To say that Renewal by Andersen has high standards for its window installers might be an understatement. For the chance to even apply for the position, an installer must have replaced at least 5,000 windows. And when this prospective technician is considered for employment, there's still only a one in three chance he or she will even be hired. Once they finally make the cut, that lucky third of installers are EPA certified in lead safety, and they refresh their skills with another 40 training hours each year.

When homeowners put out their broken-or-ugly-window distress signal, the technicians respond with a varied selection of window and door options. They do so swiftly—each Andersen crew averages 1,000 replacements per year. And the installers' meticulous nature and attention to detail don't end when they pop in that final pane. After they've replaced the window, they clean up with an industrial vacuum estimated to be 47% more efficient than a typical home vac. Only when a homeowner goes through a 10-point inspection checklist with the team leader, and signs off on the cleanup, does Andersen consider its job done.