5 Questions to Ask Before Buying Windows & Doors | Ep. 4

Forgetting to ask about the warranty when buying windows and doors is like buying a car without checking if it has brakes. In Episode 4 of Stay Glassy, Newman Windows and Doors pros Maria and Duncan walk through the five best questions every homeowner should ask before signing a contract — from what's actually included in the quote to who's responsible if something goes wrong years later. Whether you're replacing one window or your entire home, these questions could save you from a very costly mistake.

The 5 Best Questions to Ask Before Replacing Your Windows and Doors.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

• A quote that just says “10 vinyl windows — $11,000” tells you almost nothing — everything must be specified in writing before you sign
• Make sure the company you hire offers multiple product types, materials, and manufacturers — a company with only one option will try to sell you that option regardless of fit
• California's Title 24 energy code requires specific glass, frame, and insulation specifications — buying the wrong windows can mean doing the entire project twice
• Window and door installation in California requires a C17 Glazing Contractor's License — general contractors cannot legally install windows and doors alone
• AAMA-certified installers (American Architectural Manufacturers Association) represent the highest standard for window and door installation in the US
• If an uninsured installer is injured at your home, your homeowner's insurance policy becomes the target — always verify workers' compensation coverage
• “Lifetime guarantee” means very different things from different manufacturers — always ask what parts are covered, for how long, and whether labor is included
• The installation warranty and the product warranty are two separate things — both matter, and both need to be in writing
• The contract is everything — if it's not written down, it doesn't exist

Question 1: What's Included in the Quote?

A proper quote isn't a number on a business card — it's a detailed document specifying the manufacturer, window style, opening type, glass upgrades (low-E, tempered, decorative), installation, permit pulling, haul-away of old product, and final cleanup. If structural work is involved — framing, stucco repair, drywall, electrical, or plumbing — that needs to be addressed too. Anything hidden inside a wall only reveals itself once the opening is made. The rule: if you expect it to be included, make sure it's written into the contract. A verbal yes means nothing if it's not on paper.

Question 2: Do You Offer All Types of Windows and Doors?

A company that carries only one product line will sell you that product regardless of whether it's the best fit for your home, your climate, or your needs. The right company offers multiple manufacturers, multiple materials (vinyl, fiberglass, wood, composite), multiple door types (entry, patio, French, bifold, garage), and multiple styles. This variety means they can actually match the right product to your specific situation — not convince you that their one option covers every scenario from the beach to the mountains.

Question 3: Are the Windows and Doors Energy Efficient and Do They Meet Title 24?

California's Title 24 is one of the strictest energy codes in the country, governing the thermal performance of walls, windows, and doors. Windows must meet specific requirements for low-E glass, argon gas fill, frame insulation values, and more — and those requirements vary by location and sun exposure. Buying windows that don't meet Title 24 and then having a building inspector catch it during permit review means removing and replacing the entire job. There are no takebacks on custom-made windows. Always confirm compliance before the order is placed.

Question 4: Is Installation Included — and Are the Installers Licensed, Insured, and Certified?

Installation must be specified in the contract — who is doing it, whether they're company employees or subcontractors, and what their credentials are. In California, window and door installation is a specialty trade requiring a C17 Glazing Contractor's License. General contractors are not legally permitted to sell and install windows and doors as a standalone scope of work. Beyond licensing, the highest installation standard is AAMA certification (American Architectural Manufacturers Association), which governs correct flashing technique — the water management system that directs moisture down and out of a wall rather than into it. Incorrect flashing is one of the most common and costly installation errors. Also verify workers' compensation coverage: if an uninsured installer is injured at your property, your homeowner's insurance becomes the target.

Question 5: What Warranty Do I Get — and Is It Backed by Both the Manufacturer and the Installer?

Not all lifetime warranties are created equal. Some cover glass for only five years. Some cover parts but not labor. Some cover neither. The glass itself is the inexpensive part — it's the labor to remove and reinstall a failed unit that costs ten times as much. Get specific answers: what is covered, for how long, and does it include labor? Then ask the same questions about the installation warranty separately, because that's a completely different coverage from a completely different source. Both need to be in writing. A manufacturer warranty without an installation warranty leaves a significant gap in your protection.

What is low-E glass and do I need it in California? Low-E stands for low emissivity — a coating on the glass that slows the transfer of heat and cold across the surface. It significantly reduces UV transmission, which protects flooring, furniture, and fabrics from fading. California's Title 24 energy code requires low-E glass on virtually all residential window replacements. Newman Windows and Doors installs it on 99% of the windows they sell.

What is Title 24 and why does it matter? Title 24 is California's residential energy code, governing the thermal performance of walls, windows, doors, and other building envelope components. It requires specific combinations of insulation, glass coatings, argon gas fill, and frame values. Requirements vary by climate zone and sun exposure. Installing non-compliant windows and then failing a building inspection means removing and replacing the entire job — at full cost, with no refund on the original product.

What is a C17 license and why does it matter? A C17 Glazing Contractor's License is the California specialty trade license required for window and door installation. General contractors are not legally permitted to sell and install windows and doors as a standalone project. Always verify that the company performing your installation holds the correct license — not just a general contractor's license or a handyman registration.

What does AAMA certification mean for window installers? AAMA stands for the American Architectural Manufacturers Association. AAMA-certified installers have been trained on the correct installation methods for windows and doors, including proper flashing technique — the water management system that ensures moisture moves down and out of the wall rather than into the framing. Incorrect flashing is one of the most common causes of long-term water damage in homes. AAMA certification represents the highest installation standard in the industry.