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How to choose a window replacement company
How to choose a window replacement to install plastic windows
Contents:
A person who decides to install beautiful, comfortable, and reliable plastic windows in your home first faces the problem of selecting a firm that will make his desires and dreams a reality. The problem is that the market for plastic windows is overcrowded, and it is often difficult to find responsible and reliable performers.
1. Primary search for information.
2. window companies near me — the executor.
3. Who to choose, manufacturer or dealer.
4. What to pay special attention to when studying commercial offers.
The stage of concluding a contract.
In general, the search for a window company can be divided into three stages:
1. Initial search for information.
2. Selection of a window company — executor.
3. The stage of concluding a contract.
Initial search for information
If a potential buyer has never encountered the window market, it would not be out of place to first become familiar with the range of window products, its manufacturers, and sellers. This information can be found on the Internet (official websites of window companies, specialized forums of window producers and sellers, websites with customer reviews), derived from advertising campaigns, or obtained through communication with relatives, friends, and acquaintances. Many say that the opinion of the people around is one of the most objectives since they can see the quality of the plastic windows and their installation in different companies.
Choosing a window company — contractor
By the time of the choice of a particular window company, the buyer should formulate precise enough terms of reference, which will reflect the requirements for the profile, glass, fittings, construction, installation features, and the approximate size of the plastic product.
It is necessary to calculate this requirement specification in at least five to six window companies for an objective choice. You can do this by telephone, via the Internet (websites of window companies, sites — tenders), with a personal visit to the office.
What to pay special attention to when studying commercial proposals:
— Approximate identity and compliance with the requirements of the terms of reference of all calculations. Only offers with the same technical characteristics and equipment can be compared.
— Price spread. You can safely weed out the very cheap and costly calculations. Since the window products market is large and saturated and the competition is very high, the prices can not have a large dispersion.
— Do not focus your attention on various promotions and gifts. Their presence in the proposal does not guarantee quality products and reasonable prices. It is necessary to compare the total cost of the entire settlement, not its parts. You should also pay attention to the presence in the proposal of the cost of mounting products, their delivery, and lifting to the floor in high-rise city buildings. Unscrupulous companies often inform you about additional service payments immediately after concluding a contract. And the cost of these necessary services can significantly change the final amount of the contract.
— Communication style, competence, and speed of the firm’s personnel can tell much about the seller and his attitude towards the clients. If there are problems or any negative aspects at the stage of preliminary communication, their occurrence after the conclusion of the contract is likely to be inevitable.
Who to choose, manufacturer or dealer
Often buyers are convinced that the most reliable products and quality installation can be obtained only from the manufacturers of metal plastic products. This is a common misconception. Not all manufacturers of plastic windows work directly with retail clients. Dealers can provide clients with more favorable prices and terms of cooperation than the manufacturers. In addition, not all companies — manufacturers have modern, technologically advanced production. The percentage of garage productions in the window market is very high.
Stage of contracting
Determined with a window firm, it is necessary to call its employee to clarify the size and appearance of products and their technical characteristics. No serious window company works by other people’s measurements! The quality of subsequent installation of products and their reliability depends on professional measurements. After the coordination of details and price clarification, it is necessary to sign the contract.
The most trustworthy firms invite the client to sign the contract in their office, where they describe the technical characteristics of the goods and the work terms and answer all the questions.
The contract’s text should reflect all the technical characteristics of the products, a complete list of works and services it provides to the customer and their costs, the rights and obligations of the parties, information about the warranty, and how to resolve controversial situations.
One might even say the most critical point in choosing the windows is the firm’s choice. A firm that will produce, install, and make warranty repair windows if, God forbid, this happens in your case.
Your pleasure depends on the right choice, aesthetic (no doubt, beautifully decorated openings will add gloss to the room), and functional — from the trouble-free operation of windows, their insulation, soundproofing, etc. In addition, low-quality window products have a concise, helpful life.
The quality of the window — the quality of components, is it always?
Of course, choosing profile and accessories is essential, but you must agree that no matter how good the product is, you can always spoil it by a careless seller. Even buying a good thing, getting it in an excellent clean office is always much more sociable, where you will be told:
- How to use it correctly.
- What special features it has.
- What you can and can’t do with it.
So, service is a crucial criterion for choosing a salesperson.
Pay attention to the consultant’s speech when communicating: how well does he understand the product and the nuances of the firm’s work? In a good company, staff training is treated very responsibly in all positions: from the window installer in production to the sales manager in the office and at the show.
