How to Hire the Best Window Replacement Contractor

Replacing windows throughout your home is a big task—after all, the average house has 22 windows, according to the EPA. That means you want to find the right professional to handle the job, ensuring correct installation for your home’s security and energy efficiency. But how do you hire a window replacement contractor.

Below, we’ll walk you through all the questions to ask window replacement contractors before hiring one, plus offer tips for narrowing down your options to the best crew for the job.

What Services Does a Window Replacement Contractor Offer?

Window replacement contractors can tackle a lot of projects related to your home’s windows. Services vary by contractor, but they often include:

• Installing new and replacement windows throughout your home

• Installing or replacing storm windows and storm doors

• Installing or replacing exterior and patio doors, including glass sliding doors

• Repairing existing windows and doors throughout your home

• Custom window design and fabrication

• Weatherproofing doors and windows

• Installing soundproofing to existing windows

• Routine maintenance and inspections

Can You DIY Window Replacement Projects?

While it’s possible to replace a window on your own, we usually advise against it. Homeowners with previous experience may be able to tackle a single window replacement (here’s how to replace a window, if you’re set on trying), but if you’re installing multiple new windows throughout your home, it will save you so much time and effort if you simply hire a window replacement contractor near you to handle the job.

Plus, correct installation is essential. If you make a mistake installing a window, you’ll have to deal with energy loss, potential water damage, and security issues. Incorrect installation also means you might open your home to unwanted pests, struggle to open and close the windows, or let more outside noise into your home.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Window Replacement Pro?

On average, it costs $100 to $300 to hire a window replacement pro to install a single window, though costs can go as high as $600 for large, custom, or hard-to-reach windows. Some contractors may charge by the hour instead of by window—anywhere from $50 to $65 per hour.

Occasionally, window replacement contractors may offer a per-window discount if you install windows throughout your home rather than one or two windows.

Labor makes up a smaller, but not insignificant, part of the cost to replace windows. The window materials themselves have a larger impact on how much you spend.

Tips for Hiring Your Window Replacement Pro

Once you’re ready to start your project, it’s time to hire someone to help. After you compile a list of potential contractors, you can conduct a series of introductory interviews to see who you mesh with best—and who can offer you the best deal.

Ask your pro for a background check, ensure you understand your contract and payment agreement, and keep records of the project as it progresses to ensure a smooth ride to the finish line. From first phone calls to troubleshooting, let’s take a closer look at these steps and tips for doing them well.

Identify and Interview Pros

The first step? Research to see who is well-regarded in your community for window installation. In addition to online reviews, you can also ask around among friends and family who may have recommendations.

Still, just having someone’s name, even with the seal of approval of a loved one, doesn’t tell you much about who they are or how they work. That’s why many people prefer to call a few professionals to get to know them before moving forward, including asking for quotes or estimates for their project.

Once you list potential candidates and receive quotes from each one, ask for all the estimates in writing. Most contractors provide free quotes but check if the estimate costs money before scheduling an appointment.

Window replacement typically costs between $300 and $2,500 per window. This large variance could mean one quote is much higher than another. Most of these costs come from window materials, but about a quarter of them will cover installation.

Ask for a Background Check

While price is important, your safety is even more important—and home contractors get a lot of access to your physical home as well as sensitive information. If you have any misgivings, and even if you don’t, it’s wise to ask your chosen pro for a background check to ensure they’re legitimate. If a pro pushes back on the request, that’s a red flag.

Get a Contract and Arrange Payments With Your Window Replacement Contractor

Your contract should include the final price tag with installations or payment milestones. Both you and the contractor should be comfortable with the terms as they’re outlined.

Some contractors may offer to reduce the price if you pay 100% of the cost upfront, but it may be a better bet only to put down 20% to 30% to protect yourself in case something goes awry. In some states, contractors are only allowed to charge a certain percentage of the job up front, so research before making a big payment.

Remember, warm weather months are the most common time to replace windows. Tackling the project at the beginning or end of the season could speed up your installation timeline.

