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Windows & Doors
What to look for when selecting an ethical Window
& Door
company:
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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.
-
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.
What to avoid when selecting a company in this
industry:
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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?
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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.
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Companies that ask for excessive deposits.
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Companies that pressure you into buying.
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Companies that will not let you call their
customers.
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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.
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Companies that do not do criminal background checks
on their workers.
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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:
Mid Florida Window & Door, Inc.
1376 Bennett Dr. Suite
142
Longwood, Fl. 32750
Phone (407) 644-4796
www.midfloridawindowanddoor.com
I have
over 30 years experience with windows and doors. The
company was started in 2000 out of my garage and
today we occupy a 4,000 sq. foot warehouse, with 5
offices and an up to date showroom, 2 salesman, 2
office secretaries and myself.Our business has grown
by leaps and bounds since its inception because of
our fair pricing, good name, brand products with
even better warranties and our excellent
installation crews. Our business is now 50% repeat
and referrals.
Products
& Services include:
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All
types of window replacement, frame construction
and block construction· All types of door
replacement, frame construction and block
construction and interior doors
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All
types of sliding glass doors & pocket doors,
aluminum, wood clad & vinyl.
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Steel
casements, single hung & wood double hung,
awnings, jalousie.
Brands
used include:
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P.G.T.
aluminum & vinyl
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Florida
extruders aluminum & vinyl - energy star
rated with low eglass
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Custom
aluminum & vinyl - energy star rated with
low fiberglass
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Plastpro
fiberglass doors a true 6 sided fiberglass door
with matching frames - life time warranty the
door and the glass.
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Siminton
& viwintech energy star rated vinyl windows.
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