Energy Swing Windows & Doors | WindowSmarts - Who are you really investing in when you hire a contractor?

1-877-SWING CLEAN info@energyswingwindows.com Window Smarts 2. Who are you really investing in? Remodeling your home is a big decision and you want your project to be done carefully and correctly. So, before you invest time and money into your home remodeling project, be sure to understand the company you are entrusting your project and your home to. Investing in win- dows is usually a once-in-a-lifetime purchase for homeowners, so do yourself a favor and form a good relationship with the company or con- tractor you hire. Make sure to talk about your concerns and have all of your questions answered. They should be there to educate and help you make the right decisions for your home. Here are some important details to investigate when deciding between contractors for your job. Shared vs. Sole Source Responsibility Many contractors buy their products from a manufacturer, sell them to you, then contract out the installation. This leaves you with three groups responsible for your project; one who makes the products, another who sells the products, and yet another who installs the products. Which do you call if and when there is a problem? Who is ultimately responsible if something should go wrong? This can cause confusion and unnecessary hassles. On the other hand, a single-source company can make all the difference in your home remodeling experience because they manufacture their own products, sell their own products, and use their own employees to install the products. Permanent Place of Business It’s important to ascertain if the company has a permanent place of business. A vehicle or a home residence is not sufficient. If the contractor is not permanently established, how can you be confident the work will be completed? Select someone you can call if the work needs service in the future. Visit the contractor’s place of business and ask for financial proof of stability. Insurances Finally, make sure the contractor you choose fully insures their employees. The law requires contractors to have Workman’s Compensation, General Liability, Vehicle Liability, and an Umbrella Insurance policy. These insurances will fully cover the contractor, as well as protect you and your home if anything should happen during installation. Furthermore, legit contractors must be registered with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.