@architecture902 That's a tough call. If you've already put money down, I'd first try to talk with the contractor's management like @rwilliams79 suggested earlier – let them know your concerns and see if they commit to a firm start date (and stick to it). If they still keep flaking, it might be worth losing a small deposit to avoid a big headache. I had a friend who walked away from a window contract after repeated delays; he lost a few hundred bucks deposit but ended up much happier hiring a different company that actually showed up when scheduled. It's definitely a personal decision, but trust your gut. If they're this unreliable now, it probably won't magically improve later.
One thing I did before hiring my window installer was actually call a couple of their references and specifically ask about punctuality. It might seem awkward, but every homeowner I spoke to was happy to share their experience. The ones who ended up being my top choice all had clients saying "oh yeah, they were on time every day" or "finished when they said they would." That gave me a lot of confidence. On the flip side, another company gave me references that sounded lukewarm about their timing (like "they eventually got it done"). That was a red flag. So, don't be shy about grilling references or reading detailed reviews – it's one of the best ways to predict how they'll behave.
This might be a stretch, but do you think the climate or local culture has anything to do with it? Like, Tampa Bay is pretty laid back in general and the heat is brutal in the afternoons. I sometimes wonder if crews intentionally start later to avoid working in the worst heat (though that seems counterproductive since it just squeezes the schedule). Or maybe it's just that contractors here take on too many projects at once. Either way, it's been enlightening (and a little amusing) to see how common these stories are. I'm glad I'm not alone, but also hopeful knowing there are punctual pros out there too.
Traffic in Tampa can definitely be a wild card (I-275 at rush hour, anyone?). I've had contractors blame traffic a bunch of times. Look, I get it – a bad accident on the bridge can throw things off by an hour. But a truly professional crew will plan around typical traffic patterns or at least give you a heads up if they're stuck in it. One of my best experiences was with a contractor who would leave extra early if they had to cross the bay during rush hour, just so they'd still be on time. That kind of effort really stands out around here.
Honestly, it all boils down to respect. If a contractor respects your time, they're going to make an effort to be punctual or at least keep you informed. When I replaced my windows, I told the contractor that upfront, and fortunately they took it to heart. The few minor delays we had were communicated and reasonable. After hearing these stories, I'm extra appreciative of that. For anyone still searching: find a contractor who values customers' time. It'll make the whole project so much less stressful.
When I planned my window project, I kind of assumed there'd be some delay (maybe I'm jaded from past renovations). I didn't schedule anything critical right after the expected finish. Sure enough, the install took a few days longer than initially promised. But because I had padded my schedule (no guests visiting, no other work lined up immediately), it was more of an annoyance than a crisis. I still gently nudged the contractor about the slip, and they did apologize and hustle to wrap it up. I guess my takeaway is: build in a time cushion for your own sanity, because even a decent contractor can run into snags.
Do any of you tell contractors that you'll be leaving a review afterwards? I'm curious if that might keep them more on their toes. I mentioned to my window installer up front that I found them through reviews and that I'd be happy to add my own after the job. Not sure if it made a difference, but my crew was very attentive and on schedule. (And I did leave them a great review, since they earned it.) Maybe knowing the customer is review-savvy puts a little extra pressure on them to do right by you? Just a thought.
@snowboarder85 I didn't mention reviews to my contractor, but I do think the good ones behave as if every job will get a review. In my case, the company (Pro Tech) actually asked me at the end to please leave an honest review if I was satisfied. They were confident because they knew they did a good job and stayed on schedule. So yeah, I suspect companies that care about their reputation will strive to be punctual and professional without needing that reminder – but it probably doesn't hurt to mention it. If a contractor bristles at the idea of reviews, that's a red flag!
Wow, I'm glad I stumbled on this discussion. I was about to just hire the cheapest quote I got, but now I realize I need to weigh reliability and punctuality a lot more. You all probably saved me from a potential mess. Thank you!
This thread has a wealth of info. For anyone who doesn't want to read all 59 posts above, here are some key takeaways I'm seeing:
Do your homework: Check reviews and ask for references specifically about punctuality and reliability before hiring.
Local specialists are often better: Companies like Karoly Windows & Doors or Pro Tech Windows & Doors (mentioned several times here) have strong reputations for being on time and communicative.
Get the schedule in writing: Make sure your contract or work order has expected start and finish dates, or at least a clear timeline. It's not a guarantee, but it sets expectations.
Insist on communication: A good contractor will call if they're running late or need to reschedule. If they're not responsive, that's a red flag.
Plan for the worst, hope for the best: Build in some buffer time around your project in case of delays (and don't schedule other projects too tightly back-to-back).
Following these tips won't guarantee perfection, but it definitely can improve your odds of a smooth, on-time window replacement project.