"Charley" wrote in message
om...
I'm living in Chicago suburbs and plan to replace the old
windows with
vinyl replacement windows. There are so many window
companies here.
Any suggestion on which window companies I should at least
get an
estimate?

thanks!

Wow, tough question for that area: would have helped to
know what 'burb you're in.

First, are there any neighbors you can ask about
experiences? They're often a good starting point, but not
the definitive answer. Then of course there's folk at work,
and after that, the Yellow Pages.

Plan several quotes, and do NOT pay anyone to give you a
quote! Some will charge to quote, saying you get it back
when you sign the contract; IF you sign! I consider those
hard sells.

Pick three, get quotes.
Pick one of those three, get two more quotes.
Continue until you get one that feels good. NEVER accept
"after august xx, this deal's gone" crap! Even if it is,
something will replace it.
Be CERTAIN there is a contract, that it's signed by BOTH
parties, and includes EVERYTHING you are concernedabout. If
it mentions a 20 year warranty, what would be covered in
ten, fifteen, and 19 years 11 months?

Sometimes you just have to trust someone, and this might be
one of them. Oh, nothing wrong with having a friend listen
in on the contract talks either. Two heads are better than
one.

Before you sign, check with the BBB, see if you can find
anything about them online, and do NOT be afraid to talk
about who quoted what when to each contractor you talk to.
You can learn anything from bull**** to some
decpetivepractices that way. When I was getting quotes on
my roof, I ruled out two companies because each of two
other, different, companies, wouldn't actually say anything
specific about the "bad" company other than they had done
some repair work they really shouldn't have had to do.

If you're northwest, you;ll have the easiest time; if you're
west or south, it's a little harder. North is just plain
expensive! g

Luck!

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