Maintaining customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of any business, but it’s even more important for window contractors that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. For A Wiseman’s Home Improvement Inc., the best way to keep clients happy is to make them feel its passion for customer service and quality work. “Educating customers is our favorite part of the job because we can work together to determine the best fit for their homes,” says co-owner Ryan Wiseman. “Instead of using high-pressure sales tactics, we listen closely to our clients and point them in the direction that leads to their long-term satisfaction.”

A Wiseman’s Home Improvement provides a variety of kitchen and bathroom remodeling services for residential clients throughout Sacramento County and the surrounding areas. The family-owned and operated company is qualified to install everything from window, doors and electrical systems to walk-in bathtubs and showers that meet ADA requirements.

Unlike window contractors that spam potential clients with too many TV ads and mailers, A Wiseman’s Home Improvement prefers to rely on word of mouth recommendations from happy customers. “We’re a small company and we don’t have a lot of overhead, so we’re able to pass along those advertising savings to our clients,” explains Mr. Wiseman. “Our bids are often 10 to 35 percent lower than our competitors, even though we’re providing products of equal value. We’re right there in terms of quality, service, warranties and installation methods, but we’re significantly cheaper.”

Ultimately, Mr. Wiseman sees A Wiseman’s Home Improvement’s dedication to customer satisfaction as its most important attribute. “The only way we can build a loyal clientele base is by making sure we do a great job and explain what we’re doing every step of the way,” he says. “By taking the time to confirm that every phase of our work has been done correctly, we’re able to ensure quality, long-lasting installations, and our clients really appreciate that.”

High-quality windows are a good investment whether you’re living in your forever home or you eventually plan to sell.

Home improvements are usually ranked in two ways: by the comfort or improvement they add to daily life and by the resale value they add to the home. When it comes to replacement windows, experts acknowledge that they add both present and future value.

“Windows are an important part of energy efficiency for any home and they can significantly enhance its value,” confirms Ryan Wiseman, owner of A Wiseman’s Home Improvement Inc. in Rocklin. “They’re second only to insulating ceilings and walls. And you actually get some of your money back with windows, as far as payback for installation.”

Immediate benefits of new windows

Whether you plan to stay in your home forever or just enjoy it for a short while, new windows can make a big difference in your comfort and energy bills. “As electric and gas companies are raising their rates, windows are becoming a good investment for lowering energy bills,” shares Mr. Wiseman.

Energy-efficient windows provide many benefits, including:

• More even, comfortable home temperatures
• Lower utility bills (some surveys show as much as a 40% savings)
• Preventing wear and tear on HVAC equipment
• Natural lighting with less heat gain
• Shielding furniture, carpet, art and other belongings from fading
• Less ambient noise from outside
• Improved curb appeal

Future benefits of replacement windows

Your decisions when remodeling or making home improvements can drastically impact the resale value of your home, and windows are a key component of home prices. “A home that goes on the market with single-pane windows will definitely sell for less,” cautions Mr. Wiseman. “Most buyers expect to see dual-pane, energy-efficient windows.”

High-quality, energy-efficient windows installed by an experienced professional can see a return on investment of 70% or more of the purchase price. That’s similar to or better than returns for kitchen remodels. New windows freshen the appearance of the home inside and out, and they add greatly to curb appeal. Windows can also enhance the style of a home, which can draw in more potential buyers.

Q: How long will it take to complete my job?

A: Most window installations only take one or two days to complete, depending on the number and complexity of the windows.

Q: How will the size of my new windows compare to the old windows?

A: Retrofit windows fit inside the frames of the existing windows, so they will be a little smaller. That’s why we use Anlin and Simonton windows—they have thinner frames, so you won’t lose as much viewable space as you might with other brands.

Q: Why can’t you just remove the old windows and install new ones?

A: A big part of your home’s structure is connected to the original windows. If you’ve ever watched a new home being built, the contractor will install the windows before they put on the siding, weatherproofing and other features. If we blew out the structure of the windows, including the exterior edge frames, we would compromise the waterproofing and structure of the house, which isn’t safe. Instead, we leave some of the window frame and install the replacement window inside of it.

Q: Should I install triple-pane windows to increase energy efficiency?

A: California’s energy efficiency laws are pretty strict, so almost any window you install will be energy-efficient to nearly the same degree. It would be cost-prohibitive to make or install windows that are more efficient than what California requires. In places with cold climates, triple-pane windows might make sense, but with our moderate climate, you’d just be throwing money away. In fact, it’s hard to even buy triple-pane windows in the Bay Area—you’d have to buy them in an area with a colder climate and ship them here.

Q: Can I order window frames in different colors?

A: Yes. Most people don’t even know that different frame colors are an option. For example, Milgard makes a window with all-black extruded vinyl, so there’s no paint to fade or flake off. If you want colored window frames, we can talk to you about your options.

Q: What materials are window frames made out of?

A: Most replacement retrofit windows have vinyl frames. You can also get fiberglass and wood frames, although wood is pricey and requires a lot more maintenance.

Q: Will you make a mess in my house when installing my new windows?

A: No. We do an exceptional job of being clean while we’re working inside the house, and we always clean up after ourselves before leaving the jobsite.

Q: Are modern windows well-made and long-lasting?

A: The quality of window manufacturing has gone up significantly over the past five to 10 years. All of the leading brands make high-quality products now. They’re doing a really good job of putting argon gas inside of the windows for energy efficiency, and they’re also doing quality work with sound-deadening and reflective coatings. Ten years ago, we were seeing lots of windows peel or flake, or they would let moisture inside as the argon gas escaped through gaps. We’re not really seeing those types of problems anymore.