You’re ready to equip your building with window films for added security, comfort, and efficiency. But now you have an important decision to make: Who will install your window film? The quality of your installation can have a major impact on the final result, so it’s a decision that calls for some careful consideration.
Why Should You Go Pro When It Comes to Window Installation?
Everyone loves a good do-it-yourself project, but when it comes to commercial window film installation, you may want to think twice before you roll up your sleeves to tackle it on your own. Installing window film is generally a job that is best left to the professionals because the process requires specialized tools and expertise that only professional installers can bring to the table.
Having your film professionally installed is also a must in many cases for warranty purposes. You could void your warranty by taking the DIY approach. Plus, some installers (like NGS) may offer an extended warranty on their installed product that exceeds the manufacturer’s warranty for the product. So, even if professional installation is not required, you can still gain the advantage of a longer guaranteed product life.
How Can You Choose the Right Vendor for Window Film Installation?
You’re ready to call the pros, but who should you call? A quick online search will help you identify installers in your area. Then, you can compare your options to find the most reliable professionals for the job. Consider these three factors to guide your choice:
Credentials
Ensure an individual or company has the right qualifications to take on your job. Start by checking to see if they’re licensed, bonded, and insured. What does this mean exactly? Let’s break it down:
- Licensed: Licensed installation companies have obtained permits from their state or local government that authorize them to operate legally in their industry and serve clients in the area.
- Bonded: Being bonded means a company has secured a surety bond. These bonds protect customers financially in the event that the company fails to complete the work they agreed to.
- Insured: Companies can also purchase insurance policies that protect against various risks and liabilities. These policies can help protect workers with the company, customers, and properties worked on.
These should be baseline requirements, but not all companies meet them. We’ve personally found that many of our competitors don’t even have business licenses in the states they’re working in! It’s ultimately up to customers to refuse to work with these companies and instead choose a more reliable installation partner with credentials they can trust.
Government clients should also note whether a company is experienced with government contracting. or purchase co-operatives. The ideal partner to install window film on a federal, state, or local government building will have EDGAR-compliant government contracting vehicles to help streamline the procurement process and ensure compliance throughout the entire project.
Awards and Recognitions
You can learn more about a company’s reliability by seeing whether they’ve earned any special designations or awards.
Some installation companies receive endorsements from window film manufacturers, meaning the manufacturer has faith in the company’s ability to expertly install their product. You can often find a list on the manufacturer’s website of authorized dealers or installers. They may also identify levels of endorsement. For example, 3M authorized dealer installers can be:
- Premier
- Premier Elite
- 3M Certified
- 3M Large Commercial Certified
- 3M Platinum (NGS’ status)
You can also check to see if a company has any third-party awards and recognitions. In other words, have others in the industry praised them for their quality of work? For example, Window Film Magazine publishes a list of top dealers every year (NGS has been the top dealer 9 times!) , and 3M names it’s National Dealer of the Year annually—a distinction NGS has received on three separate occasions.
Reputation
Finally, pay attention to a company’s track record according to their customers. An installation company may have the right credentials, but what do their clients have to say about their quality of work and the experience working with them?
You can get an idea of a company’s reputation by checking:
- Customer reviews: Find reviews through Google, social media sites, and service provider directors/platforms.
- Testimonials: Check a company’s website for testimonials from past clients or case studies highlighting successful projects.
- Referrals: Ask a company you’re considering for a list of referrals from previous customers, and call them before approving a project.
Feel Confident in Your Window Film Installation
When it comes to window film installations, it’s not just about getting the job done; it’s about entrusting your space to someone who can handle it with care and professionalism and deliver a finished product you feel confident in. With NGS, you can be sure you’re in the very best of hands. Check out our installation page to learn more about our best-in-class nationwide services.