A good test of whether the company correctly and accurately serves its customers is the test «dissatisfied customer. Its essence is simple: call the window company and introduce yourself as a customer who wants to talk to the management about a possible solution to some problem or the like. If you are given reason to doubt the solvability of your «issue,» it is better to find another contractor.
Risks
Making the wrong choice of firm, even choosing the best PVC system and fittings, you are still at risk; namely, there are:
- The risk of poor quality product
- The risk of poor quality installation
- The risk of lack of warranty and service
If you have a relatively clear idea of the risks that can arise from the wrong choice of a window company, you can go straight to our tips on avoiding the wrong choice.
The risk of a substandard product. Several essential points represent the trouble. The first and most important — invisible to the eye savings windows manufacturer on components and materials. As popular folk wisdom says: «If you can’t tell the difference — why pay more? Reinterpreting it in the manufacturer’s way, we can say the following: if the customer can not see the difference, why offer expensive components. Why spend more? The same two windows may differ significantly in quality. Even with the fact that they are made from «formally» the same profile and with the same «formally» fittings. Where are the hidden savings, and what are the risks? Read more about this in the article: «How to choose a window.
The risk of a poor quality installation. Poor quality installation — is the installation in which the windows do not perform their primary function. Under the essential operation of windows, we will understand the objective reasons why people prefer to install new plastic windows. The most popular and primary reasons for changing windows — are the desire to improve protection from the cold, and noise protection, to make window maintenance easier. Other functions of a new PVC window are optional and, in most cases, are not the main reason to change windows.
Poor installation can worsen the window’s performance on the thermal and acoustic insulation; in addition, you will not be able to open the window with poor structure. However, it should be noted that the sagging and catching of the window sashes is possible a year or two after installation. This drawback can be easily solved by adjusting the straps, i.e., tightening the mechanisms which became loose over time. A dynamic company will inform you about the possibility of such sagging or offer to minimize the sagging by installing reinforced fittings, lightening the weight of the sash. Furthermore, poor installation is one of the reasons why there is excessive moisture and mold on the window linings.
The risk of lack of warranty and service. Failure in production and installation is also possible in a serious company with a good business reputation. The difference between a good company and a bad one is the timely adoption of adequate measures to eliminate defects and reimbursement of losses incurred by the buyer. Without a warranty, there will be no one to stop the defects and breakdowns.
The first question for a person who has decided to change the windows is — what company to choose to install PVC windows? The answer is as complex as it is simple. In simple terms, to find the best price/quality ratio. And then begins the complexity, which are price and quality components. With the price all clear, where cheaper, there and choose, but with the quality you need. The question of quality is the most complex. It must be divided into major categories. It is the quality of products and quality of service (company).
We mean a product consisting of a profile, insulating glass units, fittings, and installation.
Insulating glass unit. Advice one, always put double-glazing (3 glasses). It is not much more expensive (an average of 17-26 dollars per window) but noticeably warmer and quieter. Do not forget that significant heat loss occurs through the glass. And the problem of condensation on the windows with double glazing is much less frequent. Do not run after cheapness — Russian, Turkish, and Chinese profiles are cheaper, but then you will be tortured to call the reclamation agency; the proverb says — a miser pays twice. If you just want quality without frills, opt for proven profiles.
Company quality. Do not go to private individuals or companies that have been on the market for less than a year. The price is lower, but there are no guarantees. If anything, you are in trouble; look for wind in the field. Companies operating for up to a year do not have a streamlined process; as a result, the quality suffers, or worse, the company appears to make a quick buck and close. Correspondingly, on the contrary, if a company has been on the market for more than a year and it hasn’t closed, it means that its process is set up correctly; in a word, people work there and fight for quality and the company’s image. The «but» here is this. A company with more than 5-7 years of experience sometimes gets saturated, they have occupied their niche, they rest on their laurels, there is stagnation and control over the services provided goes down, or they develop other areas, and attention to the core business wanes.
This is a rather primitive guide to choosing a company, but to a person who is just faced with this problem, we hope it will help start moving in the right direction.
When you decide to glaze your balcony, you will most likely be faced with the agony of choosing a contractor. Some are looking for the low price, others ask for advice on balcony glazing companies on forums, and others look at exciting brands, spending unreasonably high amounts on profiles that are similar in quality to the average price segment. We will tell you how to choose a contractor without compromising price and quality.
