Choosing Quality Replacement Windows for Long-Term Value

When it comes to home improvement, the temptation for most people is almost always to save money. While it’s wise to be frugal, cutting-corners or settling for lower quality isn’t always cheaper in the long run. Depending on the product, choosing a cheaper option may in fact burden you with ongoing maintenance and replacement costs. But a better quality product - even if the initial outlay is more expensive - could last for years, making it a more cost-effective option over the long term.

The same is true when investing in home improvement projects. Thinking purely about the cost of renovating a kitchen or replacing windows ignores the value those projects add to your home. Similarly, energy efficient windows and insulation can cut your ongoing utility bills, and are an important feature for home buyers who are willing to pay more for a home that has sustainable features. 

When choosing a quality replacement window, it’s not always best to consider price alone. Sometimes you need to go beyond the price tag to ensure you are not settling for an inferior product, and ongoing financial headaches.

Here is what you should look for when selecting replacement windows:

Quality of Materials

Not all windows are created equal. Each will vary depending on the quality, which will be reflected by its overall cost.

But cost alone should not be the sole factor in making your purchasing decision. Assessing the quality of materials in each product is also essential.

Quality

This doesn’t always mean the most expensive product. But it does mean a product that achieves certain industry and consumer expectations and standards based on its overall cost. The price tag is one indicator of quality, but also look for industry certifications and even online product reviews that provide insight into the overall quality of any product you’re considering purchasing.  

Durability

Most products look great off the shelf. But how do they stand up over time? You need confidence that your purchase will be able to withstand harsh summers, brutal winters and everything in between. It’s never good paying for cheaper windows, roofing or siding if it’s only going to need replacement in 3 - 5 years.

Reliability

Ultimately, you need to be able to trust that any home improvement product can do what it states on the box, and not break or be easily damaged when tested by the rigours of every day life. Will cheaper products always give you that peace of mind? If you don’t want the hassle of ongoing maintenance, investing a little more at the outset might be a better option for you.

Reputation and Warranty

When shopping for replacement windows it is equally important to assess the manufacturer’s own confidence in their products, which is usually indicated by a product warranty. A warranty is essentially a guarantee from a service provider that their product will achieve a certain standard. Should the product fall short of that standard or promise, the customer has a sound avenue to seek complementary repairs or replacement.

Pricing and Estimates

When it comes to pricing and estimates, there are some shady operators out there. Some companies won’t include everything in their initial price, or inflate the cost, keeping the profit margins for themselves rather than giving the savings back to you. Unsuspecting homeowners can be stung by unforseen expenses and left out of pocket.

When seeking estimates and working with contractors to plan your home improvement job, here are some essential questions to ask that will help you make an informed decision: 

1. Would you please itemize your bid?
2. Is your bid an estimate or a fixed price?
3. What other projects have you delivered and have you worked in this area before?
4. Who are your main suppliers?
5. Can you give me a timeline for how long this job will take? 

Installation

Ultimately, any product, whether cheap or expensive, will only perform as well as its installation. An inferior or unprofessional installation job can present ongoing issues with air leakage, condensation, moisture and mold, counteracting the quality of your product and undermining any efforts to save money. This is why after selecting your product, ensuring proper installation is essential.

So, how much should you pay?

When it comes to selecting a value replacement window, there are several factors to consider and each home will vary. Household budget, your desired Return on Investment, whether to choose double pane or triple pane and the overall number of windows you replace are important considerations. Each project is unique, and it’s always best to speak to a professional for expert advice and estimates.

If you would like a free, no-obligation estimate of replacing your windows, contact us today. Do so before June 30 to ensure your project is finished by the end of summer.