4 Tips for Choosing the Right Carmichael Contractor for Replacement Windows and Doors

Southgate Glass has been serving the greater Sacramento area since 1961. It started as a small shop and grew today as one of the leading glass and windows companies around Sacramento and its neighboring cities. With over 59 years in the home improvement industry, Southgate Glass understands the challenges of selecting the right contractor to help you select the right windows and doors for your specific needs. Our products at Southgate Glass are certified by AAMA and EPA.

As one of the largest window and door dealers in the Greater Sacramento area, Southgate Glass offers many selections of window and door manufactures. With two showrooms to serve you, we encourage you to stop by and see all the beautiful products we have on display. In addition to being the largest Milgard® Windows dealer in Northern California, we also sell Andersen, Marvin, Simonton, Ply Gem, AG Millworks, and All Weather. Get your no-pressure estimate. We make it as quick and painless as possible call us now at (916) 480-0303 we listen, we plan and then we get your project done.

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Living in Carmichael, you want to get the best for your home and that means when you’re considering replacement windows or doors, not only do you want the best products of the highest quality, but you also want to be sure that they will be installed properly.

In order to get the right windows or doors for your home, you need to begin the search with the right company, or contractor.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Contractor

Home improvement is one of the most significant investments that people will generally make during their life. The actual house and property is the most significant investment in most people’s lives, but maintaining and improving it will be just as critical through the years.

The longer that you own your home, the more you’re going to have to do to maintain, upgrade, and improve it. Nature (weather) is not kind to homes and it can wear down the average house within ten to twenty years. That’s why roofs last about 10 years, windows about 15 years, and doors about 20, depending on the level of use and abuse that they receive.

Any time that you have a home improvement project that you need done, what is the first thing that you do? You probably used to flip through the Yellow Pages to find a home improvement contractor. However, today you will likely go online.

You’ll be able to find a lot of contractors who serve Carmichael and the surrounding areas. Now, it matters regarding whom you choose. While you may be able to find some quality contractors with some effort, checking out reviews that previous customers have written about them, checking their Better Business Bureau rating, and much more, a contractor who works on kitchen or bathroom remodels isn’t going to be the ideal person to help you replace your windows or doors.

Will they be able to install them? Possibly, but when you buy new windows or doors, it’s important that the installer be certified by the specific manufacturer of the windows in order for the warranty to be upheld and valid.

There are businesses that sell and install only windows and doors and these are where you should first begin your search. They generally have a lot of experience with the windows and doors that they sell, can inform you about the most important aspects of the products, and answer any and all questions that you may have related to them. They will also (usually) have professional installers on staff who will be able to install any window or door that they sell with precision, professionalism, and neatness.

When you choose the right window contractor, the entire process will be simpler and you will be able to rest more comfortably knowing that you chose the right windows and doors for your home, and each room in your home, and also that they will be installed properly, including insulation and functionality.

Now, let’s talk about how to choose the right contractor for your replacement windows and doors.

4 Tips

1. Avoid the mega home improvement outlets.

Major national home improvement companies will have a simple selection of windows that you can view right there, but they tend to be low end, cheap windows. They lure you in by their low prices and then while you’re thinking that you saved a lot of money, it’s not until about three, four, or even six months after they’ve been installed that you begin to realize they aren’t doing anything to actually improve your home.

Focus instead on small to medium sized window companies. These will be locally owned and operated. They will have a vested interest in making sure that you get the ideal windows and doors for your home.

2. Ask questions.

The more questions that you ask of someone, the more you’re going to find out if they not only know what they’re talking about, but you’ll discover which ones actually care about you, the customer.

Businesses that are focused on making sales and not actually doing the right thing for the customer are going to be focused on getting you to commit to a style of window or door. They are going to brush off some of your questions and tell you that you only have a ‘limited’ amount of time to take advantage of this ‘great deal.’

You should be willing to take your time choosing replacement windows and doors for your home, as this is a significant investment.

3. Research the company.

Thanks to the Internet, it’s easier than ever for even a single person working out of their garage to appear as though they have a physical store presence, experience, and anything else they want you to believe.

That’s why it’s important that you do your own research. New windows and doors for your home is a major investment and as such, you should make sure that you know the person or company that you choose not only to purchase them from, but also to install them.

Check that the contractor’s license is legitimate and current. Be sure that they are bonded and insured (you don’t need them coming into your home, having an accident that causes damage to your property or injures someone, and then realizing that they didn’t have insurance or bonds). Also, check with the Better Business Bureau and see if there are any complaints filed with them. If so, you should also be able to determine if or how the issue was resolved.

4. Ask for references.

Any contractor who actually has the experience that he or she professes to have will have worked for other clients in the past. While you shouldn’t expect a long list, the contractor should be able to show you samples of work they’ve done.

You shouldn’t expect to be able to contact previous customers, but they should be able to show you actual work that they’ve done in the past. The more jobs that they’ve done, the more experience they have, and that will mean you’ll be more likely to get the right results and replacement windows and doors that you want for your home.

 

Glass, Window & Door Installation FAQs

Is a Permit Required in California in Order to Replace Windows?

In compliance with Sections 310 of the 2022 California Residential Code and 1030 of the 2022 California Building Code, a permit is indeed needed for window replacement.

What are The Parts of Replacement Windows?

  • Inside Casing
  • Blind Stop
  • Parting Bead
  • Upper Sash
  • Jamb
  • Meeting Rails
  • Lower Sash
  • Stop
  • Stool
  • Apron
  • Sill

What are the 3 Basic Types of Replacement Windows?

  • Sash Kits
  • Insert Replacements
  • Full – frame units

What are The Uses of Specialty Glass?

It can be used for decorative accents around the house especially around the bathroom to obscure places that require privacy. Learn more.

 

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