Contracts for Replacement Windows

You’ve done your research on different companies and different kinds of vinyl windows, and now you’re ready to sign a contract for your replacement windows. But before you sign, there are a few things to consider first.

Contracts often become a point of contention between the window company and the homeowner, because they are ultimately the document that will rule out who is right and who is wrong. That is because in the event of a dispute everything will come down to what is written in the contract.

While a project consultant may discuss a lot of things with you, and even heed to extra things you’re asking for, the company is ultimately only responsible for what is written in the contract. Sometimes this happens on purpose and a project consultant will verbally agree to your demands knowing full well they can’t fulfill them and not put them on the contract. Other times, things get forgotten and it may simply be a human mistake that something you were promised did not end up on paper.

In either case, it is up to you to go over the contract carefully before signing and ensure that everything you wanted is put down in writing. Once you sign the contract, you are essentially agreeing with everything that is on that paper.

Make sure that everything you want is clearly written on the contract for your new windows and doors. Here is what you should look for:

• Go through the details for each window with the representative to make sure that the windows you will be ordering are, in fact, the ones that you want.
• If there are extras that you want to be done such as drape removal and installation, that is something that you will most likely need to go over and add to the contract.
• Make sure that the types of windows, window styles, and the type of installation are all clearly written out in the contract.
• There should be a date for when the entire project is to be completed.
• The price on the contract should be the final price that you pay for the windows. There shouldn’t be hidden fees, and the company should not be hounding you for more money once the project is finished.
• Be sure that every point of agreement between you and the contractor is clearly written out in the contract.
• Make sure the contract is signed by both parties before anything work happens.

Go over all warranty terms with the contractor before you sign off. If there are issues that you need clarification on, ask questions and get the clarifications in writing.

Canceling a window contract

For whatever reason, you may want to cancel a contract. Regardless of why, there are laws in Canada that protect your rights as a consumer to do so. By law, you have 10 days from the day the contract is signed to cancel it and receive a full refund. Most companies won’t, and shouldn’t begin to process and manufacture your custom windows until that time period has passed. In some cases you may need to submit a written confirmation that you want your contract cancelled, but most of the time it’s as simple as giving your sales representative a call. If a contract is cancelled within the ten days, the company isn’t allowed to hold any of your money back.

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