Discover Tips And Advice On Buying Replacement Windows



STYLES PRICING REVIEWS TOOLS

You Are Here » Home » Tools & Articles » Buying Replacement Windows

Buying Replacement Windows

Here are five tips to follow when buying replacement windows. These are meant to be the pillars for success on your next home window project.


Get Free Estimates

The first step to finding the best replacement windows is to get a few cost quotes on the project. You will find a wealth of information regarding prices and target prices on this site, however every replacement window project has at least twenty unique factors that can affect the per window cost.


Don't Accept Any Quotes Yet

Once you have your estimates in front of you, don't be pressured into signing anything. Avoid any window companies that pressure you into signing with them - some offer big discounts for signing there and then. Don't fall into this trap. Ideally you want to get all the bids in front of you and then visit an online window forum (we suggest gardenweb.com and replacement-windows.com).

Each forum requires that you register, but once you do, you can post your project bids to the contractors and professionals for their input and feedback. Be sure you include as many project details as possible (the number of windows you will be replacing, sizes, materials and the bid prices you have received). This is essentially having top contractors give you feedback on your specific project bids - for free!


Ensure the Details and Prices Are Correct

These forums are a great way to ensure you are being offered an acceptable deal and quality brands and models. They are best used once you have the estimates in front of you, so you can share the specifics of the quotes with the professionals. Usually the contractors will give you one of two responses; either one or more of your bid is spot on or that you should keep looking as there are better deals and window models to be had. This gives you the knowledge you need to make an informed decision regarding your replacement windows. These are some of our top vinyl window models.


The Installer's Reputation

Forums and forum responses aren't able to tell you whether the installer or company will provide quality and thorough installation. Here are some recommendations - online reviews are probably one of the best ways to vet potential installers. The top three sites that we suggest are yelp.com, bbb.org and Google local listings. Yelp is completely unbiased and can offer valuable insight, Bbb.org offers good information on any filed complaints and Google local listings has a good review option that's easy to find and is full of great reviews.

Ask the company how they pay their installers; per window or per hour. Per window can often lead to shortcuts since the installer is trying to do as many windows as quickly as he can. A good per hour wage is the best structure to make sure that the windows are put in properly and no corners are cut. Ask how long the installers have worked together (installation is often done by a two man team). Finally, ask for a few references and give the homeowners a quick call to make sure that the work is done correctly and has held up over time.


Take Some Time to Think About It

Don't make a snap decision, take a few days before making your final decision. A few days lets you remove any emotion from your decision and enables you to compare the quotes received, read up on what information you can find and then make an informed decision based on all the knowledge you have gained. If you find a solid company and product, a good installer who is experienced and you trust, all at a price that meets your budget, you can almost guarantee that you'll be happy with your energy efficient replacement windows for decades to come!









Select Type Of Window
Select Frame Material
Window Brand Quality
Installation Requirements
How Many Windows?
Zip Code