Getting Contractor Bids & Estimates

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Getting Contractor Bids & Estimates

Here are five tips that can help you when getting bids & estimates for your window replacement project. These tips are designed to help homeowners find the best replacement windows for their home.

Get A Few Quotes

The first step to any window replacement project is getting bids & estimates from different contractors and window companies. It's advisable to get a minimum of three estimates, giving some idea on the price that can be expected to complete the project. Homeowners can find estimated prices on this site, but without knowing the exact project, this is a target price and cannot be taken as a rule of thumb. Each project is unique and there is around twenty different factors that will influence the price.

Don't Fall For the Sales Pitch – Do Not Signs Anything Yet

As window companies arrive at the door to give a price, they will try and bully the homeowner into buying their product there and then. This is a forceful sales pitch which many homeowners fall for. The sales representative will start at a higher price, knocking it down to try and get a signature. Ensure the representative is advised that no decisions will be made and there are other estimates to come in. With the estimates in hand, you can visit this site and open it up for discussion on the forum, to get advice from reputable and experienced contractors. Ensure number of windows, sizes, materials and other important information is included in the post so the contractors can give the best feedback and input needed.

Ensure You Understand the Estimates

Using a forum, such as this, you can determine if you have been quoted too high or whether you should continue looking for other window companies. In most cases, the forum is used as a second opinion on already obtained estimates, providing further information needed to make the best decision for the home.

Review the Installer

Finding good replacement windows at a fair price is only part of the process, installation is just as important and it's important to review any installers before going ahead. Use websites such as Yelp to help determined if the company you are looking at offers a high quality installation with attention to detail. Bbb.org is the best place to find any complaints about the company. If you can't find much information ask them for references and follow up on those before going any further.

Stay away from any window companies that use subcontractors. This is a dangerous exercise, often they underpay the contractors and therefore the projects are not completed to a high standard. Companies should be using professional and experienced contractors that are paid a decent rate per hour. Ensure they have a good reputation in the industry before making your final decision.

Take Your Time

There is no reason to rush into a decision right there and then. Take your time, go through each estimates and review it and compare it against the other estimates you have received. Ensure you follow the five tips above to give peace of mind that the window replacement company chosen is the best one to meet your specific window project.