What to know before you buy

WW Windows believes every consumer should go through a basic checklist when choosing a vendor:

• Get three estimates.


• Check out the companies you are considering at both the Contractor's License Board and Better Business Bureau. Check for complaints. Any more than one complaint is too many because only one in 100 unsatisfied customers will complain and it only goes to the BBB if the company does not take care of the complaint. (Note you will need the company phone number to check the BBB).


• Check the Contractor's License Board to see that the vendor you are considering has workman's comp. (Note you will need the license # to check the Contractor's Board).


• Get three references for jobs from prospective vendors and consumers should ask for a reference where there was a problem on the job. It's important to know how the vendor handled the problem.


• Check the contractor's warranty (installation, labor, product, length of warranty). The better the warranty, the better the consumer is protected. (View our warranty).


• Get copies of the manufacturer's warranty.


• Get a written estimate.


• Get a copy of the contractor's installation warranty. (Installation is the most important step in the process).