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Homeowners Guide to Buying Replacement Windows
- Start by considering which windows you want to replace. Do you want
to replace all of them, one floor at a time or just individual units
that will save energy and add convenience to a particular room in your
home?
- Prepare a preliminary budget. How much you can afford to
spend will determine how many windows you can actually replace based on
different window materials, designs and features. Pay particular
attention to the window's thermal performance, as that will be an
indicator of cost. Windows that qualify for the tax rebate set forth by
the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act may be more up front, but
would be offset by greater energy savings and the rebate itself.
- Consider what you want your new windows to do. Are they to be an
architectural design feature or merely provide functionality? Decide
whether you would like the windows to open and close, and how they
should operate. Don't forget that windows also provide security. Vinyl
windows provide lower maintenance, greater convenience and higher energy
performance than most wood windows.
- Factor in the time of year.
In all probability, the project will take at least several days, during
which time your home may be somewhat exposed to the elements. Because
most vinyl replacement windows are custom made to fit your individual
opening, this would limit the time of installation versus standard sized
wood windows.
- Contact a minimum of 3 replacement window
contractors for estimates. Pay particular attention to what is included
in the estimate. Will the contractor be insulating around the perimeter
of the window? Will the contractor be including a high performance
glazing system to meet your energy needs? Do you want decorative grids
placed in between the panes of glass, or prefer a traditional single
divided lite look?
- Discuss the various window types that the
contractor offers and the merits and costs of each: wood frames, wood
that is vinyl-clad or wood that is aluminum-clad. Vinyl- and aluminum-
clad windows do not require painting, so they are low-maintenance.
However, vinyl clad windows are not always available in a wide range of
colors, so don't assume you can get a particular shade. Vinyl window
technology has evolved to a point where color, style and performance are
all available, backed up by a strong manufacturer warranty.
- Discuss the energy-efficiency options (such as standard insulated
glass and low-e glass) offered by the vendors. Consider low-e coating (a
window coating that reduces heat loss through the glass while at the
same time allowing heat from the sun to penetrate) or gas-filled windows
(argon or krypton inserted between double glazing which reduces heat
loss). Work the additional cost of these features in the context of the
estimated savings on your heating and cooling bills. Do the expected
savings justify the extra cost? Vinyl window frames are less expensive
and do provide more insulation qualities. Triple glass with low-e glass
and gas filling will provide the ultimate in thermal performance.
- Ask the contractor for references and check them: Were past
customers happy with the work done? Was the work completed in a timely
manner? Have they had any problems since the installation? Did the
contractor leave the site in a clean and undamaged condition? Check with
the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints
lodged against them.
- Select a contractor based upon price,
window type, references and your impressions. Be sure that the window is
backed by a manufacturer with a long standing record of quality and
service.
- Make sure that the manufacturer/installer offers
guarantee(s). Sign a contract for the work. If ordering the windows
separately from a lumberyard, make sure that the installer has signed
off on the list to verify that the windows specified are correct.
- Make sure that the installer is properly insured. Get a valid
certificate of insurance from the contractor before you pay any money or
before the work begins.
- A deposit may be required by the
contractor, but be sure that the job is completed satisfactorily before
final payment.
