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5 Questions to Ask Your Window Installer

By Pat Mertz Esswein, Associate Editor, Kiplinger's Personal Finance, Source: Kiplinger Consumer News Service

1. How long will the project take? A good crew can install ten 3-by-5-foot double-hung replacement windows in a day.

2. What level of service will you provide? The installer should not charge to remove the old windows and other debris, and the company should protect your home and landscaping.

3. Is your work certified or factory authorized? Installers may be certified by InstallationMasters, which is good. But factory-authorized installers are better because they have been trained to install a specific product.

Note: Contractors doing work in a home (or child-occupied building) built before 1978 that will disturb painted surfaces must be certified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a lead renovator. If your project is affected, check to see whether installation will cost more.

4. What if something goes wrong? Make sure you know whom to call. If the company that sold you the windows subcontracted the installation to another company, do you call the salesman or the installer?

5. What warranties will I receive? Most manufacturers guarantee their products for ten to 20 years, assuming "proper installation." You may get a better warranty with factory-authorized installation. Manufacturers generally cover labor and installation for a year, and any problems will likely show up during that time.

All contents copyright 2008 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc.