Hiring a contractor, of any trade, for your home can be a daunting task. We have previously provided some basic tips on how you can vet potential contractors to avoid a scam. Now, we are here to give you even more tips to choose the best company for the job.

Bonding

Surety bonds are contracts between a contractor, their client, and an underwriter verifying that the client would be financially covered in the case of a contractor’s inability to satisfactorily complete a project. A company’s ability to secure a surety bond for a large project is a sign of financial stability and good credit. 

Bonding also requires extensive criminal and background checks to be conducted for the officers of the company, further showing the company is trustworthy. While bonding is not the only criteria that should be considered, surety bonds have stringent requirements that not all contractors would be able to satisfy.

Insurance

Verifying a contractor’s insurance policy is important for several reasons. First, this ensures that any accidents or issues that the contractor’s employees may experience in your home will be covered by their insurance, and you will not be liable. Secondly, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) requires that anyone applying for, or renewing, a contractor’s license must carry certain sized insurance policies. 

Also, all municipalities require licensed contractors to provide proof of insurance before they can apply for permits. If a contractor refuses to provide proof of insurance, it could be a sign of larger issues like no licensing, their employees do not abide by OSHA standards of safety, or they are doing unpermitted work.

References/Past jobs

While online reviews and testimonials provide a lot of great feedback, you should also ask your contractor if they have a list of references from past jobs they completed that you can contact. This gives you the opportunity to ask in-depth questions about their experience and what you can expect if you move forward. If the information is available, seek a reference source that has a similar sized project as you, or that uses the same products if the contractor carries many different products.

Window & Door Replacement Company is licensed, bonded, and insured. We have a list of project references ready for you upon request. To request an estimate for an upcoming window and door project, fill out our form or call 561.623.8446.