Replacing your windows can be a huge hassle if you go into it without any idea of what you’re looking for or how much to expect to pay. You may expect to find the salesperson to be the most helpful, but you must remember they are a salesperson. They may not be giving you the best possible deal to make a larger sale. Knowing how to compare deals will ensure that you know the most accurate cost of replacement windows.
Most importantly you must determine what type of windows you need. There are cheaper vinyl windows all the way up to custom crafted wooden window. The price varies greatly from one end of the spectrum to the other, but prices will also vary within the different types of window. To better assess the cost of replacement windows consider how long you’ll be in your home. If it’s less than five years or so, consider going with cheaper window.
When you are looking around at windows at the store, ask for the cheaper window. Most of the time the salesperson will pitch you a higher priced window first, second and possibly even third. If they show you a style that you like, ask for the window that’s a step down from that. If they get pushy with you, inform them that you’d like to purchase your windows there but that you have a budget and will not deviate from that. If you make it clear that you intend to be stubborn on the price any good salesperson will then find you the perfect window in your price range. If they don’t move on because that company is not working for you, and any good company would.
Don’t buy the first offer you get when comparing the cost of replacement windows. Different companies have different offers and you might have to go a few places before you know what the best deal is. Also keep in mind that the price is dependent on two things. Only half of the cost is the actual windows. The other half of the price is the installation. Even should you do the installation yourself, you will have to pay for supplies and take the time to do it, which is definitely costly. While you are still shopping get quotes from a few highly recommended handymen or contractors. Or, if you are doing the installation yourself, go to the hardware store and figure out the cost of all the supplies you will need. This should be added to the cost of the actual windows to determine if it’s within your budget. If not, cheaper windows may be the easier way to bring down the cost.
Finding Cheap Replacement Windows
There are many reasons to replace your windows, but ultimately there is one reason for buying cheap replacement windows. Most people are more willing to foot a top-dollar cost on other home improvement projects because it’s a single unit job. Like a water heater or a stove, expensive but you only buy one. But if you have twenty windows to replace, saving an extra $10 per window can make a big difference.
The number one way to find cheap replacement windows is to avoid name brands. Traditional name brands like Andersen or Pella have higher prices than any other, even for the lowest end window styles. If you can afford it, name brands are great. They have a great reputation and can charge that high price for a reason. But middle of the road windows will also suit just fine.
Try and buy common style windows whenever you can. Double hung, casement and slider windows tend to be the cheapest. Once you venture into the avenues of hexagons, circles or bay windows the price is going to jump quickly. Also check the grade of window you’re buying. Any window that says architectural grade is going to be very expensive. Contractor grade windows work just as well and are nowhere near the others in price.
If you can, avoid buying at an authorized dealer. This is not the place to find cheap replacement windows. Authorized dealers are generally only selling one brand; this eliminates the competition of having other brands available. Competition is what makes for low prices. Another thing you should consider is whether you really need those special features. Low-e coating or specialty hardware will cost more to have installed than to install yourself later. Burglar latches should not be on this list, they should come with no cost from any replacement window company.
Materials are also something to look at when you’re looking for cheap windows. Wood is probably the most expensive material. Fiberglass is less expensive but vinyl is definitely the cheapest. Vinyl windows are perfectly durable and can even be bought to resemble wood. So do a lot of thinking before you decide to pay more on expensive materials, you might be able to do without it. One little known fact is that almost any replacement window company out there will negotiate the price. This is especially true if you are buying a large volume of windows at one time. Usually all it takes is counter offering about 20% lower than the price you were quoted. If it doesn’t work, move onto the next company. You can save hundreds this way; it’s worth the effort.
