"Charley" wrote in message
m...
"Pop Rivet" wrote in message
...
"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!

Pop


Thanks for the information. I'm living at Mount Prospect
which is
Northwest. Any good companies you know I should contact?

thanks!

No, afraid not - it's been too long since we lived out there
to be reliable. Here, I'd back up an any comments
neighbors/friends might make. At least you're not in a
"bad" area for contractors, which is good.
I saw th eother comments re insurance, bonding, etc.:
All excellent advice I wish I'd thought to include. INSIST
on seeing their proof of insurance (not a photocopy) -
before the job starts. No insurance, no job - and it should
be mentioned in the contract, too.

Sorry can't help more

Pop