Do Your Homework Before You Buy New Windows and Doors

One of the most popular home improvement projects is window and door replacement.  There are a lot of options on the market for both products, but here are some things you should consider as you are making your decisions.

•  Material/s used in manufacturing: vinyl (good), wood (good if outside is wrapped with vinyl or aluminum skin), fiberglass (good) and aluminum (fair).
•  Glass: Single pane (not good); double pane (good); triple pane (the best).
•  Thermal qualities: Low E coating (good); Low E and Argon gas (better); Heat Mirror (best).
•  Quality and performance rating:  Energy Star-rated windows are the best choice
•  Manufacturer’s warranty: These range from 5 years (fair) to lifetime (best) – Unless you are planning on selling your home within a few years, get the strongest warranty your budget will allow.
•  Local contractor qualifications:  Make sure the contractor is fully licensed and insured.  Ask for references, and contact them.

If you learn these basics, you are bound to make a good decision when you go out to purchase your new doors and windows. There are also 5 other things to consider before you start any replacement window project in order to eliminate any hassles that can come up during the process. Make sure and answer these five questions before starting your project.

1. Do I have any experience in this type of project? How experienced is the 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 or using his own employees?
3. What happens to the initial bid if changes are necessary during the installation due to unforeseen circumstances? Is there a change provision written in the contract? Read the contract very carefully several times before signing. Make sure you understand every part of it.
4. Am I ready to be flexible if the unexpected happens? Most qualified contractors are very people friendly and considerate of your concerns; treat him or her likewise.
5. How do I feel about working with this contractor? Do I trust him or her? Are they clean? Will they leave the job site better then when they showed up?

If you have any doubts, don’t act until you are completely satisfied that you are making the right decision. Don’t be pressured into doing something that you are not comfortable with.   Arm yourself with the facts before making your decision. 

Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.