What factors to look for when researching window companies

BY BRANDI-ANN UYEMURA

A good window contractor is hard to find, but worth the effort. Work with a careless contractor and you could end up with incorrectly installed, irreparable or ill-fitting windows that could damage your home, or worse, be left with no windows at all.

There are things you can do to prevent a window replacement nightmare. Before you hire a contractor, follow these simple steps to increase your odds of working with an honest, legitimate and reputable business.

Conduct a professional and vocational licensing search. Does the person/business have an active license, and are they in good standing with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA)? It’s as easy as going to the DCCA’s website (https://pvl.ehawaii.gov/pvlsearch/) and typing in the license number or name of the business or person you’re considering working with. The search results will provide information on the business such as license status and whether it’s in good standing with the DCCA.

Make sure the contractor is Better Business Bureau (BBB) accredited in the state they work in. BBB accreditation means they are held to particular standards, such as advertising honestly, honoring promises and being responsive. It’s not enough to know whether the entity you’re considering working with is simply BBB accredited. You want local references, and to know that the company is accredited in the state they’re currently doing business in. Check them out at www.bbb.org/search/.

Research the company online. These resources may reveal significant information about the company, such as customer reviews and complaints, and also indicate how responsive it is to problems and issues. A business that focuses on customer satisfaction can be as important, if not more, than the product you choose.

If you have ever run into a problem, but needed to call multiple people to resolve it, you understand the benefit of working with one company instead of many. This way, you eliminate the hassle of contacting several different companies who may have little invested in your happiness.

As a licensed contractor, Windows Hawaii has the ability to address all of your concerns, from sales to installation. General manager Mario Garcia says Windows Hawaii stands by its products and customer service.

It takes just one phone call to get all your window replacement needs met. Call Windows Hawaii at 671-0808 or visit its website at www.windows-hawaii.com.

WINDOWS HAWAII
contact // 671-0808 • 383-7233
address // 94-480 Akoki St. Unit 4
web // www.windows-hawaii.com • www.northwestexteriors.com