How to Choose a Window Replacement Company

Need energy efficient replacement windows? Clarity Windows, a local Dallas window replacement company, offers a few tips to help you avoid any pitfalls during your window replacement project.

Buying home replacement windows isn't necessarily a “fun” home improvement project but it can be an effective energy- and money-saving project. It can also be a big project. Clarity Windows offers a few tips to help you avoid any pitfalls during your window replacement project.

Of course, the first step of any project is to establish a replacement window budget. What you can afford to spend will determine the quality of window you will buy. Windows come in many varieties (aluminum replacement window, vinyl replacement window or wood replacement window), some even priced at the high-end. You need to know, very specifically, what your goal is, how fancy you want to go, and how much you can spend.

You also need to know how many windows need to be replaced. Are you doing the whole house, or just a handful? Are they all the same size and type of window? Do you want to make some changes, or just replace the window with the same general type as before?

Another very important aspect of this project is construction. You'll have to determine how your original windows were installed, and see if you might expect some problems with tear-out and install preparation.

Late spring and early fall are the best times of year to replace your windows, because they are usually the mildest. Don't forget that your windows will be off the house entirely during this project, so your home will be exposed to the elements. Naturally, you'll want to avoid hot, cold, or rainy periods as much as possible. If necessary, you can hang plastic sheeting around each area to protect against wind or bugs.

At this point, you should be thinking, 'Can I do this myself, or will I have to hire someone?' If you aren’t very handy or don't feel particularly confident, finding a replacement window company like Clarity Windows will also have to be factored into your budget.

Once you've got your general project needs established, call various window replacement companies and get some estimates. (Here are a few window replacement companies you can call: Clarity Windows, Sears, Home Depot, Lowes or Statewide Remodeling.) Obviously, installing them yourself is less expensive – but only if you have the right skills and experience. The cost of repairing your own mistakes is often what sends a home improvement project's budget into the red. Improperly installed windows can create many problems. Hiring Clarity Windows is cheaper in the long run.

Be sure to go over your options with the replacement window installer. Be clear about your expectations, and what results you want from your replacement windows. Get several bids and choose the best window replacement company for you. Clarity Windows is confident that they will be the best replacement window company you will find!

Don't make a decision solely on the basis of the cost of replacement windows. The lowest bid isn't always the best fit. Make sure you feel comfortable with (and confident in) the company you choose. It is always a good idea to ask for references. If licensed and bonded, you can check with the licensing board for complaints, etc. (Click here for Clarity Windows Ratings and Testimonials)

Ask for a guarantee and sign a contract. Never, ever rely on oral promises. Get everything in writing, and signed. This isn't just for your benefit – it protects both parties!

Lastly, do not pay for the replacement window job until it is done right and as specifically stipulated to in the contract. The window replacement company may ask for a deposit up front. This is fine, but try to keep the amount as low as possible. Negotiate if you can, but be reasonable.

Here are a few more things to keep in mind when choosing the BEST window replacement company for you:

Experience - Even if it's a new window business, the installer may have had years of experience working for someone else before starting his or her own business. He or she may also have experienced employees and managers. So don't discount a 'new' business out-of-hand. Find out more.

Clarity Windows has a fully trained staff. Our professional office staff will get your no obligation free estimate scheduled for you and update you throughout the entire process. Weekly updates is our way of reminding you that customer service is very important to us and we think you should be informed as your project progresses. Our sales force has spent endless hours training and learning the window, door and siding business. We believe that you are best served if we have the product knowledge necessary to give you the best options available to solve your problems. We have the very best replacement window installers in the industry and we don’t sub-contract the work to outside sources. Our installers have been in the business a very long time and will treat your home with the care it deserves. Having such quality craftsmen is the only reason we can offer custom jobs to fit your creative needs.

Pricing! - This should be a competitive process! You'll get the best idea of how long the job will really take and how much it will really cost by securing bids from multiple companies. Don't hire the first installer you talk to. Get at least three bids for your project. And be sure to get all quotes in writing! (Here are a few window replacement companies you can call: Clarity Windows, Sears, Home Depot, Lowes or Statewide Remodeling.)

Who Are Their Suppliers? - Sometimes the best gauge of a business is whom they do business with. Do they have exclusive relationships with established, name brand window manufacturers? Make sure their suppliers are solid, reputable, and have a fixed address.

If you want the best performance products on the market today then your search is over. Clarity Windows has done the research and was way ahead of the curve. Our Marquis product line far exceeded the new requirements for the tax credit so while our competition was scrambling to meet the new standards we were taking care of business as usual. We offer a lifetime limited warranty including labor, an energy pledge and local factory support. Competitive pricing with high performance makes Clarity Windows the best Return on Investment over the long term.

Locally Owned and Operated - Choosing a window replacement company who is located in your vicinity will help keep costs down by eliminating any transportation costs the installer might build into his bid.

Clarity Windows is locally owned and operated with a family environment. We understand that installing windows, doors and siding is the service we provide, our true job is taking care of our customers and providing them with real solutions. We truly want to make a difference in this industry.

Turn-around Time - Don't hesitate to ask about the turn-around time. It's an important part of the project, and affects the price they quote. Remember the old business adage – things can be done fast, well, or cheaply, but you can only choose two. Some installers may offer a very reasonably priced service, but may not get the job done on time. However, that's better than getting the job done on time, but not done well.

Referrals - Check with your friends, co-workers, neighbors, and relatives. Someone else has probably had their windows replaced. If one or two names crop up repeatedly during these conversations, you should consider getting a bid from them.

Clarity Windows reputation is that of quality products, unsurpassed customer service and incredible installation crews. Maintaining a perfect record with the Better Business Bureau gives us an A+ rating as a BBB Accredited Business. Consistency is the secret to our 5 Star rating with Service Magic and our A+ rating with Angie’s List. It is no secret why we are such a good fit on KRLD radio and why Brad Barton was so eager to endorse Clarity Windows. The Marquis product line, designed by Clarity Windows and Alside, is our exclusive product line and is the highest performance product offered by Alside in the DFW area.

Response time - Once you've narrowed your choices down to a few, send them an email or give them a call. See how attentive they are. Do they respond quickly? Was the response courteous, professional, and helpful?

We at Clarity, a quality replacement window company, are determined to bring customer satisfaction and service back to window replacement industry. "Bring Clarity to Your Home." You'll be glad you did!

Sincerely,
Christopher Pollard and Jack Coco
Owners and Founders of Clarity Windows

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