Gather data on the technology and the products themselves
Before making a choice, general study information about PVC windows, types of glazing, finishing materials, and fittings. Decide what you need — warm or cold glazing, laminated or classic profile, stainless steel or plastic-coated fittings, and fasteners.
Recall that you need warm glazing for rooms and balconies that you want to convert into living rooms. The cold profiles are suitable if you do not have any complaints about the temperature regime and need windows on the patio to reduce noise, eliminate dust, and decorate the facade. The profile model is chosen to consider the climate zone, the road’s proximity to the house, your wishes on noise and heat insulation, light transmission, and more.
The company has a lot of experience
Avoid fly-by-night sites without an address. Before starting cooperation, specify the work schedule and approximate terms of rendering services. If the company has only one team of installers but works three days a week, you are taking a significant risk. After signing the contract, you may have to wait a long time for the result.
It is a good indicator that the company has been on the market for many years. One-day websites are immediately visible — you will not see them in ratings of balcony glazing companies, and they are unlikely to be on the first page of search engine results.
Free measurements
Glazing companies who value their reputation, as a rule, offer the services of a fitter for drawing up an estimate. In this case, the services of a measuring engineer in such firms are usually free.
Honest companies are not afraid of the estimated work, unnecessary questions, and communication with the client, so feel free to send specialists who discuss details and answer questions from the apartment owners.
There are examples of work on the site.
Conscientious firms present examples of work performed on sites, tell about the types of finishing jobs and materials used, and at the measurement, usually show samples of options you are interested in spending.
There are discounts, bonuses, and special offers.
A window company that values its customers won’t forget to thank them for cooperation with bonuses or discounts. Some types of services are often free, discounts are possible for specific work, and gifts are given on holidays.
There are customer reviews on the site.
The absence of reviews will eloquently talk about the short period of existence of the company or the small number of its customers. Therefore, choosing a firm with many positive recommendations and reviews is better. Additionally, ask your friends and acquaintances where they ordered the glazing.
Today, the appearance and comfort of living in an apartment remain a pressing issue for many families. Almost everyone wants to improve their standard of living and add maximum comfort to the home walls while maintaining a beautiful interior inside the house. Plastic windows will remain a topical purchase and perfectly replace old wooden bases and window sills. Not only are they stylish and beautiful — but they also bring considerable convenience to your daily life. They don’t need to be painted, they’re easy to repair, and even the simple set-up systems don’t require much attention. This is why they are becoming the ideal solution for young families and older adults who want to live a happy old age.
However, this question arises: how to choose the suitable master for installation, where to order a good and profitable option. In this article, we will try to give you basic answers to these questions and suggest how you can simplify the process of choosing a firm for windows.
Where to find the right firms
Many cities, even provincial villages, have their window installation firms. More often than not, there won’t be much choice, but if you live in a big city, you will likely have at least ten companies to choose from. However, do not make a decision immediately and go to the first one you meet on the street — it is always better to carefully analyze the market to make the right decision. It is better to analyze every detail, including the behavior of the manager who will serve you.
You can always go to a large shopping center if you can’t see the sample counters on the street. However, there are usually small tents or areas where you can see samples.
Learning about specific companies will also help the Internet — thanks to modern services, you can see where the nearest office of the companies is located and read reviews about them. In addition, look at special forums and find the opinion of the residents of your area about who is better to choose and who is distinguished by a high quality of installation. It is also worth looking at local groups on social networks. Most often, young families ask questions there about infrastructure and additional services, so you can correctly find out about the best companies there.
Another critical step is to ask your neighbors. If you live in an apartment building, you’re sure to have tenants who have installed suitable systems. Try asking them where they ordered and if they were happy with the result. This is an excellent way to get a quality work opinion and make new friends.
How do you check the truthfulness of a window installation company?
If you come across a few options that are right for you, it’s always worth noting that you can read reviews online. They do a great job of cutting out unsuitable companies that are in the business of providing substandard services. Once you have made a list of competitors, you can also look at other factors that affect your long-range cooperation.
First and foremost is the amount of time on the market. If a company has been installing windows for over twenty years, it will always be better than a firm with less than five years of experience. It’s worth keeping in mind that it’s always different from branch to branch. Many companies have expanded to the scale of areas or regions, but this does not mean service in other cities will be the same. The good faith attitude of employees may vary. Ask your acquaintances or colleagues who have dealt with a similar company about their cooperation experience.
