Key Takeaways
- Vet window contractors by reading reviews, talking to references, and viewing their portfolio.
- Avoid brands that lack proper licenses, use shady sales tactics, or offer vague contracts.
- Compare warranties, project scope, contracts, and quotes before hiring a company.
Vetting potential window contractors can help you avoid scams, poor workmanship, and unexpected costs. Reviews are only the beginning — you should also compare factors such as experience, contracts, warranties, and quotes to find the right company. Taking extra time now can help you save money on your window replacement and energy bills in the long run.
Look for red flags as you research contractors, including a lack of registration and licenses, shady sales tactics, and too-good-to-be-true bids. Ask questions and when you’re ready to hire an installer, get everything in writing. Don’t accept a vague contract.
“Ask friends and family for recommendations first,” said Dave Toussaint, owner of Hudson Valley Windows & Siding in Poughkeepsie, New York. “You’re going to find out the good and the bad. Reddit and Facebook Groups are other great resources for finding reliable contractors,” Toussaint added.
Below, we’ve outlined some signs of good installers and red flags to better identify bad ones. We also provide some additional tips, including how to find installers, questions to ask, and how to compare quotes, so you can easily vet window contractors before paying your deposit.
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Vetting Window Contractors
Reviews are an excellent starting point for vetting window contractors, but these aspects can also help you tell a good installer from a bad one:
- Licenses: In several states, general contractors are required to carry licenses, which often means they have passed an exam. The exact requirements depend on the state, city, or county. Learn more by visiting your area’s Department of Labor (DoL) website.
- Registration: All contractors, regardless of location, must be registered as a business in the state. It shows they’re professional, rather than a fly-by-night vendor.
- Insurance: Companies need insurance and workers’ compensation coverage in case their employees damage your property or get hurt on the job.
- Experience: Look for contractors who specialize in window installation, replacement, and repairs. Review their website to see past work and how long they’ve been in business. Ask the contractor about similar projects they’ve completed.
- Reviews: To better compare service providers, check their reviews on trusted sites, including Google, Trustpilot, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Reach out to references to ask about the contractor’s quality, timeliness, cleanup, and customer service.
- Warranties and guarantees: Windows often come with warranties, but some installers also offer quality of work guarantees.
- Clear quote: You should receive itemized and easy-to-understand estimates, with detailed information on labor and material costs, timelines, cleanup processes, payment schedules, and potential additional costs.
Toussaint also recommends researching the contractor’s window manufacturer. “There are plenty of companies that offer lifetime warranties that have been in business less than 10 years,” he said. He explained that some window manufacturers will go out of business and reopen as another brand in order to hide cheap products, a lack of customer service, and poor reviews.
“The longer the manufacturer has been in business, the more credible they are. The product lasts longer and the service is better,” he added.
Warning Signs of a Bad Contractor
The last thing you want when hiring a window contractor is to get scammed. “Scams are less frequent thanks to the internet, but people will only know about the problems if they took time to do their homework,” Toussaint said.
If you notice any of the listed red flags below, it’s a sign to go with another company.
Lack of Business Registration
All contractors should be registered with a valid business address. They should also be able to provide proof of insurance and any state-required licenses. If your contractor can’t produce this information or they start downplaying the importance of these documents, you’re likely dealing with a fly-by-night tradesperson or scammer.
While some contractors avoid registering their brand to keep costs low or dodge taxes, you’re running a risk by hiring an unregistered individual. They might not have enough window installation experience, and you’ll likely have trouble reaching them in the event of a problem. In addition, scammers can leave with your deposit before they complete any work. Without an address, you can’t serve a lawsuit.
Shady Sales Tactics
Shady sales tactics often indicate that the contractor is trying to hide something. High-pressure sales lines, such as “The price is only good for today,” can push customers to make quick, ill-informed decisions.
Toussaint provided an example: “The salesperson will start with a high price before offering a 20% to 30% discount if the homeowner signs today. The homeowner agrees, thinking they’re saving, but they didn’t do their homework. If they had, they’d see that they offer that deal to everyone or that there are problems with the product. You’re about to spend $10,000 to $20,000, if not more. It’s not a decision to be taken lightly,” he added.
It’s also a red flag “when the salesperson calls the manager to see if they can get a discount,” Toussaint said. He explained that it’s an old sales trick — you want to go with a brand that’s upfront with you.
In addition, avoid the company if the salesperson is overly aggressive or emotionally manipulative. A reputable window contractor won’t guilt-trip you, play on your fears, or belittle competitors.
Low Bids and High Deposits
If the bid seems too good to be true, it probably is. Unbelievably low prices, free upgrades, or unrealistic warranties hide hidden fees and bait-and-switch tactics. The window contractor might cut corners on materials and labor, leaving you with a shoddy installation.
Also, they’re likely a scammer if they require an unusually large deposit, full payment before they start work, or cash-only retainers. Legitimate tradespeople ask for up to 50% for small jobs and between 10% and 20% for larger contracts. They’ll accept cash, credit cards, debit cards, and other forms of payment.
Vague or Verbal-Only Agreements
Never accept a handshake deal. Vague or verbal-only agreements make it easier for the contractor to under-deliver, overcharge, disappear, or use low-quality materials.
A detailed written agreement protects you. Read over any contract before signing, looking specifically for information on the scope of work, costs, projected timeline, and payment terms.
Little-to-No References
A history of strong reviews shows the window contractor knows what they’re doing. Few testimonials could mean the professional has limited experience.
You’ll generally want to avoid brands with many bad reviews. Look out for complaints about unfinished work, quality issues, and legal disputes.
Unhappy customers tend to be a vocal majority, so take negative reviews with a grain of salt and pay more attention to recurring themes.
