Many business owners nominate themselves to be the “face” of a company. Often, they’re a highly visible presence during the initial sales phase, but they disappear from sight once the deal is closed.

“I’m a hands-on owner,” says Richard Beil of West Coast Windows and Doors, Inc. From first contact through installation and follow-up, he’s integral to the day-to-day operations of his company. His presence reassures customers that accountability starts at the very top, and that customer satisfaction is priority one. Until that happens, he says, no job is considered complete.

Drawing on his experience as a general contractor, Mr. Beil opened West Coast Windows and Doors in 1991. Now, he says, it’s one of the area’s leading window and door experts, and with many long-time, loyal employees, the West Coast Windows team is an impressive repository of knowledge, skill and experience. “We’re also a factory direct buyer and a Circle of Excellence Andersen Dealer,” adds Mr. Beil.

According to Mr. Beil, much of the company’s new business comes by way of referrals from customers who’ve been impressed by his team’s knowledge and experience. Being owned and operated by a local family, he says, has helped the company win the trust of its growing customer base. Mr. Beil is also a strong proponent of what he calls “upfront, straightforward pricing without any gimmicks.”

If you simply wish to beautify or update your home, West Coast Windows has a full complement of products for every taste, says Mr. Beil. The company can also recommend top-of-the-line, eco-friendly products to increase your home’s energy efficiency, lower its utility bills and improve its overall environmental profile. That can include deflecting UV rays in the summer, retaining more heat in the winter and minimizing your use of electricity and fossil fuels.

If you’re having windows replaced, make sure you know who’s coming to your house to do the work. Many window contractors don’t use their own employees as installers, instead subcontracting the work. Even if the contractor is insured, it doesn’t mean the subcontractors are.

“Make sure the contractor you’re doing business with is fully and properly licensed and experienced, and has the proper insurance,” says Richard Beil of West Coast Windows. In particular, he says, check that their workers’ compensation insurance is enforced and their contractor’s license is valid and not suspended.

Another priority, especially important in this economy, is longevity. Mr. Beil recommends you show preference for companies that’ve been in business for some time, with long-serving employees and a good track record for reliability. “It’s pretty evident that a company that’s been in business for a long time is more likely to remain in business, because they’re established both financially and in their market place,” he says.

Mr. Beil also advises care when evaluating competing products. Options that may come standard with one product cost extra with another, so comparing apples to apples can prove challenging to the uninitiated shopper. “Basically, make sure you’re getting the product you think you’re getting,” he says.

Before buying windows for your home, consider asking the contractor these questions:

• Do you have any unresolved or unanswered complaints at your local Better Business Bureau or the California State License Board?
• Are you properly licensed with the California State License Board?
• Do you offer lifetime/transferable warranties?
• Are your installers bonded and certified?
• Do you have liability insurance?
• Are you classified as a window glazing contractor or just a general contractor?
• Do you have references in my neighborhood?
• How many years have you been in business?
• Do you service what you sell?
• Do you have factory-trained installers?
• Do you buy factory direct?
• Are you a Circle of Excellence Andersen Dealer?

Q: How long will the entire process of ordering and installing my new windows take?

A: Four to six weeks, rarely more. If there is a particular urgency, we feasibly can do it much more quickly.

Q: What types of windows are available?

A: Vinyl window replacement is the most common. Although composite, fiberglass and wood are also available.

Q: Which do you recommend?

A: It depends on what you’re looking for. Vinyl is a much better option than aluminum because it is non-conductive and therefore more energy efficient. It is also maintenance-free. And you’ll never have to paint it the way you would a wood window.

Q: Are your installers employees or do they work for themselves?

A: They all work for us. We don’t use any subcontractors.

Q: Why should I replace my windows before other home improvement projects?

A: If you are making a list of home improvement priorities, window replacements may be the only improvement that can actually provide an immediate return on your investment by improving energy efficiency in summer and winter months.