Choosing right contractor is hardly open and shut

Maybe it’s because you’re tired of pulling a muscle every time you try to open and close an old window. Or you’ve had it with how ugly your windows are. Getting rid of those drafts — and maybe saving a little energy — wouldn’t hurt, either. For whatever reason you may be considering replacing old windows, take this advice from Bay Area Consumers’ Checkbook and Checkbook.org: Choosing a good installer is as important as choosing the right windows.

Unfortunately, some firms abuse customers with high-pressure sales tactics and substandard products and installations. Many also make unfounded claims about energy savings and environmental impact. Checkbook surveyed its members and Consumer Reports subscribers about their experiences with Bay Area window replacement outfits and

Editor’s note:

The Chronicle is partnering with Bay Area Consumers’ Checkbook magazine and Checkbook.org, a nonprofit consumer group with a mission to help consumers get the best service and lowest prices. Checkbook is supported by consumers and takes no money from the service providers it evaluates. You can see Checkbook’s evaluation of window installers, including price comparisons, customer ratings, and detailed advice on choosing windows until Feb. 5 at https://www.checkbook.org/ chronicle/windows. .received a disturbing number of complaints about sloppy installation work. Customer ratings varied dramatically. Some companies were rated “inferior” overall by as many as 25 percent or more of their surveyed customers. Fortunately, Checkbook also found some very highly rated installers.

Companies also differ sharply on prices. For example, Checkbook’s undercover shoppers collected price quotes from area contractors for several typical installation jobs—for one window replacement job, our shoppers received quotes that ranged from $3,240 to $6,174.

As you shop for windows and installers, start by comparing window types and models. Ask about and assess how each option will affect your home’s appearance, the amount of light admitted, your comfort, energy savings, and how long the windows last. For most homeowners, costs will drive many decisions. Prices vary widely by frame material, but in general, vinyl is the least-expensive option; wood is usually midrange, with exteriorclad wood more expensive; and fiberglass models top the price list.

You can check claims about energy savings using the Efficient Windows Collaborative website (www.efficient windows.org). For information on durability, check the results of Consumer Reports’ tests. Also compare warranties: Better-sealed window units tend to come with warranties of 20 years or more and don’t prorate reductions in the covered value as time passes.

Once you’ve decided on a window model, obtain several written price quotes. Our experience shows you’ll find enormous price differences for the same windows and work. Whichever company you hire, make sure you get an airtight contract. It should include:

 Detailed information on the product and installation procedure (whether flashing will be installed, whether the windows or trim will be painted, size of window openings and glass area after installation).

 The contractor’s insurance information. It should carry two types — general liability and workers’ compensation — and be willing to show you a current certificate.  Payment schedule. You should be able to pay all, or at least half, of the contract price after the work is complete. The more you leave to the end, the more leverage you’ll have to make sure the work is done satisfactorily.

 Work schedule. The starting date should be firm, so you can prepare for the job. A completion date is less important because most projects can start in a week or less and take only a day to complete. But it’s wise to add a phrase indicating that the work will be continuous, and a note about who will be on-site supervising the job.

 Quality promises. To provide some recourse if the job proves to be obviously substandard, contracts should contain a phrase to the effect that the contractor will complete the project in a workmanlike and professional manner.

 Cleanup. Because window replacement projects generate a lot of construction debris, carting it away (and paying disposal fees) should be part of the contract.

 Compliance with leadabatement laws. If you have any reason to believe your home contains lead-based paint — and if it was built before 1978 it probably does — ask contractors to show proof of their lead renovator certifications.