Vetting a window contractor is tedious but necessary work. But it’s important to know how to vet a contractor. 

Compile a Shortlist of Contractors 

To save time, ask for referrals from friends and family. You can also ask for a list of local contractors from the Better Business Bureau® (BBB), a non-profit organization that promotes ethical business practices, or your local builders’ association. Contractors that have received a rating from the BBB or are members of the local builders’ association have undergone some form of vetting. (The BBB’s ratings range from A-plus to F, with A-plus being the highest and F the lowest). 

Narrow Down Your Choices Based on Online Customer Reviews 

You can narrow down your choices by looking up the online reviews of the companies on the shortlist. Keep in mind a few negative reviews aren’t necessarily a deal-breaker. After all, miscommunication happens sometimes – it’s how the contractor responds to these requests that matter. 

What if the contractor doesn’t have a website? That in itself is a red flag. In this day and age, there’s just no excuse for not having an online presence. 

Vetting the Remaining Contractors 

Once you’ve whittled down the list to a few contractors, you’ll need to vet them one by one. You can start by asking them these questions: 

• What’s your license number? (Ask for any proof of insurance coverage, which is one of the basic licensing requirements. Keep in mind that requirements vary from state to state.)

• How many years have they been working in the industry? (The number of years a contractor has been in the industry should give you a good idea of their level of expertise.) 

• Can they provide a list of customer references? (Experienced contractors should have built up a good reputation in the local community) 

• What window brands do you usually install? (Reputable contractors usually work with trusted, high-quality brands) 

Renewal by Andersen®Signature Service 

Renewal by Andersen® is a trusted window company in the industry. What sets us apart from the rest is our Signature Service – we customize each window according to our customer’s needs and preferences. 

Want to learn more about our premium windows? 

Renewal by Andersen of San Diego offers a wide variety of premium windows as well as professional window installation services. To schedule a free consultation, call us at (858) 935-8451, or fill out our form here. We serve homeowners in San Diego, CA, as well as the surrounding communities.