How
to Choose a Home Improvement Specialist
The Specialist
is as Important as the Products
Choosing the right company to serve your home improvement needs is as
important as choosing the right product. When you need windows, siding,
roofing or any other home improvement project, all companies and contractors
you consider should meet the same general specifications.
General
Specifications for Home Improvement Companies
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Contact
information. Every company or individual should be able to supply
you with their name, address, telephone number, license number(s),
and insurance information. If they cannot you'll want to check them
out carefully. Beware: Many contractors are fly-by-night operations,
lack of contact information may be a valuable clue for you. |
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Product
knowledge. Are they familiar with the product they are selling?
If not, they may not be fully qualified to install the product. |
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Warranties.
Do they provide a copy of their warranty and take time to explain
how it works. Do they explain their manufacturer's warranty? |
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References.
Can they provide references in your area? |
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Association
Memberships. Do they belong to the NHBA or another home improvement
association? |
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Licenses.
Can they provide proof that they are licensed, bonded, and/or insured?
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If a contractor
or company cannot provide this information choose a different contractor.
Here are
additional criteria to consider when you check out a specialist for:
Roofing specialists.
Be very careful about who and what you choose. There are many fly by night
roofing companies and contractors. When looking for someone to do your
roof you want:
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A
company that guarantees its installation. If the company isn't willing
to stand by its work, then you shouldn't either. |
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Products
that meet or exceed industry standards. If they are not willing to
offer you premium products with premium warrantees then find someone
who will. |
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A
choice of roofing systems and underlayments. If your specialist can't
offer more than 3 tab or doesn't know the difference between different
types of roofing systems and their underlayments then find another
roofer. |
Siding
Specialists
Ensure your siding specialist can at least do the following:
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Colors
and styles. Offer you a siding style that will fit with your personality
and neighborhood. |
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Durability.
Offer a lifetime warranty. |
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Improved
energy efficiency. Offer an underlayment system that will help you
save on your energy bills. |
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Quality
installation. Warranty the siding installation as well as the siding
product. |
A
siding specialist who doesn't offer these doesn't measure up.
Window Specialists
Ensure your window specialist can at least do the following:
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Install
new and retrofit windows. A good windows specialist knows how to install
a new window into a new home and knows how to remove old windows from
existing home and put new windows in their place. |
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Knows
the difference between the types of windows (wood, aluminum, and vinyl)
and the features of double pane windows (argon, solar cool, Low E,
and Low E2). |
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Knows
about the different styles of windows including awnings, casements,
single hung, etc. |
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Cleans
up after the job. |
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Offers
a lifetime warrantee on material and labor. |
A
windows specialist who cannot offer these doesn't measure up.
Whether you're looking for replacement windows, siding, or roofing you'll
be glad you made sure it was done right the first time.
A qualified
specialist, like The Affordable Company, makes it their business to know
all this and much more about their products.
Learn more
about home improvements and maintenance with these informative articles.
[Home
Maintenance Tips] [How to
Make Home Improvements Pay for Themself]
[Window Energy Efficiency
Standards] [How to Choose Home Siding]
The
Affordable Company was founded on the principle that we can provide
better services and products at lower prices than our competitors. We
have lived up to this goal year after year by providing some of the best
products and services in the industry.
Our sales
specialists can answer most of your questions right in your home. When
they cannot, our installation specialists are only a phone call away.
Relax and
beautify your home with peace of mind. Call The Affordable Company, 1-888-681-5600.
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