In future work, it is also worth paying attention to other factors—for example, the salesperson’s behavior and communication style with you. If you feel a disrespectful tone in his manner and the active imposition of services, it is always better to leave immediately. Do not fall for it if you notice that he tries to find your contact information, directly asks for an address, and tries to impose his services. Finding an inappropriate consultant can be almost everywhere. Still, if the master attempts to give you some advice, it is direct, simple, and lively dialogue and explains the differences between different models. You should pay attention to such a quality service. If you are confused by various minutiae, you should always postpone your next visit and consider whether you should buy window systems from this brand.
Also, almost any firm provides samples made of PVC. More often than not, these are complete systems that you can touch and feel. In this case, you can look at the quality of the assembly in the cut and assess the system’s strength, the sealant, and the glass. Be sure to carefully examine each part and draw a conclusion about the integrity of the entire structure. If you notice any defects or loose seals, it is better to say goodbye.
In the next step, you will always meet with the estimators. They come to the house or office to take measurements, as well as to discuss further cooperation. In direct contact with them, you find the specific details, what windows to choose, and what profile to install. If you notice that the employee is not interested in particular information, is late, or behaves inadequately, you should refuse his services. He is the main link in the whole window installation system, and the key result will depend on him, so his evil work will lead to low durability of all windows and low-quality installation.
Remember that the most important thing is to treat each stage of the process carefully and strictly. That way, you can more clearly understand the quality of further work and evaluate the result with common sense. You should not always choose the first company from the list on the Internet — it is better to look at all of them and evaluate their service, based on our advice.
Of course, the easiest way is to follow the advice of friends who have already successfully installed the windows and not to torment yourself with the problem of choice and meticulous study of the science of PVC windows. But if you still decide to make your own choice, here are some essential tips.
Step One
Call as many companies as possible. You can find out almost all the information you need over the phone, namely:
- what profile system the windows are offered, its advantages and differences
- what fittings are used
- whether installation works meet all modern requirements, what materials are used for installation
- terms of employment, warranty, service conditions
- about the company, availability of licenses and certificates
- organizational issues (how to prepare an apartment, how much time is required, etc.)
- Cost and what factors influence its change.
Remember, however, that low price is not a priority when choosing windows. High quality cannot be cheap.
After doing such «marketing research,» the search will be much narrower, and perhaps at this stage, you will choose a company that is suitable for you according to all criteria.
Step two
Visit a firm. Write down all your questions in advance, be consistent in asking your questions, demand a clear answer, and do not allow unexplained points. Usually, in serious companies, taking care of their reputation, the managers consult on a relatively high technical level, and asking the first question, you will receive complete information about the services provided. Make sure that the information you received on the phone is accurate: ask the manager to demonstrate on the sample the differences of the profile system that you learned about on the phone. A significant advantage of companies with a piece that can display the installation and finishing stages is that even before the contract, you can familiarize yourself with the upcoming installation work process and assess its quality.
Read the contract offered by the company (pay attention to guarantees), and read the license and certificate of compliance for finished products (namely on the finished product, not on individual windows components).
Step Three
Order measurement of the windows. You can also order a measure of the windows by phone before visiting the office of the company you like. Still, there is a small detail — this service is paid in some companies, so it would be a shame to spend money in vain and end up ordering from a different firm. After receiving measurements, the firm will make you an individual calculation of your order; it may differ from what was previously agreed, but only slightly; if the difference is significant — find out why. Such situations are possible if there is a need for additional work (the expansion of opening, the dismantling of grates, and so on).
Step Four
I was signing a contract. So once again, carefully review the text of the agreement: the price, payment terms, terms, number of items and accessories, the configuration of windows, the direction of opening, the amount of work outlined, in general, everything you asked and talked about should be reflected on paper. The only thing you should not worry about is the overall dimensions of the windows, and the company is responsible for them.
Firms sell and install plastic windows in any city, even a provincial one. The smaller the settlement, the smaller the choice.
In metropolitan areas, of course, there are virtually all firms. Are your eyes scattered? Which door to walk through in a huge business center? Do not be afraid to go into each one.
Analyze absolutely everything, down to the behavior of the manager.
When choosing a company on your own, pay attention to the following:
- How the manager behaves. In a decent company, no one will impose their services. An employee will listen to all the wishes, answer all the questions, and explain the fundamental differences in window profiles (read more about choosing windows here). You should also be warned against making the wrong choice. Decline further communication if the manager imposes services against your wishes, requiring you to dictate the address and phone number.
