How do you find a contractor?

I need a contractor to install vinyl windows. I don't know anyone who has replaced their windows and all the houses in this addition have the old aluminum windows they were built with. When I call the supplier, they won't give me any names. They say their list is so long they can't pick one out for me. What are the magic words that get information out of these guys. They also tell me they only sell to contractors and I can't find another place to get the Simonton windows that I'm wanting so I have to find a contractor who buys from them. That doesn't make sense . I want to buy one of the products they sell but they won't tell me which contractors they sell to. What are the tricks to finding a contractor who installs the windows that I want? This is so frustrating!

 

You didn't say which supplier you tried, but if it was Norandex, that IS the way they do things......it's their idea of how to "protect" contractors.....whatever....

Did you try these also ( I'm not from there, but I got this from the Simonton website):



ABC Supply Co.
1131 Enterprise Ave
Suite 20
Oklahoma City, OK 73128
(405)947-8116
(405)942-0125 Fax

All American Bldg Prod
701 North Villa
Oklahoma City, OK 73107
(800)804-7003
(405)232-1951 Fax


ABC Supply Co.
1400 Exchange Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73108
(800)669-5305
(405)232-1640 Fax

 

I tried ABC and All American. They both gave me the same story. I emailed Simonton about this since they say on their website to call their dealers to get the name of a contractor. They are supposed to answer within 24 hours. We'll see.

 

Wow......sounds like ya'll got a little Midwest protection racket going there

Here, there are two dealers, Norandex that does about what you describe, and the place I buy from that will price the windows to anyone and gladly give the names of installers like me that will put 'em in.......I guess THEY are interested in selling windows, because I've been over to Norandex and they do sell some, but it's nothing like the volume the second place sells.

But if ALL the dealers get together and decide NOT to sell to the public, that will sure slow up competition, huh?

So, take a day off and go "stake out" one of the busier places....watch for guys getting windows loaded on their truck, and just go up to them and talk.....and maybe go follow 'em to a job to see their work.....

IF THEY can't buy the windows ( which most likely they can...if they are in there every day or so, they are considered a "contractor"....the "rules" are generally pretty loose as far as the supply places are concerned unless you need something like a A/C certification to buy freon or something like that ), THEN:

Wander on down to the county offices and get yourself a business license ( I think it's about $25 here to start, then a % of your gross sales after that ), call yourself "Terry's Wonderful World of Windows" or something, then go back to the supply place with your brand new license and "ACT" like a contractor....get price sheets and let 'em know you're going to the NEXT dadgum place next for the same deal....get a credit app like you intend to set up an account there ( and pitch it in the trash later )...( or go ahead and sumbit it, whatever ....)

Get the installer to measure, go back and order a set of windows, pay cash upfront IF they want money ( most will not ) with the excuse "your accountant" is still working on all the paper work and you "just want to get started as you sold your first job already" if they even remember to ask about the account setup....

Get your windows put in....then wander on back down to the county and "go out of business"

That's quite a game to have to play, but you'll get your windows in for about $200-250 apiece....compare that with a few estimates of some companies you get "full price" quotes from and see how that compares. With the "racket" they have going there, I'll just about bet the average price is $400-500 /window in your area.

 

Andy, I thought all of these "trade secrets" were supposed to be sacred info!! And now you go and make it so easy for Terry. Thanks pal. I mean it -- THANKS PAL!!

 

Thanks for sharing the "sacred info". The quotes I've gotten so far come out to $450. a window. I called one of those suppliers again and got a woman this time who was alot more helpful. She said that one of the other guys is going to stop carrying Simonton for some reason so that might be why they weren't too eager to give me any names. I'm going to save this info and use these trade secrets if needed. I've almost got myself talked into doing this window installation myself if I can get the windows.

 

$450/window.......can I call 'em or what