You’ve finally decided to move forward with replacing your windows or doors, an exciting, and often costly, investment. An important factor that many homeowners aren’t aware of until installation begins is who will actually be doing the work.
It’s not just about the product anymore. Improper installation, whether due to lack of trIt’s not just about choosing a good product. If your windows or doors aren’t installed properly, you could end up with drafts, leaks, or problems with your warranty.
Many people are surprised to find out that the company they hire might not do the work themselves. A study by the National Association of Home Builders found that 77% of builders subcontract at least 75% of their work.
At Energy Swing Windows, we’ve encountered a wide range of installation scenarios. Based on decades of experience using in-house, employee crews, we’ve observed that the installation process plays a big role in customer satisfaction and product performance. It affects the schedule, your communication experience, your warranty protection, and most importantly, your long-term satisfaction.
In this article, you’ll learn the real differences between subcontractors and employee installers, the risks you might not have considered, and the questions you must ask before hiring any company to work on your home. By the end, you’ll be equipped to make a confident, informed choice—no matter which installer type you choose.
What’s the Difference Between Employee Installers and Subcontractors?
Before comparing performance or cost, it helps to understand the basic definitions of these two labor models. The terms "employee" and "subcontractor" are more than just job titles. They reflect how the installation process is structured behind the scenes.
Most companies work with either:
Why do companies choose one over the other?
- Employee-based companies typically have greater direct oversight of the work, which can support consistency in processes and outcomes.
- Subcontractor-based companies often structure their operations to allow for flexibility and scalability, which can be useful during peak seasons or when handling a high volume of projects.
There are excellent companies that subcontract but still provide rigorous training, vetting, and oversight. The key is to ask how they manage quality and communication, not just whether they subcontract.
If you’d like to get an overview of these companies, read our article on The Best 10 Window and Door Companies in Pittsburgh.
Each model has its pros and cons. Let’s explore what sets them apart and how knowing the difference can help you make the best decision for your home.
Which Type of Installer Has Better Training and Experience?
Once you know who’s doing the work, the next question becomes: how qualified are they?
And the answer? It depends.
Both employee installers and subcontractors can be highly experienced, but their training paths often differ.
- Employee installers usually receive consistent, brand-specific training from the company or the manufacturer. They're typically trained to follow one company’s protocols and may become highly specialized in certain types of installations.
- Subcontractors can range widely in experience. Some are seasoned pros who’ve done thousands of window and door jobs. While others work across many trades, which may result in a broader but less specialized focus depending on the individual or crew.
Ask if your installer is certified—here’s what that might look like.
What matters most?
Whether employee or subcontractor, what matters is the company’s standards for training, certification, and oversight. Ask whether installers are employees or subcontractors? Are they certified by the product manufacturer and how frequently they receive updated training?
Which Installers Deliver Better Quality and Accountability?
Who oversees the job? Who do you call if something isn’t quite right?
Here’s where things can vary quite a bit based on the company's structure and support system.
With Employee Installers:
- The company directs and oversees its work directly.
- There’s often a dedicated project manager or team leader who is responsible and who you can ask questions to as your window or door project progresses.
- With employee installers, the company typically assumes direct responsibility for the project and any follow-up issues.
With Subcontractors:
- The subcontractor may oversee their own crew, with less involvement from the company you bought from.
- Some subcontractors are very experienced and reliable, but communication can sometimes be more fragmented.
- If issues arise, resolution depends on how closely the company monitors its subs.
💡 Tip: Whether working with employees or subs, ask your contractor who will be managing your project day-to-day and who to contact if an issue or problem develops during the installation.
Can Bad Installation Void Your Warranty—Even If the Product Is Good?
Now let’s talk protection—specifically, your warranty.
Most window and door products come with solid warranties, but what many homeowners don’t realize is that how the product is installed directly affects whether that warranty stays valid.
Who is standing behind the warranty? The company you signed a contract with, the product manufacturer, or the installers?
Warranty coverage is a big concern, and this is where details matter.
- Many warranties specifically include or exclude installation-related issues. Whether that is right after the product is installed or further in the future.
- Most manufacturer warranties require the product to be installed according to their specifications. If the product is not installed properly, the product will not be covered under the warranty.
- If installation errors occur, it’s important to know who will address them, whether that’s the company you have a contract with, the installation company, the product manufacturer, or another party. If an installation error causes damage, that warranty may be voided, regardless of who did the work.
So what should you ask?
- Is the installer certified by the manufacturer?
- Does the company specifically cover the product workmanship issues and installation defects in writing?
- What happens if something goes wrong?
Whether employee or subcontractor, the best companies ensure everyone working in your home that will be installing your windows or doors is properly insured, trained, certified, and accountable.
How Does Installer Type Impact Communication During Your Project?
Communication can make or break a home improvement experience, especially when it comes to coordinating multiple moving parts. Let’s look at what to expect from each model.
Again, ask up front how the company communicates throughout the project and who your point of contact will be. This might appear to be obvious, but it is a critical issue once the work is started.
