When shop[ping for replacement doors or windows, how do you guys choose a vendor? Not the product, but the installer company. I've sat through these pitches of the windows salespeople and have no interest in doing that. Is there an easy way to weed out the snakes? What about their pricing...they start super high and keep going down. How do you just find someone who will give you a fair price up front?

Stavs

personally, I went to my favorite lumber yard and asked them for contractor recs. it cost me no more or less. I don't trust home improvement companys for windows. I have no good reason. But it worked out well for me.

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!#$@@$#!

Nolite manducare flavo.

I'd do it from someone who doesn't have salespeople to support, tv and print ads to pay for, and a showroom to support. You're paying for all that.

I agree with Fritz. Also, getting recomendations on remodelers from friends/relatives makes sense. Look at their work before you hire them.

I always check to see if one of the installers will help on a weekend. Then I go and pick out the door on some new construction, and get that person to help UNinstall it from its current place, and REinstall it in yours.

Much cheaper that way.

jp, that sounds like theft, if I'm not mistaken.
are you a bushie?

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!#$@@$#!

Nolite manducare flavo.

Fritz, theft is such a dirty word. Let's just call it...product re-assignment.

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- Jack D.




New tasteless sig coming soon!

Start by Not hiring the co that sends you the barrage of flyers in the mail or left hanging on your doorknob. Goes double for the one that sends the guys cold-call knocking on your door (usually the same co as the 1st one).

The idea of asking for a referral from a supplier you might buy the materials from is a good one. I'll add this: ask for the reco, then follow up w/the question, "is that a relative of yours?" -If yes, get a 2nd reco.

Liberation was my word prior, but I know prefer product reassignment.

What Fritz said. Then, ask that contractor for recommendations.

I used Lumber company's referral process.

Got a guy who I'm sure was top notch to come out and give an estimate (followed up in writing like a good little contractor) but the price was very very high.

Got a neighbor who's a remodeller to do it for much less.

Local hardware stores are good places to find the little guys.

Tip: get yerself a wiki and start building your own database of go-to people-- plumbing, handywork, electricity, windows, etc. Use it every time you get a new name.

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I suffer from the same sensitivity that you do. A few nuggets of wisdom were shared with me and I'm "trying" to incorporate them into my life. First, remember that nobody can hurt your feelings unless you let them. You can always reject what is being forced on you emotionally.
Second, nothing changes unless you change it. If you don't want the behavior to be repeated then you need to take action. Otherwise the kid has learned that his behavior is the way to get things done, because everyone lets him get away with it.
In the meantime I sympathize because I've been there.
-beerman