Before you hire any contractor to install your windows, you’ll probably want to see a quote for impact window installation first. Your quote for service gives you an idea of how much money you’ll spend on your new windows.
Or, at least, it should give you a good estimate of what your final cost will be. However, it doesn’t always work out that way. Sometimes, the quote you get up front and the price you pay when your windows are all installed are two very different figures.
How do you know if the quote for impact windows installation that you get is correct (or even remotely close)? Let’s go over a few of the things you should look for in a window installation quote from any contractor:
Quote for Impact Windows Installation Must-Have #1: In-Person Inspection
One of the most important factors in ensuring the accuracy of any window installation quote is having an in-person inspection.
There are innumerable variables that a window installation contractor will need to account for when it comes to your window installation. Things like the humidity, what floor your windows are on, your home’s location, the topography, the kind of building materials your home is made of (such as concrete or wood) can all have an impact on the impact window installation process, and thus, the cost of service.
Simply having the measurements of the window’s length and width isn’t enough to guarantee an accurate quote for installation. Some window openings may be slightly misshapen, requiring extra shims or custom-shaped windows to fit properly. Some wooden window openings might have moisture damage or pest infestations that require remediation before installation work can begin.
If your window contractor doesn’t personally inspect the window openings where they’re going to be putting in your new windows, then they cannot reliably spot and account for potential issues that may affect the cost of installation.
Quote for Impact Windows Installation Must-Have #2: Consultative Service
Finding the right windows for your home isn’t always easy. There are countless window manufacturers out there. Even just in the Florida market, there are dozens of companies that ‘specialize’ in making windows for Florida homes. However, not all window manufacturers are created equally… and neither are their products.
When picking a window, you’ll need to balance the cost, lead time, durability, energy efficiency, and more to find the perfect window to match your home’s needs and your budget.
A comprehensive quote for impact window installation should include a consultative element where your installer walks you through your options and the requirements for impact windows in your area. This can help you find the best windows for your home and avoid potential future problems.
Quote for Impact Windows Installation Must-Have #3: Comprehensive Knowledge
Your window installer should be knowledgeable about window installation work in your area. Do they know if your home is in a high-velocity hurricane zone (HVHZ)? Do they know the site-specific regulations affecting your property?
A lack of knowledge could cost you well after the installation is complete.
For example, say you live on or near the beach in a designated turtle/sealife conservation area. In that case, your new impact windows would require turtle glass, per the Florida Building Code. If the installer doesn’t help guide you to code-compliant window options, you may face issues with code enforcement down the road, necessitating more expenses to fix the deficiencies in the windows (such as by replacing them).
Spending a little more on getting the right windows installed the right way can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Quote for Impact Windows Installation Must-Have #4: Consistency
How consistent is the contractor’s service? Do other customers constantly complain about unexpected price hikes, or complement the contractor for their quality of work and how well their quotes matched the final price?
Checking the consistency of the contractor’s services by looking at their online reviews on Yelp!, Google, the Better Business Bureau, or other platforms can help you see if they’ll provide you with an accurate and reliable quote for impact window installation.
Of course, there’s always a chance that something will happen that forces a cost increase, such as the window manufacturer raising their impact window prices. However, a reliable window installer will strive to ensure that you’re informed every step of the way and keep to the price they quoted as much as possible.
Quote for Impact Windows Installation Must-Have #5: A Contractor’s License
Does the contractor or business giving you a quote have a current license that you can find on the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) website? Karoly Windows & Doors does. We’re licensed as a Certified Specialty Contractor in the State of Florida.
Why look for a certified contractor with a DBPR license? Because that’s the mark of a business that has passed required testing to verify their training, skills, and abilities to ensure that they can complete the work properly.
Certain government programs that provide benefits to Florida homeowners require you to work with a licensed contractor. For example, the My Safe Florida Home program requires homeowners to get a quote for service from contractors who are licensed and registered on the DBPR website.
So, when requesting a quote for impact windows installation, be sure to also ask for the contractor’s license number and look them up on the DBPR website. This step alone could help you avoid unreliable ‘fly-by-night’ companies that do subpar work that will cost you more in the long run.
Need a Quote for Impact Windows Installation from a Reliable Contractor?
Looking for impact window installation from a licensed contractor you can trust? Karoly Windows & Doors has you covered!
We provide you the most accurate quote for impact windows installation possible by sending a technician to your house to check the installation site, walk you through your window needs, and consult you on what windows best meet your needs and budget.
Our technicians are all in-house contractors who have been trained to meet our company’s high standards for knowledge and skill. Reach out to Karoly today to get an accurate quote for impact window installation for your home.