- Quality samples. In any office should be samples of plastic windows. Usually, they are full windows and stands and sections of the profiles. Pay attention to the quality of assembly, even at the cut sample. All seals, glass, and construction should be intact. In any case, do not remark to the manager if you see, for example, a loose rubber seal on the sample. Just take note: it is better not to mess with the firm. Politely bid farewell.
- Measurers. All companies installing plastic windows offer to call an inspector to the house/office to measure the parameters and discuss the best window, profile, and insulating glass. Pay attention to the behavior of the estimator and what he is like; if the employee is late or half sober, then feel free to refuse his services.
These are probably the easiest ways to understand whether a firm is bona fide.
There is another way to find out about a company: online reviews. Type the name of the firm, your city, and the last word «reviews» into the search engine.
Remember that good reviews may be written by the employees, their relatives, girlfriends, friends, and husbands, and bad reviews — by competitors. But if there is no positive for a few dozen negative thoughts, you can most likely believe their veracity. You can go through several review sites and forums that way.
A conversation with a neighbor
If you live in an apartment building, see who relatively recently put plastic windows. The product should have already passed the test of one or two seasons.
Why so many? Because, first of all, the owner of the apartment may still remember who ordered the product, and secondly, the sharp changes in temperature and humidity can change the quality of the window installation. As a rule, if the masters used only quality materials for building, then no weather conditions will not be afraid and will not sweat in winter.
An alternative to the neighbors of the apartment or house can be relatives or friends. Prepare a list of questions so as not to miss something vital for you.
For example, you can ask your acquaintance (or an employee of a window company) what materials and fittings are used for installation.
You can write down the names and, look in directories on the Internet, ask competent builders whether the material used by window installers is good.
Unscrupulous installers can accidentally splash construction foam window neighbors downstairs and carelessly perform the dismantling of old windows to cause material damage. To avoid this, ask those who installed the «plastic» not so long ago about everything.
Prices for plastic windows
When choosing a firm to install plastic windows, in any case, do not strive to find where the cheaper.
It is better to have more expensive windows that meet all requirements and are durable.
If you asked relatives, neighbors, or colleagues where they ordered the windows, and it turns out all contained in different companies and all put equally well, then the choice is yours alone. But, of course, there may be differences in price and range of decorative finishes.
After the installation of the windows
You successfully installed plastic windows, and you are satisfied? Then, observe for a couple of seasons, and see if there are any defects.
If everything is fine, do not forget to share a good review in Runet.
Just recommend the firm to all your friends, because once helped you!
Instead of concluding, it is worth adding that proper operation on the part of the owners prolongs the life of plastic windows. Therefore, treat the product with care at any age.
Step One
Call as many companies as possible. You can find out almost all the information you need over the phone, namely:
Remember that the low price is not a priority when choosing windows. High quality cannot be cheap. So do not rush to order the windows, rejoicing at the advertising campaign.
Having done such «marketing research,» your search will be much narrower, and perhaps at this stage, you will choose a company that is right for you by all criteria.
Step Two.
Visit the firm. Write down all your questions in advance, be consistent in asking your questions, demand a clear answer, and do not allow unexplained points.
Usually, in serious companies, taking care of their reputation, the managers consult on a relatively high technical level and ask the first question; you will receive complete information about the services provided. Make sure that the information you received on the phone is accurate: ask the manager to demonstrate the differences between the profile system you learned about by phone on the sample. A significant advantage of companies with a piece that can explain the installation and finishing stages is that even before the contract, you can familiarize yourself with the upcoming installation work process and assess its quality.
Read the contract offered by the company (pay attention to guarantees), and read the license and certificate of compliance for finished products (namely on the finished product, not on individual windows components).
Step Three
Order measurement of the windows.
You can also order windows measurements by phone before visiting the company’s office you like. Still, there is a small detail — this service is paid in some companies, so it would be a shame to spend money in vain and end up ordering from a different firm. After receiving measurements, the firm will make you an individual calculation of your order; it may differ from what was previously agreed, but only slightly; if the difference is significant — specify why. Such situations are possible if there is a need for additional work (the expansion of opening, the dismantling of grates, and so on).
Step Four
Signing a contract.
Once again, carefully review the text of the contract: the price, payment terms, terms, number of items and accessories, the configuration of windows, the direction of opening, the amount of work outlined, in general, everything you asked and talked about should be reflected on paper. The only thing you should not worry about is the overall dimensions of the windows, and the company is responsible for them.
How to choose a window replacement company 