Deciding that your windows need replacing is the first step. The next thing homeowners have to face is how to locate a reputable replacement window company. The relationship you have with your replacement window specialist is critical: you need to be able to trust this person and their professional judgement. You’re entrusting thousands of dollars and the safety and security of your home to a relative stranger. Of course you want to find the best replacement windows — and the best replacement window company!
Unfortunately, this can be difficult. After all, how do you know who the best replacement window dealer in Ipswich is? Who handles Alside Sheffield Windows in Gloucester? Who can you trust in Somerville?
The process to find the best window specialist in Massachusetts is the same as it is anywhere else. Here’s what you need to do to find the best, most trustworthy, replacement window dealer in your area.
Ask For Referrals
When talking with friends, family members, and neighbors, especially those who have a home you admire and wish to emulate, ask them who did their windows. Go beyond the name: ask them if they were pleased with the dealer, the installation team, and the performance of the windows since they’ve been installed. This is often your best source of information.
Go Online
A web presence is an essential part of doing business today — and is an easy way to separate the serious window replacement professionals from the fly by night companies who aren’t willing to expend the time, effort, or energy to put up a website! Read the company’s website — but go a step further. Visit local social networking and home improvement communities and ask about the company you’re considering: this can be a great source of unfiltered first-hand experience.
It’s important to remember that no one pleases everyone all the time. If a company’s been in business for a while, they’re going to have a disgruntled customer or two — and unhappy people always make more noise than happy ones! Assess claims carefully, but keep your eyes open.
Check the Better Business Bureau
Every state has a Better Business Bureau. You might feel a little paranoid, but take the time to check the status of the window replacement specialist you’re considering. If a company has had numerous complaints filed against them, that can be a real red flag that you don’t want to entrust your money to these folks.
Do An Interview
Before you commit to any replacement window specialist, take the time to talk to the people you’ll be dealing with. It’s easy to make all the decisions ahead of time — more than one homeowner comes in knowing exactly what windows they want, from what manufacturer, in what style. However, there’s a real human element to consider. You’ll want to assess the professionals you’ll be dealing with. Do you feel comfortable with them? Do you trust them? Do they have a track record for reliability?
Due diligence is part of any major purchase, and make no mistake: home replacement windows are a major purchase. Take the time to do your research, and your efforts will be rewarded!
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