- Installer warranties being separate is pretty common, actually. Learned that one the hard way when my "lifetime warranty" windows started fogging up after two years and the installer had conveniently gone out of business. 🙄
- Definitely worth asking upfront who's covering what, especially if the installer and manufacturer are different companies. Sometimes the fine print can be sneaky.
- Another thing I'd check is how they handle accidental damage during installation. Friend of mine had installers crack a window frame and try to pass it off as pre-existing... awkward convo ensued.
- Also, ask about cleanup—sounds minor, but trust me, picking glass shards outta your flowerbeds isn't fun.
- Now you've got me thinking about my own gutters... did I even ask about warranty details? Probably not, knowing me. 😂
- Curious if anyone's ever successfully claimed on an installer warranty? Or is it mostly just marketing fluff?
I've actually managed to claim on an installer warranty once, but it wasn't exactly smooth sailing. Had a similar issue with fogging windows a few years back, and the installer was thankfully still around. But here's the kicker—they initially tried to shift blame to the manufacturer, who predictably pointed right back at the installer. Took several weeks of back-and-forth before they finally agreed to cover the replacement.
One thing I'd definitely recommend checking upfront is whether the installer warranty covers labor costs for replacements. Mine did, but only partially, which meant I still had to pay out of pocket for some labor fees. Also, clarify how long their warranty actually lasts—"lifetime" can mean very different things depending on who's defining it (found that out the hard way too...).
Honestly, installer warranties aren't always marketing fluff, but they're definitely not hassle-free either. It's worth getting everything in writing beforehand, even if it feels overly cautious. Better safe than sorry when you're dealing with home improvements.
Good points about the labor costs—definitely something to clarify upfront. Did you also check if they cover disposal fees for the old windows? I assumed mine did, but nope...ended up with a surprise charge on my bill. Also, might be worth asking how quickly they typically handle warranty claims. Waiting weeks with foggy windows isn't exactly fun, especially in winter.
Totally agree on checking disposal fees upfront—caught me off guard once too. Also, make sure to ask if they handle any interior trim work. Some installers leave that unfinished, and trust me, DIY-ing trim after a pro install is a headache you don't want...
Good point about the interior trim—seen plenty of homeowners underestimate that step. I'd also suggest confirming if they handle sealing and weatherproofing around the frames. Some installers skip or rush this, and improper sealing can lead to moisture issues down the line. Sounds like you're already on the right track though... catching these details upfront saves a lot of hassle later.
Yeah, sealing around the frames is definitely one of those sneaky details people overlook. I've seen a few cases where the installers used cheap caulk or rushed the job, and a year later, homeowners were dealing with mold or drafts. Also, might wanna double-check if they include any warranty coverage specifically for leaks or moisture damage—some companies offer it, others conveniently skip mentioning it. Sounds like you're already ahead of most folks though, good catch on the trim too.
Good points about the caulking and warranty coverage—those are definitely easy to overlook. Another thing I'd suggest is asking specifically about the flashing details around the windows. I've noticed some installers skip proper flashing or just rely on caulk alone, which can lead to water intrusion down the line. Maybe ask them to walk you through their installation process step-by-step, especially how they handle moisture barriers and flashing tape. If they're hesitant or vague about it, that's usually a red flag.
Also, don't be shy about requesting references or photos of past jobs they've done. I did that once and ended up chatting with a homeowner who had similar windows installed a couple years earlier. Got some really helpful insights about how the windows held up over time and how responsive the company was when minor issues popped up.
Sounds like you're already doing your homework though, so you're probably in good shape. Good luck with the project!
"Maybe ask them to walk you through their installation process step-by-step, especially how they handle moisture barriers and flashing tape."
Good advice right there. I'd also casually ask if they clean up thoroughly afterward... learned that one the hard way after finding stray nails with my lawnmower months later. Ouch.
Couple more quick points to add:
- Ask about warranty specifics—exactly what's covered and for how long. Had a seal fail once, and the fine print saved me some cash.
- Confirm who's hauling away the old windows. Some installers assume you'll handle disposal yourself.
- Check if they protect your floors and furniture during installation. Dust and debris travel farther than you'd think...
Better safe than sorry.
Good points overall, but honestly, I wouldn't stress too much about installers protecting furniture. When we had ours done, they threw down a couple drop cloths and it was fine—nothing a quick vacuum couldn't fix. I'd focus more on making sure they're clear about timelines and scheduling. Had a friend stuck waiting weeks longer than promised because of vague wording in the contract...