Navigating a window wonderland

Purchasing windows and doors in Hawaii can be really confusing — so many companies with so many promises. How does a homeowner know what to do? What are the right questions to ask? How do you tell the difference between a good or a bad window? What is a good installation versus a bad installation? It’s just confusing. All the windows look the same and all companies say they are the best. Who can a homeowner believe? How does a homeowner even begin to choose?

Here are some hints on how to choose the right company — window product and installation techniques. Hopefully after reading this Hawaii homeowners will be akamai and not rush a decision or pay too much for too little because a salesman talks good.

First, pick an established company. Remember you are purchasing a lifetime product. Homeowners want someone to be there when you need them. For Hawaii homeowners, it’s smart to pick a locally owned and operated company. A lot of mainland people come to Hawaii and start businesses and make plenty of promises, but in my experience, 99% of those companies fold. So, buy local and you’ll be glad you did later down the line.

Second, picking the right window is easy. All window companies manufacture between five and eight different grades of windows. Picking by name is not always wise. Homeowners sometimes pick a name brand only to get the cheapest model. For example, Hawaii homeowners don’t want a window that may be suited for a mobile home or trailer. Unfortunately, it happens. Remember that most replacement windows are of high grade and do cost a bit more. However, the “you get what you pay for” theory isn’t always true. A lot of times when a salesperson is involved, you pay for what you should have got but don’t get the quality you assumed you were getting. In short, homeowners are ripped off for a big commission. So, make sure the company you choose can be trusted.

Third is installation techniques. A bad installation can ruin even a good window. If I was purchasing windows I would run if I heard the word “retrofit.” This is kapu in Hawaii because this is a shortcut installation that is just a way for a contractor to double his profit margin. The proper installation method can always be researched on a home computer. A retrofit installation is fast, but will fail in the long run.

When looking for the right company, call Tropical. Tropical has an A-plus rating with the Better Business Bureau and wins Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s Hawaii’s Best every year. This year, Tropical celebrates 63 years as the only locally owned and operated vinyl window and siding company in Hawaii with more than 20,000 satisfied Hawaii customers.

Only top-quality windows are used with all stainless-steel hardware and lifetime warranties. For a no-shortcut and quality installation, call Tropical. Tropical installed the first vinyl siding and windows in Hawaii in 1978. With almost a million windows installed only in Hawaii, Tropical has the experience to make homeowners proud of their home without any worries. Come to Tropical’s showroom at 1351 S. Beretania St. in Honolulu and see the difference between the best and worst. Remember, vinyl is final with Tropical and buy local.