Rusco Windows and Doors, Inc.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
VINYL SIDING AND TRIM 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 net 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.

WHY VINYL SIDING AND TRIM CAN BE THE BEST CHOICE FOR YOU

Whether you intend to live in your home for many more years, or are thinking of selling in the near future, the outside of your house is a very important feature. First impressions are sometimes lasting, and a peeling, faded, beat up paint or siding exterior can give the impressions that the inside is not much better, causing you embarrassment, a reduced selling price, or even a sale. Your home can also be greatly damaged if the wood or siding begins to rot and dampness and termites get an easy entry. You should not wait until the outside of your house is in such a sad state before you do something about it. Waiting can cost you more money!

Repainting the exterior can be costly and the end result is short-lived. Although new exterior paints are safer and easier to apply, a paint job does not last very long. Vinyl siding is practically permanent and is therefore, cost-efficient.

Vinyl siding comes in an array of colors and textures, some of which simulate wood. It is easy to maintain and doesn't chip or peel.

To get the best vinyl siding and installation for the best price does not always mean cheapest price. Siding is available in different grades and the installation can be excellent, mediocre or poor. Bargain prices come in many shapes and forms, usually as lower grade than needed product, poor workmanship, and scrimping and "cutting corners".

To get the best siding and the best job at the best price, you should look for the following:

Steel as the first course on a house. Some contractors use wood, which is not a good choice because wood can swell and cause the first row of vinyl to lock in place. This will prevent the natural expansion and contraction needed by vinyl and cause the siding to buckle.
Hand cutting, hand sizing and hand nailing of every piece of vinyl. Some contractors use a nail gun. Although quicker, nail guns can drive nails into the wall too tightly, thereby preventing the siding's natural expansion and contraction. This can cause the siding to warp and buckle. Also, be sure the contractor uses rust-proof nails, so long streaks of rust will not eventually mar your siding.
Marking of the walls around the entire house with a chalk line. This will ensure that all courses of the siding line up neatly and evenly to the eye. If this is eliminated, the house can look uneven and lopsided.
A special tab system (called perma tab) to secure the top course of siding. The Perma Tab permanently solves the problem of the top course of siding (known as the cornice) coming loose. Some contractors will crimp or face nail the cornice. This incompetence can void the manufacturer's warranty as well as cause the cornice to fall off after a storm.
A neat finish around your windows and doors. Many contractors use caulking to finish off the edge of the siding where it meets windows and doors. Caulking can dry out and leave an ugly gap. A special trim, known as J channel should be used to prevent this problem.
Outside light fixtures should be installed on the siding with specially fabricated mounting blocks to prevent damage to the siding. Some contractors install outside light fixtures by cutting the siding with a utility knife, allowing air, moisture and bugs to get behind the siding.