Your window wells aren’t designed to last forever. Damage can occur and eventually, the material degrades. Ignoring old or less-than-perfect window wells is just inviting problems like basement flooding. Now you have a mess to clean up and water mitigation services aren’t exactly cheap. You may not even be able to fall back on your homeowner’s insurance for help.
Flood damage isn’t always covered, especially if you ignore necessary repairs or replacements. Finding a window well contractor is easy. There are several outfits in the area. However, you don’t want to go with just any contractor, you want the right one for your project.
Finding the Right Window Well Contractor
A quick Google search is going to bring up a long list of window well contractors near you. Now, all that’s left is choosing the right contractor.
Read the Analysis
Consumers are a great source of information when you want to learn about a business. They rarely shy away from dishing on every aspect of the contractor’s service. You can learn about the contractor’s level of professionalism and level of work. Reviews can also give you some insight into the contractor’s reputation.
Along with reading the reviews, head over to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. If the contractor doesn’t have a business listing with the BBB, this can be a red flag. Most businesses want to have a BBB listing and are proud of their high grades. The BBB grades businesses on several things like customer satisfaction and service quality. Ideally, you want to go with a window well contractor who at least has an A+ rating. Anything lower than an A- may indicate it’s best to look for another contractor.
Insurance and Licensing
States and local governments may have a say in what licenses a window well contractor needs. Some states like Colorado even make it easy to check a contractor’s licensing status. You can head over to the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). This is the state’s governing body for all contractor licenses. If licenses aren’t a requirement in your area, you can stop checking contractors’ statuses. If licenses are a requirement, the website lets you know if your contractor is currently meeting all state requirements.
Insurance is something else you want the contractor to carry. Even replacing a window well can come with a few hazards. If a worker is injured on your property, you may be the liable party if the contractor isn’t carrying insurance. There’s also no guarantee that your homeowner’s policy will cover the employee’s injuries. The last thing you want is to pay these expenses out of your pocket so always check the contractor’s insurance coverage.
Building Codes May Apply
You may need to deal with some building codes. This typically depends on local regulations. If codes apply, you’re probably going to need a building permit. Yep, there’s a fee for a building permit. This also isn’t something the average homeowner knows how to obtain. There’s a process and it can be a bit challenging.
Before settling on a window well contractor, find out if they’re familiar with all local and state building codes. You also want to find out if the contractor knows how to obtain the right permits. If a permit is required and you decide to skip this step, you’re probably looking at hefty fines. You’ll also need to stop work on the project until you have the necessary permits.
Get Multiple Quotes
You probably do some price comparisons every time you go shopping. You hunt for the best deals online and in the stores. Window well contractors typically vary a bit in pricing. A good tip is to get at least three estimates for your window well replacement project.
While you don’t have to go with the highest-priced contractor, it’s probably best to avoid lowball quotes. Sticking in the middle is usually the way to go. You tend to get quality work at a price you can comfortably afford.
You Want a Warranty
Regardless of the materials used to construct your window wells, you want to get a warranty. The warranty should cover both the materials and installation so that the entire structure is covered if something goes wrong.
You also want to pay close attention to the warranty’s length since a warranty that’s only good for a couple of months is probably a pretty straightforward waste of your time and money. Look for warranties lasting at least a couple of years to ensure you’re protected. Finding the right window well contractor can take some time but it’s worth the effort when your basement stays dry.