What to Ask a Denver Window Installer before Hiring

Before you set up an in house appointment with a window installer, it is important that you "pre-screen" the installers over the phone. This will save you time and effort by eliminating choices from your first round of choices that don't measure up to your expectations.

Keep in mind that your first phone call to a window installer is the starting point of the sale for them. They are going to be needing information from you just as much as you are going to be needing information from them. The window installer is going to want to get some details about your project: location, number of windows, what type of window you are looking for, time line for your project etc. If they are able to help you with your project, they are also going to be trying to set the in house appointment during the call.

Remember that this phone call is YOUR fact finding mission not theirs. Be sure to answer their questions, but make sure they answer yours.

Questions to Ask a Window Installer

The list of questions below can be used during your initial phone conversation with the installation company. You do not have to use EVERY question, (you might scare off the contractor if you do) but it is strongly recommended that you ask the first six for sure. These six questions will tell you a lot about the company and how it functions. Questions 7-14 are more detail questions designed to feel out what you might expect to be included in the window proposal should you choose this contractor for an in house appointment.

1. How long have you been in the construction business? What is your specific experience with window installations?

2. Is there a specific window you use or recommend? Why?

3. Do you have your own installation crew or do you subcontract the work?

4. What are your payment terms?

5. Are you on site during the installation process?

6. How would I handle service issues after the installation is complete?

7. How long would a ten window installation project take you?

8. How do you finish out the interior of the windows after installation?

9. Do you offering painting as a part of your installation package?

10. Do you charge for an estimate?

11. What is your lead time from the time of ordering to installation?

12. What type of warranty do you offer on your installation in addition to the warranty on the windows?

13. Do you have any customer referrals?

14. Do you have any recent projects I can drive by to see how the windows look from the street?

Setting the Appointment

If you like the answers the installer provided you to your questions, go ahead and set up an appointment to have them come out and provide an estimate. They are still interviewing for the job, but if you like what you hear there is no sense in calling them back after you have heard everyone else.

If the installer did not pass your "pre-screen" interview simply thank them for their time and try to end the conversation. When I say "try" you need to remember that you are now a lead to this installer and they want to secure your business.

The installer will want to try and set up an in house appointment before they let you hang up. Remember: you are in charge. A simple "Thank you, I appreciate that, but I am not ready to pursue an appointment at this time. I will call back if I am ready to move forward with you".

Regardless of whether you set up an appointment, or choose not to set one up, you should ALWAYS ask questions to insure you get the results you want for your window replacement project.