6. What is the company’s workmanship warranty?
Typically, contractor workmanship warranties are for two year or more. Longer warranties are not necessarily more valuable than shorter warranties. The length of the warranty is less important than the intent and ability of the contractor to stand behind his warranty. The professional contractor often performs well beyond the written warranty period because he knows that this is what builds customer loyalty and referrals.
Automatically reject any contractor with an unbelievable warranty. The warranty is just a sales tool to that contractor and you don’t know what other “bill of goods” you have been sold.
The long-term warranty is provided by the manufacturer. It is critical to be assured that the product will be installed according to the manufacturer specifications, or there will be no warranty regardless of the document you were provided. With many materials, the warranty is often only valid if the contractor is “Certified” to install the product.
Ask to see the contractor’s training and certification certificate from the manufacturer. Call the manufacturer to determine if it is valid and the contractor is still in good standing.
Professional contractors will have no problem providing this proof, in fact, they will usually present their credentials before being asked.