What questions should I ask when buying replacement windows?

Here are 9 tips on what to look for when buying replacement windows:

Do you charge for an estimate?

• Some installers will charge for a visit to your home. Not us.  We always offer a FREE in-home estimate. We pride ourselves in our customer care and love educating clients in the market for windows and doors on their choices.

Are you insured & licensed?

• Anyone can attempt to install a window, but what happens when someone insured breaks something or gets hurt? Are you liable? Are they? We are a properly insured & licensed window company in case anything ever goes wrong.  Check to see if they are BBB Accredited as well as any other certifications.

How long have you been in business?

• Length of time in business can give you some key insights into a window installer’s background. If they’re brand new, be sure to ask their background and how many jobs they’ve completed knowing they are properly trained.  An example of an established company is Gravina’s Window Center of Littleton. We have been in business for over 48 years and our staff is highly trained experts in both window sales and installation.  You’d be hard-pressed to ask a question to our sales staff they don’t know the answer too – they’ve really seen it all.

Which are the best replacement windows for homes?

• When choosing what the best replacement windows for homes is, the best thing you can do is ask.  The internet is full of recommendations and window buying guides, but most of the time you might just need to ask a window expert.  Your installer should be an authority in their field and know what window products are the best. In Colorado specifically, we have unique weather conditions that require special substrates and treatment to our windows to make them effective against our harsh weather conditions. A fiberglass window is the best solution for our climate, and not all fiberglass windows are made equally. Ask your installer about how the window is crafted, what gas and coatings are on the glass itself, what the substrate of the window frame is made from. All of these details are important in understanding the lifespan of your window. With all that being said we recommend the Infinity from Marvin window.

Do you use subcontractors?

• Using subcontractors can open up your project to many variables, but most important can mess with your timelines and the quality of the window and door installation. Ask your dealer who is on their team. At Gravina’s, we employ highly trained installers who are never contracted out. Doing this allows us to keep our schedules for projects and also uphold our installation quality and warranties.

What sort of payment or financing packages do you have?

• Financing windows can be an unforeseen cost, and we recognize that not everyone has money lying around to make large unplanned purchases. Searching online for payment options and informative materials, you’re on the right track, and now you’re in the right place. As an established Marvin Infinity window retailer, we can offer special financing to our customers, including a no-interest, no-down-payment option. Our sales consultants can even advise on how to phase or prioritize your project to fit your needs and budget at the same time.

What is covered by my manufacturer’s warranty? Do you offer an installation warranty?

• Be sure to read the fine print on your bids and contracts – some companies will offer a warranty on the frame and glass, but not the installation or hardware. Others will offer a “lifetime” warranty with so many stipulations that normal rain or even opening your window means they’re not liable for repairs or replacement. We will happily walk you through our installation and manufacturer’s warranties – Yes! We offer both!

Who handles the remodeling project cleanup?

• Some window installers will only remove your old windows/doors and fit the new ones, leaving you with large window and glass items to dispose of yourself. This can prove difficult and dangerous hauling broken windows yourself. You will incur additional costs from having to go to a local dump. Look for a company that will take care of the cleanup and proper disposal, such as Gravina's Window Center of Littleton, to do this for you. We even wash the glass so you can relax and enjoy the view.

Do you offer painting, siding, etc. touchups in your packages?

• Look for a window dealer who can turnkey  your project.  Sometimes when using a contractor, you end up doing the rest of the project in terms of clean up, brickwork, siding touchups, or even painting and staining. We try to make every project with us as seamless as possible…we can bundle in custom staining and painting and even coordinate touch-ups to your exterior or brickwork if needed when changing the size of an opening or style of window/door. We pride ourselves in an effortless process from start to finish.