Choosing the right glazing contractor can be a bit overwhelming and can sometimes feel like a daunting task. So, we’ve listed 7 important tips, when looking for a glazing company, to make sure you get the best advice, service, and consumer protection for your residential or commercial projects.
Select a Local Business
Make sure the company has a local office or headquarters in your area and that they’ve been around for at least five years—that’s when most complaints occur. This also proves that they’re experienced, financially stable, and have been ‘in the market’ for long enough.
Check Licenses and Certifications
Before hiring a glazing contractor, check that the company licensed by the state of operation and they have a current insurance policy. Some states also require that contractors are certified by nationally-recognized organizations such as the Glass Association of North America (GANA).
You can find information about whether a contractor is licensed, call your city’s building department or check their website. In some cases, you may need to call your state’s licensing agency.
Measure a Contractor’s Experience
A contractor’s experience is one of the most important factors to consider. When selecting a contractor, here are a few questions you can ask to get a better gauge of their background:
- How long has the company been in business?
- How many projects have they completed?
- How much experience do they have working on residential and commercial projects?
You should also ask about previous customer references so you can speak with them directly about their experience with the contractor.
Look at the Company’s Portfolio
A good way to find out if a glazing contractor is reliable is by reviewing their previous work. You can ask them for samples of their previous projects and try to see if they have done any similar jobs before. If there are no pictures of previous works to show, ask them if they can provide references from past clients.
Review Grievance Redressal Policies
Before signing a contract with a glazing contractor, it is best that you speak to the company about their complaints and disputes procedures. This will give you an idea of how things should go in case your experience with them is less than ideal. If these terms don’t seem fair to you, it might be best to look for other contractors.
Check for Insurance
A reputable company should be insured for liability, workers’ compensation as well as other types of insurance, like auto insurance and property damage insurance. This ensures that you have a smooth after-sales experience in case there are issues with your installation and you need your grievances redressed.
Having insurance also shows that the company cares about the satisfaction of their clients and the safety of their employees.
Find Out the Offered Warranty
When working with any contractor, it’s important to understand what you are getting for your money. One of the most important things you can do is ask about the offered warranty. This way, even if something goes wrong with your windows or doors, you will be able to get them fixed without having to pay extra for the materials or labor.
We at USGA Inc. are seasoned professionals in the glazing industry, and would be proud to serve you. You can reach us at (925) 427-7201 or walk into our office located at 5828 S. Naylor Ave. Livermore, CA 94551. You can also email us at bids@usgainc.com for an estimate.
