Rusco Windows and Doors, Inc.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WINDOWS BEFORE YOU BUY

Improving your home is one of the most important investments you can make. Since you have taken the time to investigate and get the facts about remodeling before you begin your project, you are obviously a cautious consumer, the kind reputable firms, like ours, want to deal with.

Reading this report will take only a few minutes of your time. Take the time. It can help prevent you from being ripped off by unscrupulous, "fly-by-night" contractors and save you money and days of aggravation.

With the hair-raising stories you read about how people of all ages from all different kinds of neighborhoods have been overcharged and cheated by high-priced window retailers and dishonest contractors, you need a guide like this to help you choose a reputable, dependable contractor with quality products and workmanship.

If you have been seriously considering some home remodeling, you will find this report to be extremely valuable. Inside you will find information on how to choose the right contractor, how to avoid disreputable "companies" and how to get the best product and job at the best price.

Scam Artists

The most common scheme scam-artist "remodelers" use to pressure people into signing a contract is the "show home" or "advertising" discount. This scam offers you a "deep discount" if you allow the contractors to use your home as a show home to get them more jobs and if you sign a contract "right now!" This trick is as old as they come. Yet it gets thousands of people nationwide. Obviously, their prices are so marked up, the "discount" is totally useless. Plus, though they say it is a limited offer, it isn't. Everyone is offered the same "special" discount. Don't be fooled! The only "special" consideration you'll get is more aggravation with incompetent work.

Another common scam of unscrupulous contractors is the "keep our workers busy" tale. This sad tale says that this is a "slow season" and they must keep their workers busy; therefore, if you sign right now and put their workers on the job, they'll give you a discount worth thousands. Don't be fooled! If they're in a hurry to do the work, they'll be in a hurry to run out before you can complain!

Fly-By-Night Operators

Another major ploy that costs people thousands of dollars every year is the fly-by-night operator. These are door-to-door handyman companies that may not be contractors at all. Never allow them into your home until you have checked them out thoroughly! You read every day about people claiming to be contractors entering a home, and while one keeps the homeowner busy, the other one is robbing the house.

Often, even if these people are not out to rob you and your house, they are out to cheat you. Sometimes they get a sizeable down payment and run off with your money. Some start the job and never finish. And others do such a sloppy, inferior job that you have to chase after them to come back and clean up the site and/or fix their mistakes...if they will! Sometimes you may need to hire someone else, at additional cost to you, to complete or correct the job. Remember! You don't get something for nothing. If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is!

Overpriced National Retail Chain Contractors

Today it's popular to have a national retail chain contract do your windows and doors. Although these companies may be recognized and reputable, they often do not do the work themselves. Sometimes they sub-contract the job to someone else, thereby introducing a third party for you to deal with, which may be a problem.

QUESTIONS TO ASK A CONTRACTOR BEFORE YOU MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

It's always a good idea to ask potential contractors a series of important questions before you even make an appointment with them to discuss your job. The answers to these questions up front may save you lots of frustration later.

Do you carry general liability insurance?
Be sure your contractor carries general liability insurance. This type of insurance protects you and your property in case of damage caused by contractors and/or their employees. The insurance company will pay the cost of replacing and/or repairing any damage that occurs.
Do you carry workman's compensation insurance?
Be sure your contractor carries workman's compensation insurance. Workman's compensation insurance protects you from liability if a worker is injured while on your property. If your contractor does not carry workman's compensation insurance, you may be liable for any injuries suffered by the company's employees while on your property. If the contractor does carry workman's compensation insurance, you may want to ask to see a copy of the policy.
Will you provide me with written references?
A reputable contractor should gladly provide you with references. You should look for a well-established contractor who can give you several customer references. Call the references to ask how the contractor performed. Go and see some of the contractor's work. Also, be sure the contractor is financially sound and won't be going bankrupt in the middle of your project.
How do you handle your "clean up"?
A contractor should have respect for your property. A clean worksite is necessary to a good remodeling project. At the end of the day the contractor should clean up debris and neatly store and stack tools and materials. When the job is finished, the contractor should wipe the window and/or door frames and clean up the floors.
How long have you been in business?
Select a company with an established business history in your community. The longer a company has remained in business, the more likely it is a reputable company with an established customer base.
Who will be the project supervisor?
Good communication and diligence is the key to a successful remodeling project. Get the name(s) and phone number(s) of the person(s) in charge of your project. Ideally, there will be one person in charge of your project from manufacturing to installation.
What percentage of your business is repeat or referral business?
It is important for your peace of mind that a significant portion of a contractor's business comes from repeat and referral customers. Repeat and referral business is a good indication that a contractor is trustworthy, performs good work and has satisfied customers.
How many projects, like mine, have you completed?
This is a good indication of how much experience the contractor has had in completing your type of project.

