Picking a glass company can make the difference in your remodeling
project. Be sure to use the various resources at your disposal,
including the BBB, Contractors State License Bureau, and online review
sites.
Picking a glass company can make the difference in your remodeling project. Here are a few points that may help you out:
#1 is here for a reason. It is your most important first step. Hit the BBB web site
(or call them) and research the company. BBB's primary function is to
help you figure out who the bad guys are. It is amazing that it is used
so infrequently.
Check with your local Contractors State License Bureau.
This should tell you if they have a license (so will BBB) and if they
are in good standing. It may also tell you what they have for insurance
(e.g. liability, workers comp, state mandated bond). It may also tell
you when they were started and alert you to recent ownership changes.
You may also find that their license is under suspension!
Social Networking.
There are dozens of sites out there (of varying degrees of
reliability) that will give you ratings on your potential glass
companies. Unlike BBB these results can be padded by unscrupulous
companies. In theory, they are responses by other consumers like you.
Mixed in with that are disgruntled employees, competitors filing false
reports and the companies themselves padding the reports.
Angie's List.
Angie's List is a social networking site that you, the consumer pay a
modest fee to join. Postings to the site are ALL reviewed by Angie and
her staff and can only be entered by other members. Angie's members are
encouraged to rate everyone they use as a vendor.
How long have they been in business and do they have a showroom.
In economic tough times, as shops close, many of their employees will
start working out of their garage. Great for a cheap price -- but not
so good if you need warranty work or replacement parts.
Industry affiliations.
Industry affiliations like the NGA (National Glass Association) AGA
(America's Glass Association), CGA (California Glass Association) give
an indication that the company cares about and invests in their industry
and in doing quality work. Membership in the BBB, especially with a
high rating, is another good sign.
What is your opinion of the companies' representative. Did he ask good questions, arrive on time and seem to care about what YOU want? If not, move on.
Look for companies who give you choices. If they only carry one brand, what makes you think it is the best fit for you?
Beware the low bidder.
If you shop based on the lowest price, don't be surprised if the
quality matches the price. Ask the bidders about what differences there
might be. Remember, low quality will be with you for a lot longer that
the few dollars you might save on the low bid.
Finally, when the job is all done, use the mechanisms listed above to reward the glass supplier
with a favorable rating or to warn others to stay away. BBB and the
Contractors State License Bureau can assist you in settling a dispute.
Bob
Eugley is the owner of Mirror Shower & Glass in San Diego. Bob has
over 24 years of experience in the glass industry and currently
specializes in high end residential construction and remodeling
projects. Visit www.mirrorshowerandglass.com for more information on his glass company.
