Windows play an essential role in the grand scheme of your home. They protect the home from the elements and unwanted guests. They add to the home’s energy efficiency, and they bring an attractive element to the exterior and interior design.
But based on our firsthand experience windows will only be beneficial to your home if they do their job efficiently. And a big part of that is based on the window company you choose. The contractor you work with will help you find the best windows for your property. They will install them to ensure they do their job when it comes to protecting the home and providing the best in conservation.
So, the question is, how do you find the best windows company for your project in the greater Toronto area? Here are a few tips.
Window Contractors Should Be Licensed, Bonded and Insured
The first thing you will want to find out is whether the company you are working with is licensed, bonded, and insured. If a company is licensed, it means the owner took the necessary courses to learn his or her trade and has the knowledge to provide the service they are offering.
Their insurance means that if any of their workers get injured on the job, they will take full responsibility.
A bond means that a company will follow through on its promises, and if they don’t the customer will be protected.
If you are not working with a licensed, insured, and bonded company, you are taking a big risk. It’s important to ask for this type of documentation before proceeding.
Referrals and Reviews
You may have a family or friend that can provide a reference on a window company they used in the past. This is ideal as you know you know they will be referring you to someone that they trust.
If you can’t get a referral, the second-best thing will be to find customer reviews online. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of review sites out there including Yelp, Facebook, Google, and more. The more highly rated the company is, the better.
When checking customer reviews, you want to make sure the company gets the job done promptly, provides high-quality installation and products, and stays within budget.
Awards and Certifications
It’s advisable to check out a company’s website to find out about their awards and certifications. Affiliations with Energy Star are a good sign. They may have also won awards from local and national organizations.
Free Estimates
A good window company will come to your home for a free estimate. The estimate shouldn’t only be about finding out how much the job will cost. You will also get a feel for who you are working with. You can determine if they have a trustworthy vibe and if they are on the same page as you when it comes to getting the best product for your home.
During the consultation, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Find out how soon they’ll be able to start or when is the best time to start, and how long the job will take to finish. Ask them about any unexpected costs they think may arise. Decide if they are the best company for you based on their answers.
Price and Payment Plan
The company you go with should offer a fair price. It’s best to interview a few companies to get an idea of what the job should be costing so you know you’re not getting ripped off.
And while a low price is tempting, it’s not always advisable to go with the cheapest company out there. Choose the one that offers the best bang for your buck.
Some companies may also offer payment plans so you can pay the windows off in increments and not all at once. If the plan comes with low or no interest, even better.
Windows Warranty
Make sure the contractor you are going with offers a reasonable warranty. That way, you will be getting a no-fuss repair if anything is wrong with the windows or installation.
Window Selection
A window company should handle more than installation. They should help you find the types of windows that are best for your home. These may include:
- Awning windows
- Bay windows
- Casement windows
- Double hung windows
- Picture/combination windows
- Gliding/sliding windows
- Specialty windows
Then they will go step by step to determine the various elements of the window design. This will include:
- Color: The contractor will give you an opportunity to choose the frame colors that you feel will be most aesthetically pleasing.
- Hardware: You will be able to select the type of window hardware and finish you would like.
- Glass: The type of glass you choose will play a role in its ability to keep out noise and light. It will also affect how easy the window is to clean as well as its energy efficiency. The contractor will explain the features of the different types of glass to help you make the best decision.
- Grills: The window grill will enhance the look of your home. It’s hopeful that the contractor will have a wide variety for you to choose from.
- Insect Screens: The Greater Toronto area certainly sees its share of insects. The company you work with may provide a line of insect screens so you can find one that will be effective in keeping pests out.
It’s advisable to look at a contractor’s website before proceeding with the hiring process to determine which features they offer on the windows they install.
Call Everest Windows and Doors Inc. First
There are many contractors in the Greater Toronto area, and we recommend you call as many as you like, but make sure Everest Windows and Doors is on your list.
We start by making sure you find the windows that are best for your home. We leave no stone unturned when it comes to getting you the right types of windows, hardware, colors, glass, and more.
We follow up with custom installation ensuring your windows withstand the test of time. We offer fair pricing, a 100% warranty, free quotes, and straightforward estimates. If you have any questions before, during, or after installation, we are here to meet your concerns.
Based on our firsthand experience, windows are an important part of your home. Don’t trust them to just anyone. Call Everest Windows and Doors for reliable service and products you can trust.
