window replacement done right: a guide

WINDOW REPLACEMENT DONE RIGHT: A GUIDE

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CONTRACTOR



PART ONEChoosing the Right Contractor

Have you ever considered what it takes to have a window replaced? Sure, you may have a basic idea of what to expect but do you really know how the process goes? Most homeowners generally don’t know the specifics of a window replacement. That’s why it’s better to leave the job to the professionals. However, you can’t leave your window replacement to just any contractor. To make the most out of getting new windows, it is crucial that you

hire the right company for you.



WHAT TO CONSIDER

Credentials. At the heart of it, you want a window contractor who is capable, who knows what they are doing. You don’t want your home to be someone’s practice ground, do you? That’s why it’s important to ensure that you’re working with a reputable contractor, someone with the skills and experience to carry out your window replacement properly. The easiest way to ensure a contractor is capable is to check for licenses and certifications. After all, these won’t be issued if a contractor has not met standards set.

Testimonials. You can always take a contractor’s word for it but testimonials from previous customers will be the best measure of their capabilities. Even if your window replacement project will not be exactly the same, you’ll learn a lot about a contractor based on the experience of their previous customers. You can find a lot of testimonials online but you can also ask a contractor for referrals so you can talk to previous customers yourself.



Protection. This will come in the form of insurance and warranties. Insurance coverage is important because it will protect you from liability should anything happen during a job, while warranties have you covered should problems arise afterwards. A window replacement will typically give you access to manufacturer and contractor warranties. Manufacturers usually only honor their warranties if their products were installed by their certified contractors.

Capable and reliable, that’s how every contractor should be. Once you’ve found the right contractor, it is now time to move on to choosing the right window replacement. Head on over to Part 2 to

learn more!



PART TWOChoosing the Right Window Replacement

A great deal of how your window replacement turns out will depend on having the right contractor, but just as important is having the right replacement window to use. But what kind of window should you get? Here are a few key factors that you should look into when choosing

the right window replacement:


CHOOSING THE RIGHT WINDOW REPLACEMENT

LOCATIONWindows are expected to protect you from the elements so your replacements must be capable of handling the weather in your area. Aside from taking note of your local climate, however, you can also consider location in terms of the actual spot your replacement window will be installed in. If you’re going to be replacing a window in the kitchen, for instance, you’re going to need a replacement that offers excellent ventilation and ease in operation, as it’s not unusual to have your hands full while cooking. Casements meet these requirements perfectly which is why they are great as replacement windows for kitchens.

MATERIALThe kind of strengths and weaknesses a window has is mostly determined by the kind of material it is made from. Every material has something to offer so it’s a matter of finding one that matches your needs and preferences. Take a composite material like Fibrex®, for example. It can be made to look like wood but because it’s not, it does away with the material’s weakness against moisture exposure. This makes windows with Fibrex® frames ideal for areas that receive a lot of rain.


CHOOSING THE RIGHT WINDOW REPLACEMENT

APPEARANCEYour reasons for investing in a window replacement project may be mostly functional, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t take advantage of the aesthetic boost that new windows can give your home. Fortunately, windows come with differing exterior and interior trims so you don’t have to worry about choosing something that works for both. Feel free to treat trim options differently but don’t forget to choose whatever will complement your home, be it inside or outside. Certain window styles work well with certain architectural designs so it’s a good starting point to consider what will be suitable for your home in that respect.

Choosing the right window is important, but so is choosing the right brand! Find out what to look for

in a window brand in Part 3 of this blog series.



PART THREEChoosing the Right Window Brand

Your window options exponentially expand when you take into consideration the number of brands out there. There are already several window styles to choose from and it’s typical for brands in the market to offer more than one option for each. As a brand represents the quality of your windows, the one you choose will determine what kind of performance your replacement will be capable of. You’re going to want to go with a reliable brand, of course, and we’re here to help you zero

in on the right one for you.


CHOOSING THE RIGHT WINDOW BRAND

So, what sets a brand apart from the others? Keep in mind that:

The right brand offers top-notch quality. You expect all replacement windows to be of quality but not all brands will adhere to the same level of standard. The right brand, however, will stand at the top of the pack, offering a level of quality that others simply hope to attain. Certifications are a sign of quality so look for those. For example, replacement windows touting excellent energy-efficiency will be certified by Energy Star and Green Seal.

The right brand offers value for money. You get what you pay for and this will be more than evident in the right window replacement brand. Replacing windows can be a significant investment but opting for the right brand will ensure that you make the most out of what you will be spending.

The right brand offers outstanding customer service. More than offering quality products and expert craftsmanship, the right window replacement brand will pride themselves in providing the very best in customer service. It may take a bit of effort to sift through all your options but finding someone who puts you first will be definitely worth the work.

A lot goes into replacing your windows but working with the right contractor and having the right windows from the right brand will help ensure the success of your window replacement project. If you want to learn more about replacing windows in your home, don’t hesitate to give your Renewal by Andersen contractor a call.



RBA PORTLAND18151 SW BOONES FERRY RD.,

PORTLAND, OR 97224

(503) 465-8600www.renewalbyandersennw.com

http://www.renewalbyandersennw.com

window replacement done right: a guide

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