In a world of seemingly endless consumer options, it can be difficult to know which window and door products are built with quality in mind. Not only that, how are you supposed to know whether a home contractor is qualified to install your new windows and doors? If you’re like most every day people, the short answer is, you don’t. But, there are a few things you can do as a consumer to find a reputable home contractor. Once you know who you can trust, they can help you find the best replacement windows and doors in Steilacoom, WA.

When searching for a professional window and door contractor, start with the obvious: personal recommendations. Do you know anyone in your neighborhood that recently upgraded their windows or doors in the last few years? If they had a good experience, this is one of the best ways to find a reputable contractor. Friends, neighbors, co-workers, and sometimes even strangers out walking their dogs in the neighborhood can provide you with invaluable information.

If you can’t find a personal recommendation, another idea is to try searching online. A quick google search for replacement windows and doors in Steilacoom, WA can provide a bit of insight into which companies are providing sales and service in your neighborhood. You’re looking for a professional contractor that is located in or near your community, within 30 miles or so. Any more than that can create artificial problems with commuting to the job site, such as possible schedule delays or add-on costs for travel.

Once you find a few contractors who service your area, look over their websites for preliminary information to help you understand their specialty. Ask the following questions:

• Do they specialize in windows and door sales and installation? Or do they specialize in something else but will handle windows and doors when requested?
• How much experience do they have with window and door installation?
• Which window and door product lines do they carry?
• Upon further research of these products, will these products meet your needs?
• Are they licensed and bonded?

Next, when searching for a reliable contractor, a quick search for reviews and reputation information about the company can sometimes be insightful. Of course, it’s best to read them with a bit of skepticism. What you’re looking for is a pattern to emerge. If you can establish that a high percentage of customer reviews are positive as opposed to negative, there is a good chance that the contractor is reputable and cares about the quality of their work.

Once you have a list of two or three possible contractor’s in mind, you’ll want to call each of them to start a conversation. Briefly explain to them what you’re trying to accomplish by upgrading your home with new windows and doors. Ask a few interview questions to get an understanding of their company and how they like to do business.

At this point in the search for an experienced contractor, you are trying to learn more about each company and their unique service offerings. You are also trying to determine whether any of them would be a good match to handle your window and door replacement project. Be sure to pay attention to whether they are good at listening and communicating.

Keep in mind; a good contractor will request to send one of their specialists out to your home to inspect your windows and doors. This process is perfectly normal and is generally free of cost. Most appointments can be flexibly scheduled around your availability. Without this inspection, contractors are not able to provide a reliable quote or offer any recommended solutions.

During the appointment, the specialist will consult with you about the potential window and door products. They will ask your permission to briefly walk through your home to inspect your current windows and doors. As you walk through together, the specialist will take measurements, and ask about any concerns or problems you are experiencing with your existing windows and doors. They will also ask questions about your goals for upgrading, how much you’d like to spend, and whether you have any style or quality preferences. Shortly after their visit, they will calculate and provide you with a firm quote.

After you’ve interviewed 2-3 companies and received their quotes, you should have a good feel for which window and door contractor you’d prefer to work with for your home. Once you’ve decided which company you’d like to hire, it’s important to let them know as soon as possible before their quote expires. Clear View Exteriors LLC is among the most qualified providers of replacement windows and doors in Steilacoom, WA. Our showroom and offices are located at 103 E Yelm Ave, Yelm, WA 98597. When you’re ready for a conversation about your needs, call us at (360) 400-1800. We’re here to help.