Replacing the windows in your home is one of the most impactful investments you can make, affecting everything from curb appeal and security to energy efficiency and indoor comfort. Yet, the quality of the product is only as good as the expertise of the people installing it. Choosing the wrong contractor can quickly turn a beneficial upgrade into a costly nightmare involving drafts, leaks, and voided warranties.
To safeguard your investment and ensure a flawless result, you must go beyond simply comparing quotes. You need to vet your potential partners thoroughly. At Boston Doors and Windows, we believe in full transparency. We’ve compiled the ultimate checklist of critical questions to ask your window replacement contractor to empower you to choose wisely.
Vetting Credentials and Experience
A. Are You Licensed, Bonded, and Insured? (And can I see the certificates?)
This is non-negotiable. Request proof of both General Liability insurance (to cover property damage) and Workers’ Compensation insurance (to protect you from liability if an installer is injured on your property). A trustworthy contractor will provide these documents immediately.
B. How Long Have You Been in Business in the Boston Area?
Longevity matters, especially in New England. A contractor with years of experience understands the specific challenges of the Boston climate—from managing moisture in older homes to adhering to local building codes. Stability suggests reliability and that the company will be around to honor its warranty.
C. Who Exactly Will Be Installing My Windows?
Ask if the installation team consists of W-2 employees or outsourced subcontractors. At Boston Doors and Windows, we use trained employees because it allows us to control the quality of the workmanship and ensure consistent results. Subcontractors are often paid by the window, which can incentivize haste over precision.
D. Can You Provide a List of Recent Local References?
While online reviews (check sites like Google Reviews and the BBB) are helpful, ask for three recent customers you can contact directly. This provides a genuine look at their communication, job site cleanliness, and post-installation follow-up.
E. Do You Specialize in My Type of Installation?
Some contractors only handle inserts; others specialize in full-frame replacement, which is often necessary for older Boston homes with damaged or rotten sills. Ensure the company’s expertise aligns perfectly with the scope of work your property requires.
Detailing the Installation Process
A. What is Your Detailed Installation Methodology?
Ask them to walk you through the process: How do they prep the opening? How do they level and shim the frame? Crucially, how do they handle the “rough opening” to ensure a secure, watertight seal? A professional will detail their use of high-quality shims, screws, and backer rod.
B. What Specific Sealing and Insulating Materials Do You Use?
Generic answers are red flags. Ask about the brand and type of low-expansion foam used to insulate the frame cavity and the flashing tape or membranes used to create a weather-tight barrier around the window opening. The right materials are critical to preventing moisture intrusion.
C. What is Your Procedure for Protecting My Home and Cleaning Up?
A sign of professionalism is respecting your property. Will they use drop cloths to protect furniture and floors? Who is responsible for bagging and removing the old windows and job site debris? (A quality contractor handles all cleanup, leaving your home spotless.)
D. Who is Responsible for the Initial Measurements?
Precise measurements are mandatory for a perfectly sealed window. Ensure the person taking the final measurements is a certified installer or a dedicated specialist—not the sales representative.
E. Will You Handle Necessary Permits and Inspections?
Confirm who obtains any required local building permits and whether the cost for these permits and any subsequent inspections is included in the project quote.
Product, Pricing, and Guarantee
A. What Warranties Do I Receive (Manufacturer vs. Workmanship)?
You need two distinct guarantees:
- Manufacturer’s Warranty: Covers the product (the window itself) against defects.
- Contractor’s Workmanship Warranty: Covers the labor (the installation) against errors like leaks or drafts caused by poor sealing. This is the most critical warranty provided by the contractor.
B. What Specific Products Do You Recommend for My Climate?
A good contractor will discuss the best frame materials (e.g., fiberglass or high-quality vinyl) and glass packages (e.g., Low-E coating, Argon gas) to achieve maximum thermal efficiency for the Boston climate.
C. Can You Provide the NFRC Ratings for the Windows?
The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label provides objective energy performance metrics like the U-Factor (insulation value) and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). These numbers are non-negotiable for comparing efficiency.
D. What are the Total Costs, and Can You Itemize Materials vs. Labor?
Request a detailed, written proposal that clearly breaks down all costs, including materials, labor, installation, and any fees (disposal, permits). Avoid quotes that seem too low, as they often rely on rushed installation or cheap materials.
Final Decision: Questions to Ask Window Replacement Contractor
The right window replacement is an investment that pays dividends for decades. By thoroughly checking a contractor’s credentials, understanding their process, and confirming the product and warranty details, you can make a decision that protects your home and family.
At Boston Doors and Windows, we are ready to answer every item on this checklist transparently. We stand by our commitment to high-quality products and superior installation performed by our dedicated, trained employees.
Don’t risk your home’s integrity on guesswork. Begin your project today with a team that values communication and craftsmanship.
Contact us to start our easy, stress-free process: Quick Phone Call → On-Site Assessment → No Obligation Project Quote.
Ask us about our current financing options, including $0 Down, 0% Interest, 0 Payments for 12 Months! Call 617-501-6325 or visit our website to inquire now.