Ask about licensing and insurance, experience with your window type, detailed pricing breakdown, installation timeline, warranty coverage, and worker training. Also verify they use employees (not subcontractors), request local references, and confirm what materials they’ll use for installation. These questions help you identify reliable contractors and avoid costly mistakes or poor workmanship.
Essential Licensing and Insurance Questions
Verify Legal Requirements
Before discussing anything else, confirm your contractor meets basic legal requirements:
“Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?”
- Request proof of current licensing
- Verify bonding protects you from financial loss
- Confirm they carry both liability and workers’ compensation insurance
- Ask them to have their insurance company send you proof directly
“What’s your contractor license number?”
- Look it up with your state’s contractor licensing board
- Check for any complaints or violations
- Verify the license covers window installation specifically
Without proper licensing and insurance, you’re personally liable for injuries, property damage, or poor workmanship. Never hire a contractor who can’t provide proof of these protections.
Experience and Expertise Questions
Gauge Their Window Knowledge
“How many years have you been installing windows?”
- Look for at least 3-5 years of experience
- More experience means they’ve handled various challenges
- Ask specifically about your window type and home style
“Do you specialize in residential window replacement?”
- Some contractors focus on new construction vs. replacement
- Replacement work requires different skills and techniques
- Specialized contractors often provide better results
“Have you worked on homes similar to mine?”
- Older homes present unique challenges
- Historic homes may have special requirements
- Multi-story installations need proper equipment and safety protocols
Training and Workforce Questions
“Are your installers employees or subcontractors?”
- Employee-based companies typically provide more consistent quality
- Better training and oversight of installation teams
- Direct accountability for workmanship issues
“How are your workers trained?”
- Manufacturer certification programs
- Ongoing education requirements
- Safety training protocols
Detailed Pricing and Contract Questions
Get Complete Cost Breakdown
“Can you provide itemized pricing for materials and labor?”
- Separate costs for each window
- Labor charges per window or total project
- Any additional services (trim work, painting, disposal)
“What exactly is included in your price?”
- Window removal and disposal
- Trim replacement or repair
- Interior and exterior caulking
- Cleanup and debris removal
- Touch-up painting
“Are there any potential extra charges?”
- Structural repairs if needed
- Permit fees
- Disposal of old windows
- Custom sizing or special orders
Payment Terms and Protection
“What are your payment terms?”
- Typical deposit: 25% to cover materials
- Progress payments during installation
- Final payment only after completion and your approval
“Do you offer financing options?”
- In-house financing vs. third-party lenders
- Interest rates and terms
- Credit requirements
Installation Process and Timeline Questions
Project Planning
“How long will the installation take?”
- Timeline for average-sized projects
- Factors that might extend the schedule
- Weather contingency plans
“How many installers will be on my project?”
- Team size affects completion time
- Two-person crews may take much longer than larger teams
- Ensure adequate staffing for efficient completion
“What happens if there’s bad weather?”
- Rescheduling policies
- Protection for your home during delays
- Communication about weather-related changes
Installation Details
“What materials do you use for installation?”
- Type and quality of caulking
- Foam insulation specifications
- Fastener types and sizes
- Weatherstripping materials
“How do you protect my home during installation?”
- Floor and furniture protection
- Dust containment measures
- Landscaping protection
- Cleanup procedures
Product and Warranty Questions
Window Specifications
“What brands do you install and why?”
- Manufacturer partnerships and training
- Product quality and reliability
- Availability of replacement parts
“What are the energy efficiency ratings?”
- U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient numbers
- ENERGY STAR certification
- Expected energy savings for your home
“Can you explain the window features?”
- Frame materials and benefits
- Glass options (Low-E, argon gas, etc.)
- Hardware quality and operation
Warranty Coverage
“What warranties are included?”
- Manufacturer warranty on windows
- Labor warranty from contractor
- What’s covered and for how long
“How do you handle warranty issues?”
- Response time for warranty calls
- Process for filing warranty claims
- Local service availability
References and Reputation Questions
Verify Track Record
“Can you provide local references?”
- Recent customers in your area
- Mix of project sizes and types
- Permission to contact references directly
“Do you have addresses of nearby jobs I can see?”
- Drive-by examples of their work
- Visual quality assessment
- Neighborhood reputation
“How do you handle customer complaints?”
- Problem resolution process
- Response time for issues
- Examples of how they’ve addressed past problems
Online Presence
“Where can I read reviews of your work?”
- Better Business Bureau rating
- Google and social media reviews
- Industry association memberships
Red Flags to Watch For
Warning Signs During Consultation
- Pressure to sign immediately
- Asking if “both decision-makers” will be present
- Door-to-door sales approach
- Significantly lower bids than competitors
- No local references or showroom
- Requests for full payment upfront
- No written contract or vague agreements
High-Pressure Tactics
Avoid contractors who:
- Offer “today only” pricing
- Claim they have leftover materials from another job
- Demand immediate decisions
- Won’t provide detailed written estimates
- Refuse to give references
Additional Important Questions
Permits and Codes
“Do I need permits for this work?”
- When permits are required
- Who obtains and pays for permits
- Code compliance assurance
“Are you familiar with local building codes?”
- Specific requirements in your area
- Historical district considerations
- HOA approval processes if needed
Cleanup and Completion
“What does your cleanup include?”
- Debris removal and disposal
- Interior cleaning
- Final walkthrough process
“When is the project considered complete?”
- Final inspection procedures
- Touch-up work if needed
- Warranty documentation provided
Emergency Situations
“What if problems arise during installation?”
- Unexpected structural issues
- Weather-related complications
- Communication procedures for changes
Making Your Final Decision
Compare Contractors Fairly
After interviewing multiple contractors, compare:
- Total project cost and value
- Experience and reputation
- Warranty coverage
- Installation timeline
- Communication quality
- Professional presentation
Trust Your Instincts
Choose contractors who:
- Answer questions thoroughly and honestly
- Provide detailed written estimates
- Show genuine interest in your project
- Demonstrate professional knowledge
- Have strong local references
- Make you feel confident and comfortable
The Bottom Line
Asking the right questions helps you identify experienced, reliable contractors while avoiding costly mistakes. Take time to thoroughly interview at least three contractors, check references, and verify credentials before making your decision.
Remember, the lowest bid isn’t always the best value. Focus on finding contractors who demonstrate expertise, professionalism, and commitment to quality workmanship. Your windows are a long-term investment that deserves skilled installation.
A reputable contractor will welcome your questions and provide detailed, honest answers. If someone seems evasive or pressures you to decide quickly, keep looking. The right contractor will earn your confidence through transparency and expertise.
At Utah Window Experts, we encourage homeowners to ask detailed questions during consultations. Our experienced team provides transparent answers, detailed estimates, and strong local references to help you make confident decisions about your window replacement project.
