7 Factors Involved When Figuring Out the Cost of Replacement Windows

7 Factors Involved When Figuring Out the Cost of Replacement Windows

June 20, 2018
By:
Martin Whitmore, President of US Window & Door
7 Factors Involved When Figuring out the cost of replacement windows

Replacing your home’s windows can bring a lot of unique benefits to your home. It can punch up its curb appeal which will increase your home’s demand substantially. It can also improve your home’s insulation by dropping your energy bills dramatically. While understanding the advantages of pursuing a window replacement seem obvious, the cost of replacement windows can be less straightforward. There are a variety of factors that can change the cost of your home’s replacement windows. To better understand what those factors are, our team has put together this article to give you an overview of a few things to watch out for when budgeting for your next window upgrade!

1) How Many Windows You’re Installing

The quantity of windows will have an impact on the amount you’ll pay for your window replacement. When installing multiple windows though, you could score great discounts depending on your contractor.

For example, if a contractor is charging a certain price for two or three windows, they may offer you a percentage off for windows bought in excess of that amount.

Because of that, if you were planning on getting a couple of windows replaced now and others replaced later, it may make more sense to get them all done at once to save on your per window expense.

2) The Type of Window You’re Buying

There are a few common window types you’ll likely consider when shopping for replacements.

Among them are double-hung windows, casement windows, slider windows and awning windows. The type of window you buy should be influenced by the pre-existing facade of your home, the input of your window installation professional and your budget.

3) Type of Window Frame

Your window’s frames have a big impact on the overall look of your window. It also has an effect on how well it will insulate your house which can lead to substantial energy savings. Your frame can also impact price.

Common types of window frames include fiberglass, and aluminum.

If you’re looking for the most cost-effective frame you can get your hands on, you’re probably going to want to lean towards an aluminum frame. These frame types are durable but fall short in the way of providing maximum insulation.

Talk about the pros and cons of each frame type with your window professional to land on one that will not only give you the best cost up-front but will allow you to save the most in the long run.

4) Method of Installation

The ease in which your windows can be installed in your home will impact the cost of replacement windows. With new constructions, for instance, you may need to have your home’s window opening adjusted to fit your windows which can be costly.

This is in contrast to a retrofit window installation where you buy windows that will fit your preexisting opening and consequently, cut down on the degree of your installation difficulty and your window’s price tag.

5) Glass Used

The type of glass you use with your window installation can make or break your window’s functionality. It can also make your window replacement’s price tag change substantially.

While a single pane glass may save you money in the short term, it won’t provide you with anywhere near the degree of insulation double or triple pane glass will.

Double and triple pane glass leverage multiple layers of glass with gas injected in between them. The gas and panes collectively work to keep your home’s cool air in and hot air out.

Some glass types even have reflective materials in them which help further deflect heat.

Understanding your budget and the value you put on quality insulation will help guide your glass decision.

6) Window Size

Replacing smaller bedroom windows may be significantly cheaper than replacing bigger, family room windows.

As a general rule, the more glass your window opening requires to fill it out the more your cost of replacement windows is going to be. Therefore, if you’re on a tight budget, you may need to prioritize which windows you get replaced based on their size.

7) The Contractor You Go With

Not all contractors that will offer to replace your windows are created equal. Many are uninsured, unqualified, and won’t provide you with a quality replacement job.

Cheaper is not always better when it comes to window work. A poor quality window installation may put you in a position where you need to get window work done again shortly after your initial replacement. It can also mean sub-par window utility and safety.

Before you choose to do business with a contractor, make sure that they have all required insurance documents. Also, seek out customer testimonials online to make sure that other people have had a positive experience in the past.

Wrapping Up Factors that Impact the Cost of Replacement Windows

The cost of replacement windows can vary based on a wide variety of factors. Among them include your window’s size, frame type, glass, quantity, ease of installation and the contractor you go with.

To make sure you get the most value for your dollar and end up with a product you’re happy with, it’s important to shop around and talk to knowledgeable contractors to weigh prices, pros, and cons.

Exercising a little diligence and doing some research up front could mean saving hundreds of dollars on the cost of your replacement windows!

If you live in the San Diego or Orange Country areas and are shopping for window replacements from a quality, reputable contractor, look no further than US Window & Door.

Our team has been increasing the value of our client’s homes since 1987. Let us take our decades of expertise and help you.

Contact us today for your free window replacement consultation!