Your Checklist...
Unlike the commissioning of a General Contractor, the average homeowner may only have to select a Basement Egress Specialist once or twice in their life.
Our advice, on selecting the right specialist contractor, would be to look at the questions listed below, and then apply them to companies’ websites and reviews. Also, if you notice basement egress windows being fitted in your area, why not ask the homeowners if they would recommend their installer.
Do they have relevant specialist experience?
Installing basement egress windows is a lot different to installing a standard replacement window, with a lot more at stake. Unlike most General Contractor’s projects, the installation of egress windows involves the alteration of your home’s foundations, so an In-depth knowledge of current, and historic foundational construction techniques is essential.
‘Tony and his crew are egress window pros. Couldn’t recommend him highly enough! Don’t bother with any company that does not do the entire egress window process through the cutting and installation’ - 5 Stars (HomeAdvisor) Callie B, Portland
Will they work to your standards, schedule and budget?
Most homeowners will have a list of criteria, related to their project. These could be a specific time constraint, type of product, or material they want to be used, or a simple cost ceiling. Your specialist contractor should do every thing they can to accommodate your wishes, without compromising the quality of the job. This is an area where substantial basement egress window experience really tells.
'This was a challenging project, with thick walls to cut; a narrow window of time and high expectations for a clean finish. They began and finished on time; the job was beautifully done and the space left in very clean condition’ - 5 Stars (Yelp) Mary M, Portland
Do they price their work fairly?
Unless companies are specialist in the area of basement egress windows, they will often either over, or underestimate charges, resulting in increased fees later in the project. An experienced specialist contractor, should be able to give you a full description of work, fixed-price quote, a set and agreed schedule, backed by a solid guarantee of the products used, and their installation.
‘I had one company come out for an outrageous price to cut the concrete - it took them an entire day, the hole was the wrong size, and they didn’t also install the window. Tony and his crew came out the next day and had the hole cut and the window installed in less than two hours for less money’ - 4.5 Stars (HomeAdvisor) Callie B, Portland
Do they have a in-depth understanding of current code standards, and permits?
If appropriate permits are not filed correctly, or the work not done to specified code standards, the project can be delayed, or worst, need to be rectified following inspection.
'I should mention how well he and his brother Johnny know current codes. All of our permits were secured without issue. We could not be more pleased’ - 5 Stars (Yelp) Sun F, Portland
Are they experienced in on-site problem solving?
Any project can create challenges, however, an experienced basement egress contractor, should be able to anticipate those and work around them. They should not become your problem.
‘Tony was great to work with. There was an issue with the gas line running right through the window well, but Tony worked with the gas company and coordinated digging the well with their timeline, which we really appreciated' - 5 Stars (HomeAdvisor) Branka K, Portland
Are they experienced with older properties?
With so many beautiful historic and period homes in the Portland area, it’s of prime importance that you commission a specialist contractor who has experience of working with these older types of properties. Foundational building techniques, and materials used have changed a lot over the years, and every measure should be taken to maintain the structural integrity of your period home,
' I was very pleased with the way the job went, and particularly with the interest the contractor took in working with me to ensure that the work done fitted well with the character of my 1906 house.’
- 5 Stars (Angi) Alison C, Portland
Can they assure the safety and security of your property during the project?
While installation of your basement egress window, or door, obviously requires an opening to cut into the side of your foundation, at no point should your home’s security be compromised; once excavation is completed, the cutting and installation should be completed on the same day, leaving your home safe and secure.
‘Our egress window was dug out on day one, and by the end of day two our window was installed, without issue. At no time was our home left unsecured’ - 5 Stars (Yelp) Ron K, Vancouver, WA
To ask about our no cost, no-obligation quote, call 503 799 3831 or contact us here