For some people, the thought of taking on a big project can feel overwhelming, including a big home improvement project. It’s not just the cost involved, either. It’s all the unknowns, including the various steps that are involved, the time each of them will take, and the order in which they need to be completed.
When it comes to window replacement in San Diego, the process can feel daunting if you’ve never experienced it before. Where do you even start? How do you choose the right windows for your home and the right company to install them? How long will your home be under construction? These are all very valid questions! In this blog post, we will break down the steps involved with window replacement for San Diego homes and hopefully make the process feel a bit less overwhelming and complicated. We’ve focused on the steps that you, as a homeowner in San Diego, will need to take, so you know what will be expected of you in the process.
Step 1: Research Window Replacement Companies in San Diego
The first thing you will want to do is make a short list of reputable replacement window companies in San Diego. This should include companies that sell quality products, have their own team of professional window installers, and have a great reputation for customer service. Reading company reviews on Google and Yelp can help you narrow down your list.
Step 2: Set Up In-Home Appointments and Meet with Representatives
Once you have your list of replacement window companies, start calling or emailing them to set up appointments. If a company can’t be bothered to get back to you, cross them off your list and move on to the next company. Most companies should be able to accommodate your schedule and set up an in-home appointment with you within a reasonable amount of time.
Ideally, the person they send out will be knowledgeable about the specific products they sell, as well as about replacement windows in general. Feel free to ask any questions you may have at these meetings!
Here are some good questions to ask:
- What brand of windows do you recommend for the best durability and energy efficiency? How does it compare to similarly priced windows on the market?
- What type of warranty do your products come with? Do you guarantee your installation work?
- How long will the installation take?
- Are there any upgrades that you would recommend?
You may have some other questions that are specific to you and your situation, such as questions about financing or dealing with an HOA that needs to approve any home upgrades that affect your home’s exterior.
Don’t let the sales representative of any of the companies you meet with pressure you into signing a contract with them at this initial meeting. Simply ask them to provide you with an all-inclusive estimate and tell them you would like to take some time to think about it and compare it to other estimates you are receiving. If they try to “incentivize” you to sign a contract before they leave, stand your ground. The more they pressure you, the more certain you can be that the deal they are offering you is not a great one.
Step 3: Compare Estimates and Choose the Best San Diego Replacement Window Company
Once you have a few different estimates in hand, take the time to read through them and really compare what is being offered by the various companies. You may want to do a little research on the brands of windows the different companies are recommending, as well as any upgrades that are being recommended to you.
Don’t automatically go with the cheapest estimate. The company that gives you the lowest bid may be selling you cheap windows that won’t perform well over time or that won’t give you the type of insulation you are looking for. You will also want to compare the services that are included in the estimate and make sure you are comparing “apples to apples.” If an estimate isn’t entirely clear, be sure to ask questions so you know exactly what is included in it and what isn’t. For example, do all the estimates include hauling away of your old windows? Do they all guarantee their installation work?
Ultimately, you want to go with the window replacement company that you believe will provide you with a quality product and great service at a fair price. If that’s the company that gives you the lowest estimate, great! But you might want to pay a little more if a company truly impresses you with their initial service and has a great reputation with past customers, and/or one that sells a superior product.
Step 4: Sign a Contract and Put Down a Deposit
The next step is to notify the company you choose to go with. You will be required to sign a contract that will outline exactly what the company will be providing, including the brand of windows and all of the options you have chosen. You will also need to put down a deposit so the window replacement company can place an order for your new windows. A deposit of 50% is typical in the San Diego window replacement industry.
At this time, the window replacement company should be able to give you a good idea of when your new windows will be ready and when you can expect to have them installed. But keep in mind that this will just be an estimated date. Manufacturing timelines are subject to change and are largely outside of the window replacement company’s control.
Step 5: Schedule Your Installation Date
Once your new windows are manufactured and shipped to the window replacement company in San Diego, you will get a call or email to schedule your installation date. If you’re like most homeowners, you will want to be there the entire time your windows are being installed, so make sure you choose a time that works with your schedule.
The actual installation of your windows should only take a day or two if it is being completed by a window replacement company that uses skilled and experienced installers.
Step 6: Make the Final Payment and Enjoy Your New Windows!
At the completion of the installation, you will likely be required to sign off on the work of the installers and make your final payment. You can also take this opportunity to ask any final questions you may have, such as:
- Do you have any tips for properly maintaining my new windows?
- Anything I should know about their operation?
- Who do I call if I notice any issues with my new windows after you leave?
- Do I need to do anything regarding my warranty (register it with manufacturer, for example)?
Then, all you have to do is enjoy your new windows! If you got exceptionally great service, you may choose to leave a positive review for the company online, as well as tell your friends and neighbors who could benefit from working with a great window replacement company in San Diego. Positive reviews are always appreciated, especially by small businesses that rely on maintaining a great reputation in their community.
We hope this step-by-step guide was helpful! If you would like to learn more about BM Windows, take some time to look at our website and read our reviews. After you do so, we hope you will contact us to schedule an in-home appointment so we can tell you more about our products and service.