Poor Communication
Reliable and trustworthy window professionals return calls, texts, and emails promptly, with polite and helpful customer service. Avoid contractors who don’t respond to you in a timely manner, give unclear answers, or miss appointments.
Toussaint recommends hiring a local company that is known for taking care of their customers after the sale.
Where To Find Trusted Windows Contractors
To find a trusted window contractor, go with a trusted source. Start your search by asking for referrals from friends, neighbors, and family members who have had similar window work done. Word of mouth is one of the best sources for finding reliable professionals.
If you’re purchasing your window from a local store, they’ll often have a list of vetted contractors they recommend. Some even offer deals if they’re a preferred partner. If you’d like a particular window brand, find professionals through the manufacturer’s certified installer program. In fact, you’ll likely have to hire one of their installers to activate the warranty.
Other resources include BBB, Google, local trade groups, social media, and your city’s Chamber of Commerce.
Questions To Ask Before Hiring
Ask questions such as these before signing a contract with a window replacement contractor:
- Are you licensed, registered, and insured?
- Can you provide testimonials and photos of your past work?
- How long have you been in business and working with windows?
- Are you certified by any window brands?
- Can you provide a detailed written quote?
- Are there any potential additional costs I should be aware of?
- What’s your warranty on labor and materials?
- Do you pull permits, or should I?
- How long will the installation take?
- How do you resolve customer concerns and complaints?
You can ask the salesperson about the windows they have in their own house. Toussaint said that your contractor should stand behind their recommended products. “If it’s good enough for me, it’s good enough for my customers,” he added.
You might have additional questions based on your needs, such as the best type of windows for your home, how different top window brands compare, and energy-efficient glass recommendations.
How To Compare Bids From Window Contractors
We recommend comparing quotes from at least three different window contractors before signing a contract. In most cases, they’ll perform in-home inspections, offer free quotes, and recommend any necessary window repairs.
Consider these factors to determine which quote best fits your needs and budget:
- Scope of work: You’ll generally pay more for more services. Your quote may include old window removal, window disposal, installation, trim work, hardware, and finishes.
- Materials: High-quality materials are more expensive. You’ll spend more on energy-efficient low-emissivity (low-e) windows with a fiberglass frame than you would on double-pane vinyl-framed windows.
- Number and type of windows: The quotes should have the same number and type of windows. For example, a picture window is costlier than a casement.
- Permits: Will you be paying separately for the required permits, or are they included in your estimate?
- Warranty: Do the windows come with a warranty? Does the estimate include any installation guarantees?
- Value: The businesses you reach out to will have varying degrees of experience and reviews. How do they compare to one another? A contractor with 30 years of experience may be more expensive than a professional with five years, but you’ll likely get higher-quality work from the former.
- Additional fees: If the scope of work changes, the price will also change. Compare how much professionals charge for unforeseen circumstances or add-ons.
You’re not always comparing apples to apples when it comes to window installation estimates. A quote can be higher than the next for a variety of reasons — a low quote doesn’t always equate to the best value.
Next Steps
If it’s time to install new windows in your home, start by creating a short list of vetted contractors. Keep warning signs in mind as you talk to companies.
Toussaint stated that a legitimate company won’t force your hand. “Do your homework,” he said. “Ask for (and contact) the references. If they’re a legitimate company, they’re not going to be afraid to give references.”
Once you collect at least three quotes, compare the scope of work and contracts. Ask any questions you might have before you sign and provide the down payment.
FAQs About Vetting Window Contractors
How do I know if a window contractor is licensed?
You can tell whether a window contractor is licensed by asking for their license number and verifying it through your state or city’s DoL directory. Check that they have proper insurance coverage and have registered their business to avoid scams.
License requirements for general contractors vary depending on the state, city, and county. For example, Florida requires contractors to have a license. The state of Colorado doesn’t require window installers to have licenses, but the city of Denver does. Review your area’s laws early so you can ask the right questions about licenses, registration, and insurance.
If the window installer doesn’t have the required documents, go with another company. You may encounter issues with scams or subpar work with an unlicensed contractor.
What does a typical window installation contract include?
A typical window installation contract includes a scope of work, materials, work schedule, license and insurance details, warranties, a termination clause, a payment schedule, and potential additional costs.
The scope of work provides an overview of the main project, explaining product details such as the type, size, and number of windows. It also covers whether the contractor will complete other tasks, such as removing existing windows, cleaning up after installation, or adding window trim. If you notice any discrepancies between what you agreed upon and what’s included in the contract, bring it up to the contractor before you sign.
Some window installation contracts have additional conditions. Depending on the project and the installer, you might see distance surcharges, package options, subcontractor terms, delivery costs, building code information, and financing options.
Do all window contractors pull permits, or is that my responsibility?
In most cases, window contractors pull permits, while homeowners pay for the permits as part of the total project cost. Not all states, cities, and counties require permits for window replacement. Visit your state’s website to learn more about building codes.
The person who obtains the permit is responsible for any issues that may arise during or after the project. If your window installer refuses to pull a permit, go with another company, as they’re likely unlicensed or have run into previous problems with the local government.
Delaying or failing to get permits can be expensive — you’ll likely have to pay late fees, at the very least. The inspector could also require you to redo certain aspects of the window installation if they feel it doesn’t meet safety standards.
Is it better to hire a dedicated window company or a general contractor?
It’s usually better to hire a dedicated window company over a general contractor for window replacement and installation. Window contractors have more specialized expertise with various window types, materials, and installation techniques.
However, you should consider hiring a general home improvement contractor if your window replacement project is part of a larger renovation, as it’ll likely save you money.
General contractors are skilled in project management, have extensive knowledge of building codes, and work with subcontractors. You might also need to use a general contractor if the window installation requires structural changes to the home.
