Permits, licensing and questions to ask before hiring window installers in Michigan
Define the work before making calls
Before hiring window installers in Michigan, write down what you want changed and what you want to keep. Describe the windows, rooms, and problems you want the work to address. Mention damaged trim, water stains, hard operation, or plans to change an opening. Photos can help explain your concerns. Ask each contractor to describe the proposed work in plain language so you can compare the same scope.
Separate your goals from the proposed solution. You may want easier cleaning, a different appearance, or help with drafts. Ask how the proposed window and installation approach address those goals. Have the contractor explain which existing parts would stay and which would be removed. Ask how they would handle damage found after removal and who would approve any change.
Use service categories to narrow your questions. The directory includes 412 businesses stating window replacement and 19 stating egress windows. Those counts describe stated services. They do not establish that a business can handle your particular opening or site. Explain your project directly and ask about relevant experience, the proposed method, and any work that another trade would handle.
Ask the local office about permits
Before work starts, ask the city or county building or health office about your proposed project. Describe the property, the existing opening, and any planned changes. Explain any excavation or window well work. Ask which office can answer the permit questions for that address. Avoid assuming that an answer for another property applies to yours.
Ask the office what information it needs to evaluate the work. Have the contractor provide a written scope or drawing if the office requests one. Questions may depend on the property location and the work proposed. Ask the office to explain what applies to your project, including any permit or inspection steps it identifies.
Then ask the contractor who will handle each step the office identifies. Put that responsibility in the contract. Ask who will communicate with the office and provide any resulting documents. If the contractor and the office give different answers, return to the office with the exact scope before work begins. Keep the response with your project records.
Check licensing and insurance directly
Ask the contractor what licensing applies to the proposed work and request the license holder’s name and license information. Ask the city or county building office which state or local office can confirm the applicable requirements. Contact the office identified to check the information. Make sure you understand who is contracting with you and who will perform the installation.
The directory includes 224 businesses stating licensed and insured. Treat that service statement as a prompt for a direct conversation. Ask for current insurance documentation and the name of the insured business. Compare that name with the contract. If the names differ, ask for an explanation before signing. Ask the insurance agent or insurer to explain any coverage question you cannot resolve from the documents.
Ask how subcontractors fit into the job. Find out who hires them, who supervises their work, and who answers your questions if a problem occurs. Ask what insurance documentation is available for the people performing the work. Coverage depends on the policy and the circumstances. Direct coverage questions to the insurance agent or insurer rather than making assumptions from a general statement.
Address excavation before digging
Discuss excavation early if the proposed scope includes digging. Ask the contractor to identify that work clearly in the proposal. MISS DIG 811 states that Michigan law requires all utility lines to be flagged before any excavation project begins, and MISS DIG 811 is a free service. Keep this discussion connected to the actual work planned at your property.
MISS DIG 811 states that if you do the work yourself, contact MISS DIG 811; if you hire a contractor, the contractor should contact MISS DIG 811. Ask the contractor to confirm who will make that contact. Make the responsibility clear before excavation is arranged.
MISS DIG 811 states that you cannot begin digging before the start time on your MISS DIG 811 locate request, even if all utilities have been marked. Ask the contractor how that start time will be communicated to the crew. Bring unresolved questions about the locate request to MISS DIG 811.
Put the scope and changes in writing
Ask for a written contract that identifies the business, property, work areas, and agreed scope. Include the window manufacturer, product line, material, style, glass selection, and other choices you approve. Describe removal, installation, trim, finishing, cleanup, and disposal. Ask the contractor to explain anything you do not understand before signing.
Record how the crew will protect rooms and belongings and who will move items near the windows. Ask how openings will be handled during the work. Include responsibility for interior and exterior finishing so you know what condition to expect at completion. If another contractor will finish part of the job, identify that handoff in writing.
Have the contract explain how changes will be proposed and approved. Ask what happens if removal exposes damage or the selected product becomes unavailable. Require a written description of a proposed change before approving it. Read the payment terms, cancellation terms, and dispute process. Ask the contractor to explain any unclear language and keep a signed copy.
Read warranty and financing terms
The directory includes 209 businesses stating a written warranty. Request the actual warranty documents for the products and installation being proposed. Ask who handles each type of claim, what documents you must keep, and what exclusions apply. Have the contractor explain any difference between product coverage and installation coverage using the documents for your project.
The directory also includes 217 businesses stating financing and 273 stating free estimates. Ask what an estimate includes and what remains undecided. If you consider financing, request the agreement and ask the provider to explain repayment obligations, fees, and conditions. Keep the financing agreement with the installation contract, and review how each agreement handles changes or cancellation.
Questions for the first call
Use the first call to establish the scope and collect information you can check. Keep your project notes nearby and ask each contractor the same questions. Write down unclear answers for follow up. Request written details before making commitments, especially when an answer affects the product, responsibility for permits, insurance, excavation, or the work included.
Do you handle the type of window work I described? Who would inspect the openings and prepare the proposal? Which parts of the existing window would remain? What licensing applies, and what information can I verify? Can you provide current insurance documentation? Will employees or subcontractors perform the installation, and who will supervise them?
Who will contact the city or county building or health office about permit questions? If excavation is included, who will contact MISS DIG 811? What products and finishing work will the written proposal identify? How will changes be approved? Who handles warranty questions? What documents will I receive when the work is complete? Who will be my contact if a concern remains?