Keep Records of Your Window Replacement Project

Keeping records as the job progresses is also smart, especially if you’re installing construction windows or simultaneously working with a local window glass replacement company.

Generally speaking, installation takes about an hour per window. But it’s not uncommon to wait four to six weeks for windows to arrive once ordered, so documenting milestones and dates helps ensure that work is completed on time.

Look for Red Flags and Prepare to Troubleshoot

Hopefully, with your research and the careful steps you’ve taken, everything will go just fine with your window replacement project. But if something does go amiss, the best time to fix the problem is as soon as it happens—that way, you stand a better chance of having the professional you originally hired take on financial responsibility for their errors (rather than having to hire someone new to fix the problem later down the line).

Some red flags that indicate a window installation hasn’t gone well include increased energy bills or audible noise from outdoors (which may indicate the seal between the home and the window isn’t tight), a sudden influx of insects or pests, or difficulty opening and closing your new windows.

Questions to Ask a Window Replacement Contractor

When comparing multiple contractors to install replacement windows, it’s tempting to simply compare quotes. After all, you’re probably on a tight budget, so the cheapest option seems like the best option. But there’s more to consider, so treat your quote process as an interview for each of the companies you’re considering.

Here are eight questions to ask each window replacement contractor before making a final decision:

1. Are you licensed or certified? Finding out what experience the installer has can be eye-opening. Some contractors may specialize in windows while others may practice several trades, meaning they have less knowledge specifically on window installation. You can also ask about how long they’ve been doing this kind of work.

2. Are you insured? Make sure the company carries insurance and that the contractor(s) who will be doing the actual work are insured.

3. What’s the timeline? Find out how long it will take for the windows to arrive (custom windows may take several weeks) and then how long it will take for them to be installed. If you’re in a hurry, it may be worth it to go with a slightly more expensive contractor who can pencil you in several weeks sooner.

4. Can you provide references or point to independent customer reviews? It is crucial to ensure that past customers are satisfied with your work.

5. Will you be able to recommend a specific type of window for my home, based on my needs? A true partnership between you and your installer means they should be able to advise on the types of windows (including the type of window glass and the window frame material) that make the most sense for your home and your climate. If interested, you can also ask how much energy-efficient windows cost and if they make sense for your home.

6. Are there any permits necessary for this work? Contractors should be able to advise on local permitting needs. You should also ask if they plan to obtain the permit for you and, if so, if the cost of the permit is reflected in their quote.

7. Who handles the disposal of the old windows? Most window installers will haul away the old materials, but it’s always a good idea to check. You should also ask if the quote includes the cost of the junk removal already, or if that’s a separate fee that will be tacked onto your final bill.

8. How does your payment schedule work? The contractor should be able to address down payments and milestones. They may also offer a financing plan. This is a good time to ask about discounts and promotions.

Choosing the Right Pro to Replace Your Windows

Hiring a contractor to replace your windows is not a light decision. Windows are an essential part of your home—they let in natural light, they provide egress in emergencies, and they keep out intruders and pests. But they also pose risks, like energy loss and water damage, if poorly installed.

To make sure you choose the best local window repair and replacement contractor, ask for recommendations from friends and family, read reviews online, and get quotes from multiple contractors.

After Your Replacement Window Installer Has Finished

Once your new windows are installed, stay on top of a few tasks:

• Test the windows: Look at the contractor’s work carefully. Can you open, close, lock, and unlock all the windows easily? Do you feel a heavier draft near one window than another? If you suspect any issues, ask the contractor to follow up.

• Pay your invoice: If you have not paid the full cost of the window installation yet, pay your invoice promptly.

• Leave a review: Whether you’re satisfied or unsatisfied with the work, leaving a review detailing your experience is helpful for both the business and other consumers.

• Keep up with window maintenance: Windows don’t last forever, but you can increase their longevity by caring for them properly. Adhere to these window maintenance tips to ensure your windows operate smoothly for years to come.