What Can A Victorian-era Poet Teach Us About Replacement Windows?

photo credit: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Author:John_Ruskin

‘It's unwise to pay too much, but it's worse to pay too little ... have enough to pay for something better.’

These words are often attributed to famous 19th Century poet and art critic John Ruskin (1819 - 1900). While debate continues as to whether Ruskin himself said those words, the sentiment being expressed is a universal truth, relevant even today. It’s known as the common law of business balance; the principle that one cannot pay a little and get a lot. In its most basic form it’s the idea that you get what you pay for, and paying a cheap price will not guarantee the buyer will receive a product of high quality value.

It’s a basic principle most of us will apply before big expenses; cars, computers, televisions and phones. Often we do our research, understand what products fit our needs, and consider quality and reliability before making a final purchase. However it’s a principle often overlooked when people consider purchasing products designed to improve their greatest asset: their homes.

Projects such as replacement windows, siding and roofing are among the greatest investments you can make in improving your home — offering exceptional return on investment. There is a direct correlation between the quality of the upgrades you make to your home and the increase in your home’s overall value. Yet the WoW team regularly encounter homeowners willing to compromise on quality to save a few dollars, unaware that they are burdening themselves and their families with the hidden costs of cheaper products and inferior workmanship.

In this blog we explore the timeless wisdom of John Ruskin, and how his thoughts around cost and its relationship to value can help you make the big home improvement decisions.

John Ruskin: “If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well to add something for the risk you run, and if you do that you will have enough to pay for something better.”

Translated: Cheap products come with a hidden cost

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.

If you’re willing to take on the financial burden of maintaining and replacing lower quality products, perhaps it’s wiser to pay the additional costs upfront and avoid the ongoing expenses and hassles.

John Ruskin: “When you pay too much, you lose a little money — that is all. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do.”

Translated: Low cost doesn’t necessarily mean value

An inferior or unprofessional window installation or lower quality products can present ongoing issues with air leakage, condensation, moisture and mold, counteracting the quality of the product and undermining any efforts to save money. While it’s easy to be attracted to lower cost options, they have the potential to be an ongoing financial drain, offering little value in the long run and wasting money.

John Ruskin: “There is hardly anything in the world that someone cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper, and the people who consider price alone are that person’s lawful prey.”

Translated: Price is important, but it shouldn’t be your sole deciding factor

While a replacement window’s price tag is important, you need to be confident that it will stand the test of time, deliver its stated promise and suit the overall needs of your home. You need confidence that your purchase will be able to withstand harsh summers, brutal winters and everything in between. It’s no good paying for cheaper windows, roofing or siding if they are going to need replacement in 3 - 5 years, or can’t withstand the rigours of everyday 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.