To most homeowners, windows are a piece of glass that allows them to see the view from their home. Ask someone who sells windows and suddenly they become the single most important aesthetic and energy saving or draining feature of your house. So how do you decide what’s true, what’s sales, and what you should do?
How to Choose a Window Replacement Company
Unless you’ve replaced your windows before (and recently), you’re going to want to get multiple quotes. Sure, there are companies that advertise you can get X windows for $X price, but the only way to know what you would really pay is to have someone come to your home, go over the project, and give you a price. Getting multiple quotes will allow you to choose the best company by comparing differences in product, process, and price.
Compare the Products
Before you meet with anyone about your window replacement project, you’ll want to do some general research. Knowing what is available will help you decide which companies to call for a quote, but your fact-finding shouldn’t stop there. While you don’t need focus on the specific product information, you’ll want to make a list of questions to ask. If you start with the issues you are currently having and do an internet search to find out what problems other homeowners have had, you’ll have a pretty good list to start with. The goal of a window you choose should be to eliminate as many issues as possible.
Compare the Process
A company representative will be able to tell you what the technical replacement process is, and generally, these do not vary too much. What you’re really looking for in process is more about the company. Who installs the windows (company employees vs subcontractors)? Who takes care of the disposal of old windows? What is the warranty, who would do service work, what is the timeline? These are all factors that vary company-by-company and will really make or break your experience.
Compare the Price
Replacement windows can range from bare bones to fully-loaded and everything in between. Your situation will determine what price range of windows you are looking for, but it is important to remember that with windows you really do get what you pay for in terms of efficiency and longevity. As for how to pay, many window replacement companies offer savings if you’re a cash buyer as well as financing if you’re not. If you do decide to take the financing, make sure to read the fine print or you could end up paying more than you expected.
