I am bit mixed on this. We didn't put together a reference list for a number of years. People checked us out on the BBB and usually heard about us via word of mouth. If the company hasn't yet done that, it just requires and extra step that they may not have done yet. I don't think I would disqualify them, but I would expect they would have it to you in a semi-timely fashion.

I also dont think its a red flag. We only started compiling lists of former customers for reference purposes recently as well. Realistically, do you really think you will procure references of unsatisfied customers? " mrs. Smith, here are 5 good references and 2 really bad ones." Truth is, most reputable companies have a very high success rate when it comes to customer service but you always get those one or two customers per year that need to be taken out to the proverbial wood shed.

thats why its important to look at the " general theme" of a particular company's reviews whether its angies list or another review site. If there are 20 good reviews and only 2 bad ones, chances are the customers were the issue, not the company.

you always hear about shady contractors but no one ever mentions there are some shady customers out there that look for every loop hole in the book in order to take advantage. Its the world we live in i suppose.

Thank you for the responses so far. I guess I should clarify. I understand they will only provide references that were happy and satisfied. I get that. But, I also really want to see the quality of the installation. For example, from the street, how does the trim look? The quality of the corner joints. The matching of the trim product to the window offering. Etc... Does it add to the appeal and beauty of the house or distract from it? I know what "just the window" looks like, I want to see some of them in an actual house versus on my kitchen table. I can't believe I'm the only or first person concerned with how they will look.

You should be able to see work samples. That should be a standard and reasonable request.

I'd agree with the above. The sites that you referenced like Angie's etc will probably provide a more accurate representation of overall customer satisfaction than a couple hand selected past clients... As far as addresses for work samples, that should not require too much trouble and there is no reason that a firm should not supply that. I have run into a few situations where someone wants to see a very specific product or install type and in a very specific area, and that can be difficult depending on how sophisticated the search function is in their CRM system. A few addresses of replacement windows near you should not be hard though.