What to Expect and What to Do to Have a Successful Consultation
So you’ve decided it’s time to replace your old windows with new, attractive, modern windows. Now what?
The first step is to schedule a consultation with a reputable window company of your choice. You can visit the company’s showroom or meet virtually over an online video conferencing platform.
Consulting with knowledgeable and experienced window professionals can ensure a smooth process from start to finish—from helping you choose the right windows for your home to installing them properly.
What to Expect During a Window Consultation
For a window consultation, you will meet with a sales representative or customer service agent, in person or virtually, to discuss your wants, needs and budget.
To help you choose the best windows for your home, the window consultant will need to know where the windows will be installed and if they will be exposed to harsh elements or any potential damage in those rooms or areas. Based on this information, the consultant may recommend impact resistant or energy efficient windows, for example.
During the meeting, the consultant will show you a variety of window styles, materials, colors and features and inform you about the company’s ordering and installation processes.
Once you’ve made a selection, the consultant will give you a cost and time estimate for your window replacement project. To provide this estimate, the consultant will need information—at least a general idea—about the size of your replacement windows. See How to Measure Your Windows and Doors for Replacement for instructions.
How to Plan for a Window Consultation
Do Your Homework
Research window companies in your area, types of windows available, features, etc., before setting up a window replacement consultation. Write down any questions you have during your research.
Know Your Budget
You should know your window replacement budget and communicate it clearly to the window consultant in order to get the best solutions and service possible during and after the consultation. Be open about your limitations, concerns and deal-breakers.
Know Your Needs and Wants
As you would with an interior decorator or wedding planner, you should have an idea of what you want when it comes to your new windows. Gather printed or online images of windows you like as well as information about functions and features that interest you (such as energy efficiency, impact resistance, certain window styles and frame materials), and share this information with the consultant.
Prepare Questions … and Answers
Make a list of questions ahead of time and bring it to the meeting. Be sure to address these and any other questions or concerns that may arise during the consultation.
Likewise, the window consultant may have questions for you. Most questions will probably be related to your window preferences, priorities (energy efficiency, natural light, ventilation, views, etc.) and your budget.
Get an Estimate
You will probably receive a ballpark estimate for your window replacement project after the consultation. The window consultant will then spend time calculating the cost of products, materials and labor to arrive at a final quote. Make yourself available to the window consultant when you get the call about the final estimate, which most likely will have an expiration date.
Questions to Ask Your Window Consultant
To help you come up with your own questions, here’s a list of some of the most common questions asked during a window consultation.
- What window styles and materials do you carry?
- Which would better fit my home, priorities and budget?
- What special features and options do you recommend?
- When will I get a final estimate?
- When can you install the windows?
- How long will the installation process take?
- How much will my new windows cost?
- What are the payment methods and options?
Home improvement projects can be quite taxing, but with the right window professionals, a window replacement project doesn’t have to be stressful. And it starts with the initial consultation.
By knowing what to expect during that meeting and by preparing for it ahead of time, you can help to ensure that your project goes as smoothly as possible.
Are you ready for a window replacement consultation? Choose the No. 1 window and door company in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. Call 787-999-0717 to make an appointment.