Questions to Ask a Glass Installation Company Before Working with Them
When you decide to upgrade your home with new windows, glass shower doors, or custom glass features, it’s important to choose the right installers. For the best finished product, choose a professional residential glass installation company in the Twin Cities that brings top-level glass craftsmanship, great communication, and local experience to the job.
So how do you know you can trust a local Twin Cities glass company with your residential installation? Here are a few good questions you should ask before signing a contract.
Question 1: “How Long Have You Been Serving the Twin Cities Area?”
Installing glass in Minnesota – especially exterior windows – requires greater attention to detail than in warmer climates. Local homes annually endure freezing winters, summer humidity, and extreme temperature swings. This means proper glass sealing and insulation are critical.
It’s important to work with a residential glass company in the Twin Cities that is well-versed in local building codes and knows how to prevent condensation and seal failures. Ideally, your glass installers should also have experience working in both older homes and new construction. A glass company with years of local experience will almost always perform better than a novice contractor unfamiliar with working in this climate.
Question #2: “Are You Fully Licensed and Insured for Residential Glass Installation?”
Any trustworthy residential glass contractor in the Twin Cities will be properly licensed and insured. This protects you from liability and guarantees the company meets glass industry standards. Before you sign a contract, ask your glass installation company to provide proof of liability insurance, worker’s compensation, and state/local licensing. Professional glass installers should also know what permits may be required for their work and obtain them if needed.
Question #3: “Can I See Examples of Your Residential Glass Work?”
Not all Minneapolis-St. Paul glass companies specialize in residential projects. Some focus primarily on commercial storefronts or large-scale builds. For your home, you want a contractor with experience installing the glass products you need, whether that’s a custom glass shower enclosure, windows, or vanity mirrors.
Before signing a contract, take a look at before-and-after photos, customer testimonials, and local project examples. A reputable Twin Cities glass company should be proud to showcase their work.
Question #4: “What is Included in the Estimate and Could There Be Any Additional Costs?”
From your first phone call or consultation, a glass installation company should provide clear, transparent communication. A reputable residential glass contractor in the Twin Cities will provide a detailed estimate in writing, clearly outlining all costs such as materials and labor. They should also be upfront about whether or not there could be extra costs down the line.
Common red flags of an unreliable glass company include being vague about pricing, avoiding written documentation, and pressuring you to sign a contract quickly. Avoid a contractor that does any of these things.
Question #5: “How Experienced is Your Team with Residential Glass Installation?”
High-quality installation is even more important than high-quality glass products. With inadequate installation, glass can fail long before its ordinary lifespan is over. A trusted Twin Cities residential glass company should have years of proven experience in this area. If you want to verify that you’re dealing with experts, you can try asking more specific follow-up questions like:
- “How do you measure for custom installations?”
- “What sealants do you use for your glass products?”
- “How do you make sure that glass is airtight and watertight?”
Question #6: “Can You Provide References or Reviews from Twin Cities Homeowners?”
A residential glass company that has served the Twin Cities community for years has likely earned trust project by project. Your contractor may be able to provide references or they may steer you toward online reviews on Google, Yelp, Facebook, and other resources.
The important thing is that the Minneapolis-St. Paul glass installation company has an overall positive reception. A majority of good reviews shows that a contractor can be trusted for quality work. Avoid a glass contractor that has many bad reviews, or no reviews or references of any kind.
Make the Right Choice with Hopkins Glass & Glazing
For more than 55 years, Hopkins Glass & Glazing has built strong relationships with local homeowners by providing high-quality work and clear communication that leaves every customer satisfied. Reach out to us today if you’d like a quote for our professional residential glass installation services in the greater Twin Cities area!