Couldn’t agree more about the installer making or breaking the job. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been called out to “fix” installs that looked good on paper but fell apart in real life. Folks get caught up in the brochure photos and slick sales talk, but if the crew doesn’t know their stuff, you’ll be cursing every drafty winter night.
One time, I saw a house with brand-new triple panes—top shelf stuff—but the gaps around the frames were big enough to slide a pencil through. Homeowner thought he was saving money by going with a “deal,” but ended up paying twice: once for the cheap install, then again for me to pull it all out and do it right.
Middle ground’s usually where you find the sweet spot. Not the cheapest, not the flashiest—just someone who takes pride in their work and actually cares if you’re warm in January. Energy rating’s important, sure, but it won’t mean much if the wind’s whistling through your living room.