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* Replacing windows that don’t need replacing
* Spending more money than you have to
* Being coerced into signing a contract for a price “that is only good today”
* Not receiving the legally required paperwork when you sign a contract
* Having work done by improperly licensed companies
* Having work done by a company that does not have proper insurance
* Having windows replaced without a permit
* Not taking into account resale value
* Hiring a company that you have to negotiate with to get a fair price

1. Replacing windows that don’t need replacing. This is a common mistake that’s made by homeowners who sincerely want to do what’s best but, because of a lack of expertise, end up replacing perfectly good windows. Unscrupulous contractors can sometimes take advantage of a homeowner’s lack of knowledge and coerce the homeowner into making these unneeded replacements. The solution to this mistake is to hire a licensed contractor with experience and expertise in the field, preferably a contractor who specializes in window replacement.

2. Spending more money than you have to. Replacing windows that don’t need replacing is only one mistake that can cost a homeowner money. Buying the wrong windows, having to have poorly finished work redone, even having to pay penalties for hiring unlicensed contractors, can all add up to a homeowner spending hundreds, even thousands, of dollars more than necessary. Know who you’re dealing with before you hire a company to replace your windows. A little homework can save a lot of money.

3. Being coerced into signing a contract for a price “that is only good today.” Be wary of any company that uses the old “the price goes up tomorrow” pitch. Hiring the right contractor is a serious decision and one that requires some serious consideration. Don’t allow yourself to be pressured into making a decision that you’re not ready to make. And remember, if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

4. Not receiving the legally required paperwork when you sign a contract. This holds true for any home improvement work you have done. Make sure you receive a copy of the contract at the time you sign the contract, as well as copies of any permits or other paperwork that is required by law for the work to be done.

5. Having work done by improperly licensed companies. One would think that this hardly needs to be mentioned but every day people unknowingly hire companies that are not licensed to do the work they were hired to do. Be aware that if you hire an unlicensed company, you’re in violation of Florida statutes. Penalties can range anywhere from $500 to $5000 for “aiding and abetting” an unlicensed contractor. If you have any doubts about a company’s license, contact your local county’s licensing board. (In Pinellas County, 727-536-4720).

6. Having work done by a company that does not have proper insurance. If your car’s hit by an uninsured motorist, guess who picks up the tab? Well it’s the same thing with window replacement. If you hire a company that has too little insurance, or even no insurance at all, you’re leaving yourself wide open for any liability arising from damage incurred as a result of the contractor’s efforts. Make sure the company you hire is properly insured before you sign any contract.

7. Having windows replaced without a permit. With the exception of window replacement jobs within the city limits of St. Petersburg, all window replacement jobs in Pinellas County require permits. And all windows, including those within St. Petersburg city limits, must be tested and approved for proper design pressure thus ensuring that they meet stringent impact requirements. If you hire a company that replaces your windows without the proper permitting, you can be held responsible. You may be required to pay triple the permit fees, provide necessary engineering to prove your windows meet code, and have your windows subject to a final inspection to determine if they were installed properly. Failure of your windows to meet code or pass inspection means you’ll have to have them replaced all over again.

8. Not taking into account resale value. Having windows replaced with inferior ones that don’t meet code requirements may result in problems when you go to sell your home, problems that may hurt your home’s resale value. Moreover, having work done, such as putting in a sunroom, without the proper permitting could result in huge and frustrating title problems with the home. Think about it. If you were buying a home, wouldn’t you want to make sure that the previous owner did everything properly?

9. Hiring a company that you have to negotiate with to get a fair price. Hiring the right contractor means hiring somebody that’ll provide fair work at a fair price. Beware of companies that you have to “haggle” with. If you’re not happy with the price you’re quoted, seek another contractor.