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So, you’re ready to replace the windows and doors in your home and you’re wondering how to find a reputable company. There are several companies in the New Jersey and New York Metro our area offering replacement windows – some good, some not so good. Our Renewal by Andersen team recommends you research both the products and the company behind the products before you sign on the dotted line.
Naturally, we hope you choose to allow us the privilege of installing your new windows, but we want you to make a good decision so, here are our tips for comparing companies in our area.
1. Use Your Online Tools. Fortunately, the Internet makes researching a company easier than ever before. You can visit online review forums, ask for recommendations on your social networking pages, read online business directories and look for Better Business Bureau claims, all from the comfort of your own home whenever it’s convenient for you. Read some of our recent reviews, then check out our competition.
2. Extra Tip: Most companies will have one or two negative reviews, when you’re reading business directory reviews on Yelp.com or FourSquare.com, read enough comments to weed out the minority. It is impossible to please everyone, every time. But 10 to 12 reviews should give you a good idea of normal performance.
3. Trust, but Verify. When a salesperson makes a claim that sounds too good to be true, it probably is. But, give them the benefit of the doubt. If the sales pitch claims you can save up to 90 percent off your heating and cooling bills, ask which agency did the research and when it was completed. Ratings from independent organizations like Energy.gov and the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) conduct tests and research studies to determine energy efficiency and performance. If you can’t get verification, it might be wise to move along to the next prospect.
4. Ask Questions and Listen to Answers. We’ve seen a common complaint that shows up in negative online reviews. Fast talking agents tend to have scripted answers. Consistency is good, but it’s important to recognize every homeowner has unique needs. Some consumers ask for window style recommendations during the early stages of a conversation. Many companies may have preferred styles, but recommending a double-hung window over a casement, or vice versa, without first finding out how the homeowner will use their windows, their decorating goals, the integrity and architecture of the home and a number of other factors, would be a disservice to a potential customer.
5. Expect Transparency. Along with asking and answering questions, a reputable company is honest and straightforward with information seekers. If the representative you’re working with doesn’t answer your questions thoroughly it may be due to lack of training or an attempt to mislead you. For example, if you aren’t able to find reviews online and the company can’t or won’t provide any verifiable references, there might be a reputation problem. Satisfied customers are usually willing to offer endorsements. Disgruntled customers tend to be very vocal, too, especially in the faceless Internet environment.
6. Make Certain you are Working with an Experienced Company. Just because a company is new to the area doesn’t automatically mean the company isn’t trustworthy. But, as a general rule, a well-established business has invested years building a reputation in the community. Along the same vein, you may find a business with a solid, customer service history that is offering a new product for the first season. You’ll want to find out how they chose the new brand, too, before you make a final decision.
7. Be Wary of “Hire-Your-Own-Installation Contractor” Policies. Every independent third party window rating organization will tell you that a replacement window is only as good as the installation. Misplaced screws and nails can damage frames and interfere with opening and closing operations. Improper installation may void all or part of your warranty. Plus, vetting contractors is a challenging journey. Even if the window appears to be installed properly, you may have trouble finding the contractor if problems surface after the job is completed. The best policy is to work with a company that not only offers to oversee the installation, but insists on assuming that role.
Our Renewal by Andersen team is committed to giving you all the information you need to make a well-informed decision about your investment. When you ask a question, to ensure we give you the right answer, we may ask a few of our own questions before we can give you an answer. And, while we want to guide you through the process, all decisions are ultimately yours to make.
If you’re searching for a reputable company to help you replace aging windows and patio doors, we welcome the opportunity to apply. Our team will work hard to earn your trust with full transparency. Just fill in the short form on this page to request more information, or give us a call at (866) 609-5033 to talk to a window consultant.
Learn Everything You Need to Know BEFORE Buying Replacement Windows