It's not only the answers to the questions you need to ask that will help you judge potential contractors, it's also the way a contractor answers the questions.  Is the contractor easy to talk to and forthcoming with details or did they hem, haw, and make you ask more than once? Difficulty communicating now means difficulty communicating on the job later. But clear, timely and thoughtful responses may mean you've found the right pro for your job. 

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Contractor:

1.Ask The Contractor For Their Company's Address - It is important that the contractor has a place of business that you can personally visit if you choose and established legitimacy. 

2. Ask The Contractor To Provide A Copy Of Their Current Business Insurance - Worker's compensation and general liability insurance are absolutely essential. If the contractor is not insured, you may be liable for accidents on your property. 

3. Consult online resources, such as Angie’s List, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau.  These websites contain sections with reviews and complaints so you can see others’ experiences with contractors in your area. 

4. Ask The Contractor To Provide R Factor, U Factor, And Solar Heat Gain Coefficient Ratings On Windows 

5. Ask Details About Warranties - Knowing who is responsible for what can be important if you have a future claim. 

6. Ask The Contractor To Put All The Details And Specifications In Writing 

7. Ask The Contractor His Payment Schedule Do – never do business with any contractor who demands full payment up front. 

8. Ask The Contractor About Their Procedure For Handling Complaints - Beware if a contractor doesn't have a system in place for handling service complaints. It may mean that they simply don't. 

9. Ask for a Contract - The contract should be complete and clearly state all the work and the costs. Never sign a blank contract or one with blank spaces. Obtain a copy of the final contract. 

10. Don’t Sign Off Before The Job Is Finished - Wait until the work is completed to your satisfaction before signing completion papers or making the final payment. A reputable contractor will not threaten you or pressure you to sign if the job is not done. 

Plus, you can always check out The Good Contractor's List to see if the company is endorsed and guaranteed!

https://www.thegoodcontractorslist.com/

The home improvement industry is full of qualified, good contractors but you should always have a selection process in place to ensure you weed out the bad contractors.  Home improvement projects like window and door replacement should be an exciting and hassle free experience.  It’s a big investment in your home and you always want peace of mind that you have selected the right partner.