HOW TO SELECT THE RIGHT, REPUTABLE CONTRACTOR

Choose an established contractor with a business history in the community. A company that is a member of its Chamber of Commerce, sponsors an athletic team or event in the community and has a roster of repeat and referral customers is most likely trustworthy and reputable.
Be sure your contractor will give you both a written material and written labor warranty. Most products come with a manufacturer's guarantee, which guarantees the product against manufacturing defects. This is different from a written labor warranty, which insures that any defect in workmanship is repaired or replaced by the contractor at no expense to you. Many contractors and retailers will not provide you with a written labor warranty. Do not contract with them to do your work. If they don't feel confident enough to guarantee their work, they may know something you do not! Perhaps their work isn't good enough for a guarantee. Our workmanship is guaranteed for one year with extended warranties available.
Plan your project with a qualified specialist. If, for example, you are considering new windows in the near future, sit down with a professional expert and discuss your project. Ask questions. Get a free project evaluation with a detailed analysis of your project. Any reputable company will provide this. They will discuss your concerns and give you expert recommendations. They should not pressure you into signing any contract.

WHY RUSCO IS A REPUTABLE CONTRACTOR WHO
CAN DO THE JOB THE WAY IT SHOULD BE DONE

Rusco has been serving the community for 68 years. It is a family-owned and operated business that is proud of its history of repeat and referral customers. That alone is the best testimonial to Rusco's reputation as a window contractor. When you choose Rusco to do your job, you get the products, the workmanship and the service that are important to you. You get:

Experience. Since 1937, Rusco has been enhancing and improving homes to increase their beauty, comfort and market value.
Written references, if you wish.
Quality products. You always get the best choice for your home.
Highly skilled, conscientious installers. All have at least 10 years of experience in the industry. All are fully insured.
Projects that fit your finances and needs.
Concerted efforts to meet your deadlines.
The name of another competent contractor, if Rusco is unable to take on your project.
Guarantees.. and no maintenance problems. We are here if you need us.
Interested people who listen to your concerns to ensure your project is completed the way you want it. Your project is supervised by the same person from proposal through installation. You always know who to call.
Complete handling of the job in-house. We handle all phases of the job, from design to clean up.
Clean, daily picked-up worksite; we will treat your home with as much care as if it were our own.
A written proposal for your project, so you know what we are doing and why we are doing it.
No hidden surprises. Everything is included up front.

THE FACTS ABOUT WINDOWS

Your windows are the most visible parts of your home. They contribute greatly to a home's first and often lasting impression. New windows are a worthwhile investment because, not only can they add to the beauty of the outside of your home, but they can bring more comfort to the inside and provide many benefits.

Fact One
Today's windows are easy to operate and maintain. New materials, such as vinyl/thermal frames, eliminate most window maintenance (scraping, painting, caulking), modern mechanical components prevent windows from squeaking and sticking.

Modern windows also stay bright, and when cleaning is necessary, make it easier and safer to do, because many windows tilt in for inside cleaning of the outer glass, thereby eliminating the need to climb ladders.

Fact Two
Today's windows are safer than older models. Superior, stronger locks, welded sashes and frames and other new innovations, such as built-in night latches, allow the window to be opened for ventilation, yet remain locked, for safety.

Fact Three
Today's windows are cost-effective. New insulated-glass designs, glass coatings and improved frame insulated save energy, thereby cutting energy costs dramatically. The bottom line is...Your home is more comfortable, while it costs you less to heat and cool.

