For most of us, it’s not exactly obvious what to look for when buying new windows and doors. We may be able to research good ideas from internet videos and home improvement company websites, but these can only tell you so much. You need to have a conversation with an industry expert. Someone who can guide you through the process and help you avoid the pitfalls that do-it-yourself folks sometimes face. If you’re in the market for replacement windows and doors in Olympia, WA, we recommend you have a conversation with a qualified expert.

However, online research is useful if it helps guide you to know what you should be looking for when shopping in the industry. Here are four things to look for and ask questions about when buying new windows and doors:

Safety and security features have never been better in the window and door industry. Locking hardware systems are foolproof. They are intuitive and easy to open from the inside, yet formidable and difficult to open from the outside. This feature is a huge deterrent to would-be thieves and intruders who may try to access your home. If needed, our lock systems can be set up to lock automatically every time a window is closed. No more accidentally leaving a window unlatched when you leave on vacation!

When shopping for replacement windows and doors in Olympia, WA, make sure the product you purchase is energy star rated. Energy Star is a program launched by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that promotes and encourages businesses to manufacture products that are highly energy efficient. This program reduces waste and helps protect our natural environment.

As a result, windows and doors are made to a much higher quality standard than they have been in previous generation products. Part of this is due to improvements in design and manufacturing techniques. It is also due to consumer demand for products that help us reduce our energy consumption because it saves money in utility bills each month. It also decreases our impact on the environment by improving the energy efficiency of our home.

In recent years, the cost to craft build windows and doors to your style and design preferences has become much more affordable. If you are interested in the process to custom make your windows or doors to express your unique look and feel, it has never been a better time. You can participate in the creative process by choosing the window style, design, frame color, material, glass quality, insulation strength, and even the size and shape. All of this can be factored into your exact specifications.

Our specialists will make sure to help you through the design process so that your final product doesn’t lose any quality or durability requirements. You will love the enhanced curb appeal that custom windows and doors will add to your home!

Just because someone knows a thing or two about construction, doesn’t mean they necessarily understand the proper way to install windows and doors. It takes some special training and experience to make sure the job is done right. As you interview contractors or others who claim to be able to handle the job, try to get a sense of their experience specifically with the window and door products that you are buying. Try to ask the following questions:

• Are they familiar with the brand and how it must be installed?
• Have they ever worked directly for a window and door installer before?
• How many windows and doors have they installed themselves?

Don’t let just anybody handle the installation job. A poor installation will lead to poor performance of an otherwise high-quality product.

Warranties can be a tricky thing to navigate. Because windows tend to be a high-profit margin product, there are a lot of contractors that set up shop in the industry and try to earn a living. That is not necessarily a problem, but it becomes a problem when fly-by-night outfits sell poor quality products to consumers and offer warranties that barely cover anything. They do this to make a quick buck and avoid liability for their poor business practices.

When something goes wrong with a cheap quality window that has been hastily installed, a warranty may be the only thing to fall back on for protection of your investment. Usually, there is a separate warranty for products and installation. Make sure to read the fine print and have good warranty coverage for both.

Warranties can be a tricky thing to navigate. Because windows tend to be a high-profit margin product, there are a lot of contractors that set up shop in the industry and try to earn a living. That is not necessarily a problem, but it becomes a problem when fly-by-night outfits sell poor quality products to consumers and offer warranties that barely cover anything. They do this to make a quick buck and avoid liability for their poor business practices.

When something goes wrong with a cheap quality window that has been hastily installed, a warranty may be the only thing to fall back on for protection of your investment. Usually, there is a separate warranty for products and installation. Make sure to read the fine print and have good warranty coverage for both.

Our experts at Clear View Exteriors LLC have been at this game for years. If you’re interested in

replacement windows and doors in Olympia, WA, have a conversation with us. Our showroom is located at 103 E Yelm Ave, Yelm, WA 98597. Dial us anytime to schedule a free consultation at (360) 400-1800.