What to Look for in a Window Contractor

Windows are an essential — and often underappreciated — part of the home. They allow natural light into your space, let in fresh air and a calming breeze and can vastly improve and impact the aesthetics of the home you love.
Choosing the best and most reliable contractor is extremely important if you want to liven up your home by installing new windows. The right contractor will help make the installation process smooth and the final results beautiful.
There’s a lot to keep in mind when looking for a contractor, so read on to discover how to check out a window contractor and take the first step toward making your window installation dreams a reality!
What to Consider When Choosing a Window Company
Installing new windows on your home is a huge decision that affects your home’s exterior and interior. The addition of new windows or replacing current windows can completely change the appearance of your home, which means you should put a lot of thought into choosing a reliable contractor you trust entirely.
When crafting your checklist for hiring a window contractor, you should consider many factors. Check out our list of steps you can take to choose your window dealer:
Check Local Referrals and Reviews
Looking at reviews of different installation and window replacement companies gives you a transparent look at their previous work. Reviewers have no reason not to be honest, so if you find a company with mostly positive reviews, their services are likely exceptional.
Be sure to read the reviews thoroughly, even the positive ones. If a reviewer loved working with a certain company, what helped make their experience positive? Scan reviews for specific factors that mean the most to you, whether that’s excellent customer service, a long track record of service, great warranties or the use of eco-friendly materials.
You can also find reviews on sites other than the contractor’s page to ensure you’re getting the most unfiltered results. Consult Yelp and Google to find more information on results contractors have produced for clients.
You can also talk with your friends and family who have gotten work done on their windows. Ask them what their experience was like with their contractor, if they would recommend the company, what they wish would have been done differently, how they found the company, etc.
Getting a recommendation — or an anti-recommendation — from people you know and trust is an excellent way to find a contractor that will do fantastic work on your home.
Review Their Warranty Policies
Warranties help ensure your home’s safety and give you peace of mind when hiring a contractor to install new windows or replace old ones. A reputable company will provide warranties on products in addition to a workmanship warranty, which covers issues that arise from the installation process rather than from the materials used.
The length of a product warranty will vary based on the company, from 25 years to a limited lifetime. Workmanship warranties are generally not as long and are sometimes only one year. Consult with potential contractors and ask them what their warranties do and do not cover and how long each warranty lasts.

Ensure They Have Proper Insurance and Licensing
Insurance protects the crew installing your windows and your home, making it an essential piece of hiring the right contractor. Window dealers and contractors will often have their insurances listed clearly on their websites.
The necessary licenses and certifications depend on your state and county. If you want to feel even more confident, you can consult the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulance to ensure a company is licensed in your state.
Look for Certifications
Certifications can also help you find a trustworthy and reliable window installation company. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is one site you can consult for company ratings. Being a member of the BBB gives companies visibility in their area and allows potential customers to find all the information they need.
However, if you check reviews left on the BBB, keep in mind they may skew negative. Dissatisfied customers are more likely to take the time to leave reviews than those who had a positive experience.
There are many more possible certifications a reputable window installer in Virginia might have, including:
- Sunrise Certifed Installer
- Vanguard Certified Installer
- Marvin Certified Installer
- Pella Certified Installer
- Simonton Windows Preferred Installer
Consider Their Experience
Finding a company with lots of experience in their field could also be in your best interest. If their company has withstood the test of time, the chances are much higher they provide excellent service to their customers.
However, a contractor with a lot of experience isn’t automatically reputable or necessarily the best choice for your project. For instance, a company with 30 years of experience might not fulfill your expectations if they haven’t received a new certification in 20 years or didn’t bother to discover new techniques in the industry. In this case, a company with less “experience” but more recent certifications and a willingness to adapt might be a better option.
Check out a company’s years of experience and how recently they’ve received awards and certifications to help you make the most well-rounded decision.
Questions You Should Ask a Potential Window Contractor
Based on the factors above, make sure to ask all your potential window contractors the following questions before going into business with them:
- How long have you been in business?
- Are you registered with the BBB?
- What window installation certifications do you have?
- What materials do you use in installation?
- How experienced is your team?
- What types of windows do you offer?
- What is your policy on warranties?
These questions will set you on the right path for finding a window installation contractor.

Contact Sunshine Contracting for Your Window Installation Project
New windows provide the opportunity to make a unique statement with your home. Sunshine Contracting does exceptional work that increases your home’s value and appearance. We work hard to make you love your home even more, and we have the reviews to prove it. We use the best materials and offer lifetime warranties on materials and labor in many instances.
Sunshine Contracting has been family-owned and operated since 1993, and we are proud to have an A+ rating with the BBB. Our staff is highly trained in the construction building and take pride in providing the best possible service for our clients.
Whether you want sliding windows, casement windows, geometric windows or bay windows, we’re the place to call. To talk to us about your window installation project, schedule your free quote today.