Are Your Installers Vetted and Safe to Enter Your Home?
Now we’re getting into the details that aren’t always advertised but absolutely matter.
Whether someone is an employee or a subcontractor, they’ll likely be working inside your home, often in private areas. Trust and safety should never be an afterthought.
Regardless of labor type, reputable companies should ensure anyone entering your home has been properly vetted and insured.
- Employee Installers are typically background checked and drug tested, a critical part of their hiring process. They’re also covered by the company’s Workers’ Compensation and liability insurance.
- Subcontractors should carry their own insurance and vet their helpers, but this depends on the company’s subcontractor standards.
Ask your contractor:
- Are all installers background checked?
- Is everyone who will be on your property an employee or subcontractor?
- Who is providing them Workers’ Compensation and Liability insurance coverage?
- Liability insurance protects your family and home against contractor damage or injury. In most cases, your homeowners insurance will not cover you for any issues caused by a contractor.
- Can I get proof in writing?
This protects you from risk and gives peace of mind. Especially when workers are in private areas of your home.
What Contractor Requirements Exist in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, home improvement contractors, including subcontractors, must follow the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA). This law sets important standards for registration, contracts, and consumer protection.
Who Needs to Register?
Anyone performing $5,000+ in home improvements annually must register with the PA Office of Attorney General, even if they don’t contract directly with homeowners.
What Must Be in the Contract?
For projects over $500, HICPA requires a written, signed contract that includes:
- Contractor and subcontractor names, contacts, and registration numbers
- Estimated start and end dates
- Detailed work description and total cost
- Any down payment or special-order material costs
- A 3-day cancellation notice and the state’s consumer protection hotline: 1-888-520-6680
Prohibited Practices
HICPA bans:
- Performing work without registration
- Abandoning projects without cause
- Changing plans without a written change order
- Demanding payment before a contract is signed
- Taking more than one-third of the contract price upfront (unless covering special materials)
Don’t Forget Local Rules
Pittsburgh has their own contractor licensing, insurance, and safety requirements. Always confirm that your contractor complies with both state and local regulations.
🔗 Check registration status or learn more here.
Will My Project Finish On Time?
Let’s talk timing. Can the crew finish on schedule, and will they do it right?
- Employee installers are typically paid hourly, allowing them more time to ensure everything is done to company standards.
- Because subcontractors are often paid per project, the pace of their work can vary. This compensation model makes consistent oversight by the hiring company especially important.
Is the installation team incentivized to prioritize efficiency, and how does the company ensure quality is maintained throughout the project?
Poor installation can lead to hidden issues down the line. The real difference comes down to oversight: well-run companies, whether they use employees or subs, make sure every crew has the support and supervision to get it right the first time.
Are Subcontractors Really Cheaper?
Cost is always a consideration, so it’s worth exploring how labor type plays into it.
- Employee-based companies may have higher internal costs, but they help protect homeowners by covering insurance, workers' comp, and training, reducing your risk and increasing peace of mind.
- While subcontractor models can reduce internal labor costs, the homeowner’s final price depends on how the company structures its pricing. Some may pass along the savings, while others may not.
⚠️ Price alone doesn’t tell the full story. A lower upfront cost can sometimes mean additional long-term costs if installation errors require repairs or lead to voided warranties.
Which Installers Get It Right the First Time—and Keep It That Way?
The quality of the installation often determines how well your windows or doors will hold up over time.
- A great product installed poorly can fail in just a few years.
- A solid install using proper flashing, leveling, and sealing can make even a mid-range product last decades.
Whether done by an employee or a subcontractor, the real differentiator is:
- Consistency
- Training
- Pride in craftsmanship
You can find great installers in both categories, just make sure they have the support, training, and accountability to do the job right.
5 Smart Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Window or Door Installer
Ready to vet your contractor? Good. Asking the right questions up front can save you headaches down the road.
Here are smart questions to include in your consultation:
- Are your installers employees or subcontractors? Will you put that in writing?
- If the installers are subcontractors, are they registered with the state, and can I get a copy of their registration?
- Are they certified by the manufacturer?
- Are all workers covered by liability and Workers’ Compensation insurance?
- Who is responsible, and whom do I contact if there’s an issue after installation?
🔍 If the company uses subcontractors, you might also request a mechanics lien waiver, just an added layer of protection.
Should You Choose a Subcontractor or Employee Installer for Your Project?
Choosing between subcontractors and employee installers isn’t about one being better than the other; it’s about knowing what questions to ask and how those answers affect your home’s outcome.
You started this article unsure of what truly impacts installation quality, warranty coverage, and communication. Now you know exactly how the type of installer can influence your peace of mind and the performance of your new windows or doors.
If you're comparing companies in the Pittsburgh area, ask the questions we outlined. If you prefer a team where installation is handled entirely in-house for streamlined communication and oversight, we’d be happy to assist.
We provide quality window and door products and ensure they’re installed by our full-time, trained employees for consistency and accountability. Ready to meet the crew who’ll be working in your home? Contact us today to schedule a consultation.