References & Showroom
Does the contractor offer references and have a genuine showroom?
Some contractors expect you to use the Blind Faith method. Never do business with any contractor that does not offer printed references that are in your city. If a contractor has satisfied customers, why wouldn’t they want you to know that? If they don’t offer reference information, without your having to ask, you would be justified in raising mental questions right off the bat. If they only give you a few, make sure they are not the contractor’s uncle, cousin and missing brother.
Progressive gives customers 100′s of references.
It’s also critically important that the references come complete with contact information and addresses so you can call or drive by if you wish. Calling a reference gives you the opportunity to ask about their experience with the company. Driving by allows you to see what their replacement windows look like from the street.
Make sure these references include customers from 1 to 3 years ago, as well as customers from the previous month. Also look for references from suppliers and other business references. You might be thinking, “I hope they’d give me references that were happy with them. They’d be pretty dumb to give me unhappy references.” And if you’re thinking that, you’re right! That’s why you should ask for 100. The comparative contractor may not please everyone, but if they can supply at least 100 references, the odds are in your favor. The more references they give you the better.
A Window & Insulation Showroom to Visit
It would also be wise to choose a contractor who has a genuine showroom that you can visit. Companies can appear in their advertising to be substantial when in fact they are operating out of the back of a pick up truck. Schedule an appointment to meet them at their showroom to see what other products they offer. Visiting the showroom gives you a hands-on experience and an up-close look. It’s worth the extra time and effort and may be an eye-opening experience to see the window you are considering actually installed in the wall.
Progressive has an amazing showroom with windows from each of the manufacturers represented by Progressive. You have an opportunity to feel how easily the window opens, how they lock, what the cleaning process is and much more. Progressive also offers a look behind the paint and drywall. See through clear glass what various types of insulation look like and how they fit with no gaps, no voids and no compression – the Progressive way!
