Why Contractor Selection Matters
Glazing is typically 5-15% of construction cost but affects 100% of the facade's performance and appearance. A poor glazing contractor creates water leaks, delays, rework, and owner dissatisfaction. A skilled contractor delivers quality, stays on schedule, and builds long-term relationships with GCs and developers. Contractor selection is one of the most important decisions in a construction project.
1. Verify Licensing and Bonding
Confirm that the contractor holds a valid state license for glazing work in the state(s) where work will occur. License type and class vary by state. In Florida, glazing contractors typically carry a "Certified Contractor" or "General Contractor" license with demonstrated glazing experience.
Verify that the contractor carries a performance bond covering the contract amount. This protects you if the contractor fails to complete work or abandons the project. Verify bond coverage with the bonding company directly—don't rely solely on contractor claims. A contractor unwilling to obtain bonding is a red flag.
Check the contractor's licensing status on the state licensing board website. Verify no disciplinary history or complaints. A clean licensing record suggests the contractor has operated professionally and ethically.
2. Confirm Insurance Coverage
Verify the contractor carries adequate General Liability insurance (minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence recommended for commercial work) and Worker's Compensation insurance. Request certificates of insurance and verify coverage directly with the insurer, not through contractor-provided documents.
Confirm you are listed as an additional insured on General Liability policies. This protects you from liability claims arising from the contractor's work. Request certificates naming your company specifically.
Verify insurance is current and will remain in force throughout the project. Contractors with lapsed insurance or frequent coverage changes suggest financial instability or operational disorder.
3. Evaluate Manufacturer Relationships
Ask what manufacturers the contractor works with and why. A contractor with established relationships with multiple quality manufacturers (Kawneer, Tubelite, Atas, etc.) can source products efficiently and access technical support when needed.
Ask if the contractor is a certified installer for manufacturers' products. Manufacturers often certify qualified installers, and certification indicates the contractor has trained personnel and quality processes. Be wary of contractors unwilling to pursue manufacturer certifications.
Inquire about the contractor's ability to obtain specialized products—impact-rated systems, fire-rated glass, structural glazing. Not all contractors can source these products efficiently. Understanding product sourcing and lead time capabilities prevents surprises.
4. Check References From Recent Projects
Request references from similar projects completed in the last 2-3 years. Call references and ask specific questions: Did the contractor deliver on schedule? Did quality meet expectations? Were there change orders or disputes? Would you hire them again?
Ask to visit a completed project and inspect the work firsthand. Look for proper sealant application, clean glass, correct hardware installation, and overall craftsmanship. Sloppy detailing in reference projects predicts sloppy work on your project.
Ask about the contractor's responsiveness and communication. Did they keep the GC informed? Did they address problems proactively? Communication quality predicts project success more than almost any other factor.
Be wary if the contractor is reluctant to provide references or if reference checks reveal problems. A strong track record is the best predictor of future performance.
5. Assess Technical Capability
Ask about the contractor's experience with systems relevant to your project. Do they have experience with storefront? Curtainwall? Window wall? Impact windows? Fire-rated glass? HVHZ compliance? Specialty experience indicates competence—don't hire a residential window contractor for a commercial curtainwall project.
Inquire about the contractor's in-house capabilities versus subcontracting. Contractors with in-house fabrication shops typically deliver better quality and control than those relying entirely on subcontractors. Understanding where work will be performed helps evaluate quality and schedule risk.
Ask about the contractor's approach to shop drawings, submittals, and quality control. A well-organized contractor has processes for verifying product specs, managing submittals, and conducting inspections. Vague answers suggest poor process control.
6. Evaluate Communication and Project Management
Interview the project manager who will manage your work. Is this person knowledgeable, responsive, and articulate? Will they communicate weekly with your team? How do they handle conflicts and problems?
Ask how the contractor manages schedules and coordinates with other trades. Glazing often blocks other work—insulation, interior finishes, mechanical rough-in. Contractors who manage coordination proactively prevent delays. Contractors who are unprepared for coordination create problems.
Understand the contractor's change order process. How are scope changes documented? How are costs determined? A contractor with a clear, fair change order process is easier to work with than one with vague, contentious processes.
Ask how the contractor addresses problems. When quality issues arise, how are they diagnosed and corrected? When schedule problems emerge, what is the response? Problem-solving capability under pressure is crucial.
7. Assess Financial Stability
Stable contractors are less likely to cut corners, abandon projects, or file liens. Ask how long the contractor has been in business. New contractors may be competent, but established contractors have proven longevity.
Request financial statements if the contract amount is large. You're not evaluating their wealth but their financial trajectory—are they growing, stable, or declining? Contractors in financial distress may reduce quality, take shortcuts, or abandon projects.
Ask about the contractor's banking relationships and credit history. A contractor with consistent banking relationships and no public judgments suggests financial responsibility.
Understand the contractor's payment requirements and terms. Contractors requiring large prepayments, refusing to provide payment bonds, or demanding cash only are financial risks. Standard practices suggest deposits of 10-20% with balanced progress payments.
Making the Decision
Evaluating contractors requires time investment. Interview multiple candidates, check references thoroughly, verify credentials, and trust your instincts. A contractor who is knowledgeable, responsive, transparent about processes, and has a strong reference track record is worth selecting even if not the lowest bidder.
The lowest price is rarely the best value. A contractor cutting price by 15-20% typically cuts quality in the same proportion. Reasonable pricing from a qualified, communicative contractor is the best choice.
Remember: The glazing contractor is on your site for weeks or months. A contractor who is professional, responsive, and quality-focused creates a positive experience and delivers excellent results. A contractor who is evasive, disorganized, or quality-indifferent creates stress and problems. Choose wisely.