Must Ask Questions When Buying Aluminium Windows & Doors

Installing aluminium windows and doors involves a lot of planning. So instead of just selecting a contractor after viewing their website, it would be best if you interviewed a few reputed suppliers.

Their answer to your questions pertaining to their work and commitment to their customers will help you make your final decision. So that you are not left with an amateur contractor whose website says something completely opposite to his actual knowledge of the job, as well as, his commitment to his client.

Besides insisting on premium quality materials, try and see if you can opt for a Perforated Aluminium Sheet security door as it offers good ventilation and provides higher security. If this is not a possible option, consult with the supplier on the next best solution.

Here are a Few Important Questions That You may Ask

1. What's Their Average Turnover Time?

   Bear in mind construction jobs are seasonal. Availability of material with regards to odd or unusual colours and resizing will determine the lapse of time between signing the contract and the work actually starting.

   While answering your questions a prospective supplier is making you aware of the timeline as well as how efficient and in demand his work is.

   Further questioning can also give you an insight into the contractor's willingness to start the job immediately if his previous job has been cancelled or, his work not being much soon after.

   Be careful when dealing with suppliers who try to close the deal with you promising to give your job priority over the many customers waiting in line. Take a moment, and ask yourself whether they will still treat you with such preference once you have made the initial payment.

2. Have You Surveyed the References?

   Do not be in a hurry to start the job. You should have second thoughts if the contractor does not have any referral or recommendation letters to offer you.

   When a contractor does give you any reference to his work done elsewhere, make it a point to follow it up and contact them. Customers who are happy with the work of a supplier will be the best judge of the contractor and his work.

   Make it a point not only to ask the references about the work done but also if there were any hiccups, and how was it best handled by the supplier. This will give you a fair idea on how well the supplier can handle the job you allot him and will also set your mind at peace least any untoward incident occurs.

3. Has the Crew Received Training on Handling Lead Paint?

   Houses built before 1970 may have a history of lead paint being used. It's very important for you to inform your supplier and see that his team of workers is well-versed working with lead paint, safely.

   Controlling lead dust is not troublesome. Just a little care needs to be taken when replacing a door or window. Do not let the lead dust spread all over your property when any type of replacement is being done.

   Industrial standards require a set of rules to be followed while renovating a home having traces of lead paint. It is best to ask the supplier whether he is in the know-how about these regulations and if they will adhere to them.

4. What Preparation does the Homeowner Need to do?

   It is mandatory to ask what the homeowner has to do before the replacement of the door or windows. Are you required to move your furniture away so that the work area is freely accessible? What is the arrangement to clear the debris? Will it be cleared every day or after all the work has been completed? Has your vehicle to be shifted making space for the vehicle which will take the debris? What precautionary measures should be taken to ensure the safety of your pets if you have one? Read up on how best to transport aluminium door and windows.

   The contractor should also make you aware of any crisis that may occur during the replacement process so that you are not taken by surprise.

   Asking such type of questions while interviewing a prospective contractor will give you a fair idea of whether he is well-versed to handle a crisis situation that may pop up during the replacement.

5. What is the Solution for Any Structural Damages That might be Discovered in the Process?

   The main issue that renovating contractors face is not knowing what to expect once they uncover the wall. To one's eye, the door and windows may look very strong but one can't guess the condition of the frame on which they rest.

   Whether they have been damaged by moisture or bugs. These flaws can only be noticed once the security doors and windows have been detached from the wall. This is another point to consider - has the supplier you have employed foreseen this situation? Also, will he be able to inform you of how best it can be taken care of? In case such a situation crops up, would there be any extra charges?

6. Will They Clean-up After the Job? If Yes, to What Extent?

   Renovation, even if it's just replacing doors and windows involves a lot of dust. Inquire about how the contractor is going to handle it.

   Some contractor will clean up their work area and get rid of all debris. Others will do deep cleaning and leave the place spotless better than what it was before. Whatever the type of cleaning, it's important for you to know in advance.

   If the work is going to take a few days, you will need to inquire what arrangement the contractor will make to leave it overnight so that the area is not dangerous, with sharp tools lying around open in the workplace.

7. How do They Handle Warranty Claims?

   This is an important point you have to consider as you don't want to be stuck with a contractor having "taillight warranties". This means, that the warranty is null and void once the contractor has finished and gone off your premises. Unqualified contractors will not acknowledge their warranty to be bogus.

   Be very careful about their ambiguous promises to fix the issue before they finally wind up. Sign up a warranty with a contractor that covers all these minute details, the cost of which has been included in the price.

   It may cost you a bit more but at least you're at peace knowing the stuff he is using is under warranty. There is no contractor that will meet all these requirements but, asking them these questions will only help you as you consider their expertise and reliability.

Do not rush into making a decision but instead take your time to weigh out your options. After all, this is a question of yours and your loved ones’ security.