Fact Four
Today's windows complement any style of any home. Modern windows come in a variety of shapes, styles, designs and colors. Attractive bay windows, panoramic bow and picture windows, convenient sliding and casement (crank-out) windows, decorative kitchen-garden windows and traditional double-hung (up and down movement) windows are available to improve the appearance and comfort of your home. New windows are a source of pride and new vitality for any home.

New windows are an important investment. Choose your window professional carefully. Read on to find out how to avoid getting ripped off.

HOW TO GET THE BEST WINDOWS AT THE BEST PRICE

We all love a bargain and sometimes an attractive low price is hard to resist. But shopping for new windows is not very different from shopping for anything else. Most times, a bargain is not a really a bargain, and you get what you pay for! Does that mean that a low price is always a no-no? Not always...but you must ask yourself, "What am I not getting? What shortcut is being taken? Do I want to settle for lower quality? How will this product and job stand the test of time?"

Windows, like almost everything else, vary in quality. Hardware-store or builder-supply-store replacement windows are usually not great quality. Often they are a standard lower than what you should get.

To get the best window at the best price, look for the following:

An insulated window. Insulated windows have two panes of glass, instead of just one, because the air space between the two panes helps keep out the bitter cold or extreme heat; insulated windows reduce the cost of heating and cooling bills and dramatically reduce outside noise. A good contractor will install windows with a 5/8" air space between panes. Anything more or less than this will not adequately insulate your home from bitter cold or extreme heat. Insulated windows without the proper amount of air space between panes may be less expensive than those with 5/8" air space, but in the long haul, they are not a good value.
An insulated window with a special interceptor spacer. Many cheaper insulated windows have a metal spacer separating the two panes of glass. These windows are a poor value, even though they are insulated. They are prone to seal failure and allow the cold air to jump from pane to pane and into your home. A quality insulated window is made with an interceptor spacer, which is made from special alloys and mastic compounds and prevents seal failure. When the 5/8" space between the panes is filled with a super-efficient gas called argon, the windows have even more insulating power for maximum efficiency.
Windows with vinyl frames. Many contractors cut corners by installing windows made from inferior frame material. Window frames can be made from aluminum, wood or vinyl. Aluminum is the least effective frame material since it is the worst weather insulator and needs to be repainted. Wood can warp and swell, so windows become difficult to open. By far, the most efficient and lowest maintenance material for window frames is vinyl. Vinyl provides unsurpassed strength, air-tight insulation and won't warp, chip, rust or stain. Because of its easy maintenance and energy efficiency, vinyl is the most economical choice for window frames. In addition, vinyl frames are quieter to operate.
Windows made from floated glass. At one time or another, you've been annoyed by a slight wavy distortion in the glass, along with other imperfections, such as pits. These problems occur because of inferior glass, which is rolled over steel bars when it is being manufactured, thereby giving it the wavy look. Floated glass eliminates this problem because during its manufacture, the glass is floated on a bed of liquid tin, creating a much smoother, clearer finish. Also, superior glass has a special clear coating, called Low E (short for Low Emissivity), which reflects summer heat without affecting visibility (no tinting). Low E can reduce your heating costs and help prevent fading of drapes, carpets and upholstery. Some contractors save money by using windows with inferior glass that distorts and lacks the cost-efficient Low E.
Windows that fit precisely. Some contractors will try to save a little money by installing standard-sized windows in a space where they don't fit properly. These are not a good value because as a house settles, the window openings are never perfectly square and level. As a result, the contractor may try to shimmy or build up the window opening, which does not always insure a precise fit and air-tight installation. The best way to make a window fit is to measure the opening and custom make the window to fit the opening. Although this method may sound expensive, it does not cost much more to have a custom-make window than a standard-sized one. Eventually it is more economical, since you're assured of a custom fit, and an air-tight window is more energy-efficient and cost-effective.
A contractor who will finish off the job with little extras that will enhance the beauty and value of the windows. These little extras include custom capping of the exterior trim around your windows, sealing the trim with a special silicone sealant, (instead of inexpensive caulking that could dry out, shrink and leave a gap) and neatly finishing off the edge of the window capping to prevent draft. And, of course, your home should be left neat and clean and not as if a tornado hit it.

Remember, you don't get something for nothing. Choose your windows and your contractor wisely and look for value, not the cheapest price.