Are you looking to hire a window tinting service? If so, check out this guide to learn how to choose the right one.
As a homeowner, you’ll do anything to keep your home safe and comfortable year-round. But your windows can be a huge problem even if everything else on your property is energy efficient and eco-friendly.
In fact, the average home loses
25 to 30 percent
of its climate-controlled comfort through the windows alone.
Tinting your windows can help reduce that loss, resulting in lower energy bills no matter what the weather throws your way. But you need to hire an experienced window tinting company to get the job done right.
But where do you start?
Here are a few simple tips to help you find the best company for your tinting needs.
Ask Around
The best place to start when looking for a reliable tinting company is with the people you know. Ask your friends, family, and coworkers for a recommendation.
If they have a company they trust and enjoyed working with, you can expect to receive the same quality service.
If no one in your circle has gotten their windows tinted, take a look around your neighborhood. Are there any homes or cars that have noticeably tinted windows? If so, knock on the door and ask who they used.
Most people won’t mind sharing their experiences with you, even if you’ve never spoken before.
Read Up on Reviews
Once you have a few companies in mind, research their reputations online.
Read up on reviews
and testimonials on their websites and check their history with the
Better Business Bureau.
If most of the reviews are positive, chances are that you’ll be happy with their work. But if you notice the most recent reviews discussing issues and concerns, keep looking.
If recent reviews are overwhelmingly negative or mention specific pain points with the company, you could have issues when working with them. Proceed with caution. You can always schedule a consultation with their team to see if the reviews were less than accurate.
Just remember that online reviews are typically anonymous. They don’t always reflect the quality of a business accurately.
Get Estimates from Several Window Tinting Companies
After checking the companies’ reviews, take the time to compile estimates from each company you’re thinking of working with. Even when they use the same films, some companies will charge more for their work.
Choose a provider that offers the perfect balance between quality window tinting and affordability. Just remember that you get what you pay for when it comes to window film.
If it’s not installed properly, your home or car won’t look as great as it should. Worse, the tint won’t last as long. And you’ll get stuck having to replace the tint far sooner than you should.
Over the life of your tint, this could cost you hundreds of dollars that you otherwise wouldn’t have to spend.
Ask to See Examples of Their Work
When you’re getting estimates for your tint job, ask the company to see examples of their previous tinting work. Almost all reputable companies take pictures of the film once it’s installed to show how smooth and clean the windows can look.
If a company doesn’t have examples or refuses to let you see their portfolio, keep looking. Tinting professionals should love showing off what they do. If they’re not willing to, they could be hiding something.
And a lack of knowledge or experience can leave you with poorly tinted windows that won’t stand up against the constant heat and light exposure from the sun.
Make Sure They Specialize in the Type of Tint You Need
If you have windows, you can get them tinted. But that doesn’t mean that every tinting company can handle the job you have in mind.
You need to make sure they’re comfortable and familiar with tinting the specific types of windows you have. For example, you wouldn’t want to choose a company that specializes in car window tinting to install tint on a multi-story office building.
The tasks require different skill sets. Make sure the company you choose specializes in the type of job you have in mind. If not, don’t be afraid to ask for a recommendation. Trustworthy companies want you to have the best experience possible, even if that means working with someone else.
Ask for References
Before you agree to work with an installation pro, ask if they have any references you can speak with. Most established companies have a list of previous clients that are more than happy to discuss their experiences with you.
Once you have a few names and numbers, follow up with those references.
Ask them about their experience, whether the tint is holding up, and if they had any issues during or after the installation. If the references are happy with the work the tinting company did, you’re ready to schedule an appointment.
But pay attention to the things they mention. If there are any repeat concerns, you’ll need to decide if it’s worth working with the company.
Choose a Company That Offers Several Tint Options
Most shops have a preferred brand of window tint film. But that doesn’t mean it’s always the right fit for your needs.
Some windows need privacy film while others just need to be a few shades darker than normal. It all depends on what you’re hoping to accomplish with your tint job.
When looking for a company, take care to choose a team that offers more than one
type of window film. This way, you’ll have a better chance of finding a film that works for your budget and your windows.
Final Thoughts
Finding an experienced professional to handle your window tinting job doesn’t have to be a challenge. Use these tips to help you find a company you can trust and depend on for years to come.
If you’re ready to spare yourself the frustration of talking with multiple companies,
contact us today. Our team will make sure you’re happy with your window tint every step of the way.