|
|
Windows and Doors
What to look for when selecting an ethical window and door
company:
-
Do your
research, understand what you are looking at and
compare. Know how the energy efficient ratings
work as well as the differences between wood and
aluminum windows.
-
Call
more than one company to get a baseline for the
pricing. Make sure you understand the differences
in the lowest and highest priced options.
-
Look for
a company that will give you more than one option
and type of windows and doors. Smaller companies
may only have one choice available.
-
Look for
a company that displays their Contractor's license
on all business cards, marketing materials and
contracts.
-
Make a
copy of the license and check it out on the
appropriate government website or call the state
and verify it.
-
They
should show you a copy of their insurance cover
letter. Make sure they show you proof of general
liability insurance and workers' compensation
insurance to protect you if your property is
damaged or if someone is injured working on your
property. Check the date on the general liability
and check the limits. If your contractor uses
subcontractor's make sure they are insured also.
-
Verify
and actually call references, not just the last
three customers.
-
Ask how
they handle problems and complaints. Also, get
documentation on all product and installation
warranties. Make sure any warranty you receive is
in the manufacturer's name. Contractor must
provide a minimum 1 year warranty on labor. Be
aware that a lifetime warranty is defined as seven
years. This is limited by what's in your contract
so read the fine print.
-
Get
everything in writing. Make sure what is in the
contract is on company stationary and is itemized
and is inclusive of the total price. In older
homes, be aware that replacing windows can be
difficult and you could incur extra charges for
removing old windows. If you ever have any
questions regarding a contract we recommend
consulting an attorney.
-
Be aware
you have the right to cancel any contract you
signed within 72 business hours.
-
Make
sure any contractor you deal with that wants you
to sign an agreement over $2500.00 provides you
with a notice of commencement. This needs to be
notarized and signed by you and the contractor.
This notice need to be filed with the appropriate
government agency before a permit can be pulled.
-
Find out
if the sales staff is commissioned based. If it
is, be careful you're not sold more than you
actually want and need.
-
Never be
pressured into making a decision in one day. You
may be offered incentives to hurry and sign a
contract. Today's price should be the same as
tomorrows.
-
Make
sure any product they show you can be found on the
manufacturer's website. Go to the website and
verify the information on the product.
-
Make
sure the company has a physical location.
Be aware that the State of Florida provides protection to consumers. Any residential general contractor should have on their contract a Notice of Consumer Rights under the Construction Industries Recovery Fund. This may protect consumers up to $50,000.00.
What to avoid when selecting a company in this
industry:
-
A company that does not show you their insurance. If
someone is injured on the job and is not insured,
the consumer may be liable. Why take that chance?
-
Companies that do not show you proof of a valid
contractors license. Make sure it's the right class
of license. Check with the state agency.
-
Companies that will not provide you a detailed
estimate, everything needs to be in writing and
itemized before you place an order. If applicable,
make sure a notice of commencement is notarized and
filed. Never ever do business with a company that
asks you to pull a permit.
-
Companies that ask for excessive deposits.
-
Companies that pressure you into buying.
-
Companies that will not let you call their
customers.
-
You get what you pay for. If you want a qualified
and licensed specialist, you may need to pay a
little more, but in most cases it is money well
spent.
-
Be cautious of companies without a physical
location.
-
It is also our opinion to stay away from companies
and individuals that do not specialize in windows
and doors.
-
Companies that do not do criminal background checks
on their workers.
|
|
|
After interviewing and
running an extensive background check the National
Association Against Consumer Fraud has awarded the
following business a listing in The Business A-List:
Southern
Window Design, L.L.C.
2233 W. Fairbanks Ave
Winter
Park, FL 32789
Phone (407) 696-3200
www.southernwindowdesign.com
Southern Window Design is the
regions exclusive Custom Dealer for Jeld-Wen®
Windows & Doors, a recognized leader in the
manufacturing of top quality windows & doors. We
offer: Wood, Wood Clad, Aluminum, Vinyl and PVC
Windows. What separates Jeld-Wen® Windows &
Doors from all other window manufacturers is
our AuraLast® wood preservative process which
provides 100% penetration of the active ingredients,
unlike the traditional dip treated process. AuraLast®
products carry a 20-year warranty against wood rot,
moisture, and termite infestation, Florida’s
deadly three! Add that to decades of
craftsmanship backing Jeld-Wen ® products and
you’ll see reliability and style meet in a
beautiful way when you choose Southern Window
Design. Let us give you a quote for your next
job; you’ll be glad you did. Please call us,
visit the website at www.jeld-wen.com,
or drop by our beautiful showroom located off I-4 on
Fairbanks Avenue in beautiful Winter Park.
|
|
