Avoid These Common Window Replacement Mistakes
Even the most savvy Houston homeowners can make the occasional mistake when choosing home improvement projects. Choosing Houston window replacement can be a significant investment in time and money, so it’s crucial to avoid common mistakes to ensure you get the best value and performance.
Here are 5 of the most common window buying mistakes Houston homeowners make:
Window Buying Mistake #1
Falling in love with the window but not loving the window installation company.
Interviewing and selecting a good window replacement company in Houston can really be a chore. Many sales people in home improvements will tell tall tales (untrue in most cases) about their competition. Houston Window Experts does not do that.
Instead, we focus our energies on making our business the best there is.
We do that by utilizing our “Three P’s” as guidance. Hire the best People, choose the best Products, and follow the best Processes. Our goal is for every potential client gets the best treatment at every interaction with our company, whether you buy from us or not.
Window Mistake #2
Focusing too much on numbers.
Overlooking energy-efficient features like low-E coatings, multiple panes of glass, and gas fills can result in higher energy bills and discomfort. On the other hand too much focus placed on other numbers…like company size, time in the industry, for a particular manufacturer or installer, is not what makes a great window company. Selling only one brand of window is one indication of high pressure sales tactics. Sleazy sales tactics will bloat performance data to prove their window is “best”.
Mistake #3
Buying bad window design just for the performance numbers.
With nearly a thousand window manufacturers the US and a handful of glass manufacturers in the replacement and new window markets, the frames are where you will see the most dramatic differences. Take for example two windows with the same Cardinal 366 glass (the most popular) installed in a cheap vinyl frame and the other in a quality fiberglass, vinyl, aluminum, or composite frame. The inexpensive vinyl frames are very thick. You’ll end up with less glass area with these vinyl windows. The smaller the window, the more chunky and unattractive it becomes.
Window Mistake #4
Exclusive-tonight only price!
After the 3 hour high pressure sales pitch (from other window sellers) they come up with an astronomical price. Then, they subtract several discounts as incentives to buy right now. We believe in just giving you the best possible price. You’ll always get our expert, professional installation service with stellar customer service. High-pressure hasty decisions can lead to regret and costly mistakes.
The #5 Most Common Window Buying Mistake
The seldom revealed expense of “Zero Interest Financing”.
Finance companies don’t actually offer a service where they don’t make any money. The reality is that the company selling the windows has to pay a fee significant fee to the finance company offering the plan. Trust us in saying that these fees are always added to the price of the window contract. The financing is never truly free.
What are four more mistakes made when considering buying Houston replacement windows?
- Ignoring installation quality – Poor installation can compromise energy efficiency, cause drafts, and lead to leaks and water damage. Choose a reputable installer with experience and a strong warranty. Inquire about their installation process and quality control measures.
- Inaccurate measuring by non-professionals – Only buy windows that have been accurately measured for each window opening. Windows should always be custom built for each particular opening. This eliminates shoddy installation techniques that rely on shimming, trimming, and caulking to make them fit. The result – It still won’t be a great seal and will probably leak.
- Overlooking warranty coverage – Not understanding the warranty terms can leave you responsible for costly repairs or replacements. Carefully review the warranty details, including coverage for materials, labor, and any exclusions.
- Not evaluating all available frame options – There are several different materials and opening styles to evaluate when making your decisions. For example, not looking beyond vinyl frames since they are so often on advertisements. Vinyl is dominant, often overshadowing other materials like wood, fiberglass, and aluminum. This limits consumer choice and can lead to a somewhat homogenous look in neighborhoods. Vinyl, while durable and affordable, can sometimes look generic and may not be the best aesthetic choice for all homes.
The most satisfied window buying homeowners will consider all their options. Look at composite and fiberglass framed windows for example. Thinner frame profiles afford more glass area and can have more interesting profiles. Aluminum clad wood windows (wood on inside and aluminum on the exterior) is a great choice for that craftsman look your interior demands.
Grid styles, opening styles, and window combinations through components called mullions provide an elegant look. Consider the age and general aesthetic of your home design. Many manufacturers offer a limited range of colors, styles, and grid patterns, making it difficult to find windows that truly complement a home’s unique architecture. You don’t have to do what everyone else is doing. Be unique.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can make an informed decision and select replacement windows that will enhance your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and value for years to come.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How much should you spend on replacement windows?
A: Windows are a significant investment. One that adds true value to your home making it more attractive and comfortable. Avoiding the mistakes outlined here can prevent overspending and ending up with inferior products and poor installation. The least expensive windows range from $200-$600 per window. Better quality and higher performance starts with windows $500-$1000 each. Custom window openings can combine multiple windows thereby increasing the cost per window opening.
Q: How much does it cost to replace windows in Texas?
A: As is the case with most consumer products in Texas, buying windows will cost at least 10%-20% less than in California or New York, for example. Doing your due diligence on the window and the window company will provide the best replacement cost for you.
Q: What is a good price to install a window?
A: Installation of replacement windows will be about 40% of the price of the window deal. Most windows require removal of old window, preparation of the opening (flashing and any repairs), two people to handle and position the window, and finally, caulking and weatherproofing. Saving pennies in labor will cost you dollars in mistakes. It’s a skilled and detailed process not to be entrusted to inexperienced installation teams. Consider our Lifetime Leak-Free Guarantee!
Q: How much does it cost to replace a standard size window?
A: The most common size of window in Texas is 24″wide by 36″tall. The price for a low-end window from the big box stores is $300 to $400 – if you pick them up and install them yourself. DIY window installation is not very common. You’ll need an installation company (big box stores have independent contractors available) that will add 40% to 50% to the price. And, you won’t be able to interview them to make a selection.
How Do You get Started?
It’s easy! Just call Houston Window Experts now – Or complete one of our request forms. Discover first hand what a quality and reputable company has to offer. You’ll always be treated with dignity and respect. That’s our promise!
