Hiring the right window contractor is just as important as choosing the right replacement windows. Learn the essential questions to ask about installation, warranties, ENERGY STAR® certification and long-term service before making your decision.

Replacement Windows • Hiring Guide

What Questions Should I Ask Before Hiring a Window Contractor?

Choosing replacement windows is a major investment, but selecting the right contractor is often even more important than choosing the window itself. Two companies may install similar products, yet homeowners can experience dramatically different results depending on the quality of the installation.

In the Quad Cities, replacement windows must withstand freezing Iowa winters, humid Midwest summers, driving rain and high winds. That's why experienced homeowners don't just compare window brands—they compare installation methods, warranties, service after the sale and the reputation of the company standing behind the work.

The Most Important Questions to Ask

Before signing a contract, every homeowner should ask detailed questions about both the product and the installation process.

Questions Every Homeowner Should Ask

Is the window ENERGY STAR® certified for the Northern Climate Zone?
Products designed for colder climates help reduce winter heat loss while improving year-round comfort.
What NFRC ratings does the window have?
Ask about U-Factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), Visible Transmittance (VT) and Air Leakage (AL).
What type of Low-E glass package is included?
Is the insulated glass filled with argon gas?
How is the frame reinforced?
What spacer system is used in the insulated glass unit?
What warranties are provided?
Ask about both the manufacturer's warranty and the contractor's written workmanship warranty.
Who performs the installation?
Are installers employees, trained crews or subcontractors?
What happens if service is needed after installation?

Ask About the Installation Process

Replacement windows are a high-trust purchase because the product and the installation are inseparable. Even premium windows cannot perform properly if they're installed incorrectly.

Ask Your Contractor:

Will you inspect the rough opening before installing the new window?
How do you check for hidden wood rot or moisture damage?
How do you insulate around the new window?
What materials are used for interior and exterior air sealing?
How do you ensure the window is level, square and properly shimmed?
Will you test every lock and operating sash before leaving?
How is cleanup handled at the end of each day?

What Should Happen on Installation Day?

A professional installation should be organized, efficient and respectful of your home.

1

Protect Your Home

Floors, furniture and nearby finishes should be protected before work begins.
2

Remove Windows One at a Time

Completing one opening before moving to the next helps minimize winter heat loss and limits humid summer air entering the home.
3

Inspect the Rough Opening

The opening should be checked for structural issues, moisture damage, insulation deficiencies and proper support.
4

Professional Air Sealing

Proper insulation and interior/exterior sealing help prevent drafts, moisture intrusion and unnecessary energy loss.
5

Final Testing & Cleanup

Every window should be operated, locked, inspected and cleaned before the crew leaves the jobsite.

Compare More Than Just Price

Smart homeowners understand that the lowest price doesn't always deliver the best value.

Compare Each Contractor's:

Window product line and manufacturer.
Frame design and reinforcement.
Spacer system and insulated glass construction.
Low-E glass package.
ENERGY STAR® certification.
NFRC performance ratings.
Manufacturer warranty.
Written workmanship warranty.
Years in business.
Local service reputation.
Installation methods.
Air-sealing procedures.

Many buying mistakes happen because homeowners focus on visible features like frame color or grille patterns while overlooking installation quality, operating hardware, air sealing and long-term service after the sale.

Why Installation Quality Affects Energy Efficiency

Even the highest-performing ENERGY STAR® window cannot compensate for poor installation.

Winter Performance

Proper insulation and air sealing help reduce heat loss, eliminate drafts and improve indoor comfort.

Summer Performance

Quality installation helps reduce humid air infiltration while supporting lower cooling costs.

What Does FGIA (Formerly AAMA) Say?

The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), now part of the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA), develops industry standards for residential windows that evaluate complete window systems for structural performance, air leakage, water penetration resistance and durability. FGIA also emphasizes that proper installation is essential to achieving the performance the product was designed to deliver.

"Proper installation is essential for a fenestration product to achieve its intended performance for air leakage, water management and long-term durability."

— Adapted from FGIA (formerly AAMA) installation guidance.

Darin Wilson's Expert Advice

"Anyone can sell a window. The real difference is what happens before, during and after installation. We encourage homeowners to ask tough questions about installation methods, warranties and long-term service because those answers usually determine how satisfied you'll be ten or twenty years from now."

— Darin Wilson, Vice President, Suburban Construction

Why Quad Cities Homeowners Trust Darin Wilson and JR Girskis

For decades, Darin Wilson and JR Girskis have helped homeowners throughout Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, Rock Island, East Moline, Eldridge, Le Claire and surrounding communities make informed window replacement decisions based on education rather than sales pressure.

Every consultation includes a discussion of ENERGY STAR® certification, NFRC ratings, frame construction, Low-E glass packages, insulated glass technology, spacer systems, installation practices and long-term warranty protection. Their approach helps homeowners choose windows that reduce winter heat loss, improve comfort during humid Midwest summers and provide dependable performance for decades.

By focusing on quality products, meticulous installation and responsive service after the sale, Darin and JR help homeowners make investments that improve both comfort and long-term home value.

The Right Contractor Delivers Long-Term Value

✔ Better Comfort

Proper installation helps eliminate drafts and improve indoor temperatures.

✔ Greater Energy Efficiency

Professional air sealing helps reduce heating and cooling costs throughout the year.

✔ Fewer Future Repairs

Quality workmanship helps prevent many common installation-related problems.

✔ High Return on Investment

Choosing the right contractor helps maximize the performance, durability and resale value of your replacement windows.

Bottom Line

Before hiring a window contractor, ask detailed questions about the products, installation process, air sealing, warranties, service and experience. The answers will often tell you far more than the price alone. A well-installed, ENERGY STAR® certified window can provide decades of comfort, lower energy costs and outstanding value—but only when it's backed by experienced professionals committed to doing the job right.

What Questions Should I Ask Before Hiring a Window Contractor? | Quad Cities Window Buying Guide