Window contractor: a hiring guide

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Many people stay in the same residential area for years and grow old together with their beloved homes. A window contractor can help you install, replace, repair and maintain your windows for additional security and energy efficiency.

If you want to know how to find a contractor, you can try consulting your relatives, friends and neighbors and ask if they can refer a contractor to repair your windows. Close relatives and friends who have already hired a contractor for windows installation or replacement can give an honest referral and can tell you about their experiences with the contractor.

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This is one of the easiest and most trusted ways to find a contractor, as it allows you to check a job that the contractor has already completed.

Another easy way to find a window contractor is to use Reply!, which help you locate professional and licensed contractors near your area.

A contact number and address should also be available, so you can contact the contractor for further verification and for project estimates. Do not hire a contractor that does not have a business address.

Before hiring a window contractor, make sure to check your state's website to find out whether it provides an online service to verify the license number of a potential contractor. Many states and cities require a business or occupation license before allowing a trained contractor to operate in a community.

If your state or city doesn't have an online service or doesn't require a general contractor license, ask the contractor to provide verifiable information, such as previous employers, contact numbers of previous clients, a portfolio or a voluntary certification.

You can also reach out to your city's chamber of commerce to see if they can point you in the right direction.

If your windows are old, ask the contractor if he has previous experience repairing and renovating windows in old buildings. They might be worth salvaging if say they're stained glass or similar.

It is important to know your specific window needs and requirements before consulting a contractor in order to get an accurate estimate. If you're unsure of what to do, the contractor should be able to help you decide on the best style for your home that suits your budget.

You may also conduct interviews with contractors to ensure your satisfaction with the services and to get several estimates. The estimates should include the project timeline and detailed specifications. If possible, hire a window contractor who lays every specific detail on the contract.

Finally, after meeting with at least three contractors for estimates and determining which meet the above criteria, hire the one you feel most comfortable around. Your window contractor should be professional and easy to communicate with. Find contractors in your area now.

Photo credit: Spiderstock via iStockphoto.