Window checklists

Before you sign. Ask each company: which openings and what method; the exact product line and its NFRC U-factor, SHGC and air leakage; whether installers are employees or subcontractors; what they charge per opening if they find rot; who holds the labor warranty and for how long; and what the cash price is versus the financed price.

In the contract. Scope written per opening, materials and labor separated, change-order pricing agreed in advance, start and finish dates, payment milestones with real money tied to final acceptance, disposal and daily cleanup, and copies of both the product and labor warranties attached.

At the end. Every sash opens, closes and locks with one hand. Exterior sealant is continuous with no gaps at the corners. The gap between window frame and rough opening is insulated, not empty. Interior trim is tight and finished. No debris or old glass left in the beds. Photograph the NFRC labels before removing them.

Keep every document: contract, change orders, warranty paperwork, the product line and glass package, and photos of the NFRC labels. Warranty claims years later usually fail on missing paperwork.

How to choose

One scope sheet, three bidders

Write the scope once and hand the identical sheet to everyone. It is the only way to compare prices honestly.

Pre-agree the rot price

Discovered rot is the most common change order. Settle the per-opening rate in the contract, not on the day.

Hold back final payment

Keep a meaningful final milestone tied to your punch list being cleared.

Photograph everything

Before, during (open rough openings if you can catch them), and after. Photos of the open opening are the only record of what flashing and insulation were done.

Verify licensing yourself

Look the company up on your state or city licensing portal and confirm insurance directly with the carrier. Requirements differ by jurisdiction.