Attract the Best Local Window Installers to Bid on Your Job

<div class=article-entry><img alt= class=attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image height=311 loading=lazy sizes=(max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px src=https://dcr-apis.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp_contents/uploads/2017/06/windows2_img.jpg srcset=https://dcr-apis.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp_contents/uploads/2017/06/windows2_img.jpg 697w, https://dcr-apis.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp_contents/uploads/2017/06/windows2_img-300x134.jpg 300w width=697/><div class=featured-caption></div><p>When researching companies to handle your window installation project, you’ll naturally want to be selective about which one you choose. However, did you know that window companies can also be selective about which jobs they accept? Bids take time and are expensive to prepare, and many contractors have lost money and faced difficult dealings with unreasonable homeowners. That can make them choosy about the projects that they accept.</p><p>Here are some ways you can encourage quality window contractors to want to bid on your job:</p><ul><li><em>Look for good value, not just the lowest price. The first question that contractors often hear is about price, so it’s important to show them you understand the importance of quality and overall value.</em></li><li><em>Be honest about the fact that you’re accepting other bids and interviewing other window contractors, but assure them you’re gathering three bids, not dozens.</em></li><li><em>Shop among local window contractors. Most like to stay in the local area so they can provide better service in a more timely fashion. It also shows the contractors you’re serious about quality products and good installation methods, as some fly-by-night contractors travel long distances to install cheap products that local contractors may not be able to compete with price-wise.</em></li></ul><p> </p><h3><strong>Get the Most Out of Your Deal With Local Window Contractors</strong></h3><p>You’ve finally found the perfect window contractor that meets all of your requirements. Now it’s time to ask your window installer for a contract, which should include written affirmation of price, quality and warranties (manufacturer and installer). They should also be willing to provide you with a written timeline that includes the start date, major milestones and completion date.</p><p>Remember, start and end dates are important, but there are some factors you and your installer can’t control, such as the weather or products that are damaged during shipping. That’s why it’s a smart idea to add a “no later than” clause to your contract. This stipulates the date by which all work must be completed. Even if inclement weather or problems with the products delay installation, this clause will give you assurance that your job will be finished on time. If a quick turnaround is important to you, you may also want to consider adding a bonus for early completion to your contract.</p><p>Confirm any warranties before signing the contract, as some window installers only guarantee certain brands or installations. Also verify that manufacturer warranties apply.</p><p>And don’t forget about related issues that may not be covered by a standard contract. For example, no matter how careful your window installer is, crushed flowers, rutted lawns and damaged shrubs are often unexpected hazards that come with the job. But you can protect yourself and your property by being proactive. Before work begins, ask the job supervisor to accompany you on a pre-work inspection to determine the original condition of the property. List or photograph the condition of your landscaping and property before the work begins. Talk with your contractor about reasonable expectations and steps for protecting your home and yard during the window installation. When you’ve reached an agreement about the pre-work condition of the property, both you and the contractor should sign and date the document. After the work is completed, do a final inspection together to confirm your expectations were met.</p><p>The contract you sign with a window company should protect both you and your contractor. For this reason, never sign an incomplete or blank estimate. Read the entire contract and understand all terms before signing. And don’t be afraid to write in requests or verbal agreements you’ve made with your representative.</p></div>