a Lighting Plan

You are doing a remodel and know that you want... Read More

Homeowners ? Here is a Step by Step Guide to Help You Hire a Quality Home Improvement Contractor

Before talking to any contractors the first thing to do... Read More

Bathroom Designs Idea - Can I Design My Own Bathroom?

A bathroom designs idea -- can I really design my... Read More

How Stained Glass Can Add Elegance To Your Home

If there is one way to throw a new light... Read More

Remodeling Your Kitchen Cabinets

While remodeling your kitchen, install only the essential cabinets, so... Read More

How To Replace The Rollers On Your Patio Door

Have you noticed your patio door is getting harder and... Read More

Luxury Bedding is More Than Just Thread Count

Thread count is the most widely referred to term when... Read More

A Checklist for Bathroom Remodeling Plans

Careful planning is the key to a successful bathroom-remodeling project.... Read More

Guides To Interior Design

These days, finding advice or guides to interior design is... Read More

Choosing a Home Builder

So you've decided to build a new home. Like many... Read More

The Solar Energy Industry Grew 67% Last Year: Are You Making the Best Decision for Your Future?

Are you considering using renewable energy resources to heat water... Read More

Interconnects for Your Audio/Video System - Choosing The Proper Cables

Research & Development I began designing audio and video interconnect... Read More

Discovering Fiberglass Roofing Panels for Your Roofing Needs

Roofs are an integral part of the house. The design... Read More

Installing Retrofit and Replacement Vinyl Windows

In previous articles i explained to you how to determine... Read More

A Review of Popular Dehumidifier Products

There are at least two dozen brand names marketing dehumidifiers.... Read More

The Mighty Dust Mite and How To Deal With It

A Closer Examination of the Dust MiteThe dust mite's mouth... Read More

Kitchen Magic

It's amazing -- some people manage to get a complete... Read More

Planning Permission Tips UK - How to Avoid Boundary Disputes when Extending or Redeveloping a Site

The quest for more living space these days means making... Read More

So You?ve Put an Offer on a Home. What?s Next?

You've finally found the home of your dreams, 3 bedrooms,... Read More

Corrugated Roofing Materials Used for Roofing Any Structure

The roof is a very essential element of the house,... Read More

Planning Your DIY Project

Ready to start your first serious DIY project? Read through... Read More