HOA-Approved & Maintenance-Free Windows

Homeowners' Associations have many goals. One primary goal is to establish a standard that will maintain home values by regulating the type and style of exterior remodeling. Properly regulated, association guidelines maintain the integrity of the neighborhood. Occasionally that means that a homeowner is prevented from achieving their remodeling goals.

When it comes to replacing your windows, many homeowners' associations consider vinyl windows unworthy of supporting the aesthetic style of the neighborhood and do not permit homeowners to install these maintenance-free windows. While many homeowners like the inexpensive price tag of vinyl windows, the Association knows that the product will not age well and that it will affect the future look of the neighborhood. Another alternative - wood windows - while initially attractive, can force the homeowner to maintain windows that degrade more rapidly due to the elements. This can become very costly for the homeowner and create unease between the homeowner and the association.

Fortunately, Andersen Windows has come up with a win-win solution for homeowners and their associations. Renewal by Andersen Replacement Windows are maintenance-free and have been approved by homeowners' associations all over the country. The window frames are not vinyl, but made of a patented superior product called Fibrex. This material takes a beating and still looks beautiful without any maintenance. In fact, the windows are self-cleaning and they come in three accent colors to frame your windows and enhance your home's exterior.

Choosing A Remodeling Contractor Part 2: Taking Time Up Front

Take time up front. The single best way to determine the professionalism of a contractor is to take tie up front. Allow yourself a minimum of one hour to sit down with each contractor where questions flow in both directions. Both of you will need to explore the issues, products, and pricing alternatives. Real professionals will want to invest time to explain their services in detail, uncover any questions, and analyze all issues involved.

Understand the contractor. Just as you are qualifying a contractor, the professional contractor is qualifying you. If you seem unreasonable, he may not bid your job. For example, if you do not allow the contractor ample time to review the project so that he is confident you understand everything about it, the professional will often not bid. Professional contractors fear a bad experience or lack of referrals when a non-satisfied homeowner has unrealistic expectations. Just as the professional realizes the critical aspect of this first meeting, the non-professional contractor is satisfied with a limited discussion of the project. This often results in work falling short of the customer's expectations.

Next: Getting the contractor to bid your job.