Replacement Window and Siding Blog

Getting An Estimate For Vinyl Siding or Replacement Windows

  

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Shopping for Vinyl Siding or Replacement Windows can be a daunting experience. If have ever shopped for any kind of home improvement  then you know it's no picnic to begin with. Vinyl Siding or Replacement  Windows are even more difficult.

I'm going to give you the inside scoop on how not to get ripped off and waste your time.  I have been in this business for 25 years and have seen it all. 

The first thing I will tell you is defiantly get a few estimate and NEVER sign a contract on the first call.  It amazes me how many homeowners get coned into buying Siding and Windows from the first contractor they meet with. 

Folks, you have to realize that there are no"TODAY ONLY DISCOUNTS" It's all a game to get you to sign that night.

Here are some of the warning signs, any contractor that insists that you and you spouse be present for the presentation. Lets face it, in todays busy world it's hard enough for you and your spouse to get together to spend time alone, let alone spend two hours with some siding and window salesman who is going to try every trick in the book to get you to sign a contract that night.  Yea that's what I want to do after a hard days work.

The reason they insist you are together is because they have to eliminate all objections to buying that day.  

If there is only one of the decision maker there it's an easy out for you because all you have to say is, " I have to talk to my husband or wife " Even if you both have time to be there you should still take the time to think about and discuss any big financial outlay anyway.

At Suburban Windows & Siding we provide you with references and addresses to jobs we have done as well as our license and insurance credentials.  How can you check out a company properly if you sign that day? Our Home Owners Guide to Buying Windows and Siding shows you what to look for.

Then theres the DROP, I love this !! companies that start at some astronamical price and price condition you through the entire pitch only to give you thousands off for Today Only, not a good enough deal, let me call my boss and see if there are any specials that I can give you TODAY. Heres one, let me use your home as a MODLE HOME, sure, a sign in the front yard is worth another thousand or two, please. 

There is always the financing too, NEVER Finance a home improvment project from a contractor.

There not a Bank, would you hire your bank to install your Siding or Windows ? of course not.  These finance companies are the biggest scam in the industry.   

They will offer you defered payments, 90 days same as cash but what they don't tell you is that they PAY the Finance company points to defer your payment, where do you think that money came from? 

The way to avoid all of this is to know what to ask when you set up an appointment and know what kind of add you responded to. 

The companies that practice these sales tactics will use the following marketing tactics.

  Telemarketing and canvasing are the two big ones, they are costly and are meant to catch you cold when you are not really in the market. 

Companies spending tons of money on Radio and television, who do think is paying for that?

Big news paper adds or adds with to good to be true prices, like the $189.00 windows or any of the trade in specials, $99.00 trade in, free windows with Vinyl Siding. 

All bait and switch meant to get you and your spouse in front of there sales force to let them go to work on you.

Ok, so how do you find an Honest and repeatable contractor that wont pressure you into buying and wont rip you off.

1. Ask your friends and family.
2. A personal referral is one of the best ways to get a good contractor.  You still have to check them out in case your friend fell pray to the above.
3. Go looking, that's the beauty of the Internet, you can do allot of research and weed out the scams.
4. Check references and the Better Business bureaus.
5. Meet with at least three companies, gather information and see who makes you feel the most comfortable.
6. Don't just look at price, look at quality,who spends the time helping you make your decision and who do feel you can work with the best and trust with your Home.

    I hope this helps save a few homeowners from getting ripped off. If your in the market for Vinyl Siding or Replacement Windows and live in Connecticut we would be happy to estimate your job. Check out out Details to Check When Siding page and Replacement Windows.

Also get a copy of our Home Owner Buyers Guide and watch our Enviro-Star Video if your shopping for Replacement Windows.