Everyone wants to replace their windows once in a while, but the thought of parting with hundreds of dollars in one go makes the idea of frequent replacements economically unsound. Homeowners are thus left to replace their windows only when they are wrecked and dysfunctional.
Window replacement projects are generally costly, but there are ways to lower the costs without necessarily compromising your quality and aesthetic standards. Read on for five workable tips for saving money on your window-replacement project.
Tip #1. Get Your Measurements Right
Here’s one thing that homeowners pay little attention to when shopping for new windows.
Being accurate with your measurements saves you both time and labor costs. Having to adjust the frame to fit a new window not only impacts your home’s curb appeal but also increases the risk of damage to your home’s structure. Consider getting a seasoned window replacement professional to take the measurements for you. If you have to do it yourself, use centimeters and millimeters (small units) to increase exactitude. Measure the height and the width at least three times and go with the shortest measurements.
Tip #2: Consider Builder-Grade or Contractor-Grade Windows
If you are doing your window installation project on a budget, the type of windows you go for should matter. There are several types of windows on the market classed in grades, and contractor-grade or builder-grade options are usually cheaper. These, unlike their premium-grade counterparts, are built to satisfy basic structural and aesthetic requirements. Architectural grade windows are high-end, and may cost as much as double the price of builder grades.
That said, these windows may be difficult for a greenhorn to find at a builder’s center as they are called many different names. You should thus consider consulting an expert, or at least the clerk at the store, before making your purchase.
Tip #3. Know the Type of Window Installation you Want to make
There are three common types of window replacements:
- Full-frames;
- Insert replacements; and
- Sash kits.
Sash replacement refers to when you are replacing specific window parts like the sill. Insert replacements, on the other hand, are similar to full-frame installations, which involve installing fully-assembled windows.
The reason you are replacing your windows should guide you in making your decision regarding the type of replacement to make. If it is damage, check to see if the sill and the frame are damaged as well. If they are in good shape, then go for inserts. Consider getting an expert to disassemble the windows for you to avoid damaging intact parts.
Tip #4. Prioritize Cheap Window Materials
Wood, vinyl, fiberglass, composite, and aluminum are some of the more common window materials on the market. Each costs differently, and your choice should be based on both quality and budget.
Vinyl makes for the most popular window replacement material thanks to its desirable performance-cost combination. High quality vinyl extrusions are believed to top the performance charts above wood and metal, though they are thought to age and deteriorate quicker.
Wood windows are arguably the most revered of all the options, and this partly explains their high price. Unless you simply can’t do without them, it is best to go for other options if your budget is tight.
Fiberglass is costlier than vinyl, but way cheaper than wood and aluminum. It is flexible and stronger than vinyl, and its maintenance demands are extremely low. You may want to consider this material if you have no plans of installing new windows again in the foreseeable future.
Composite is made out of a mix of materials, and different manufacturers offer varying material combinations. Composite is not only cheap but also offers variety when it comes to aesthetic preference. Most contemporary composite frames are extremely strong and can be modeled after wood.
Tip #5: Get more than one quote
If you request for quotes from, say, three different contractors, obviously one will be cheaper than the other two. Do your research on the internet and get at least three of the best window replacement companies in your area to visit your home. Let them preview your project and decide how much they are going to charge you. Do not shy away from telling them that they are not the only option you are considering. This way, you will prompt each of them to give you their best quotation in fear of losing out to the other contractors.
Summary
There are many ways to minimize costs when conducting a window replacement exercise. For instance, you can decide to go DIY or get an inexperienced budget expert to do it for you. These are direct ways to cut back on costs, but they are likely to prove costly in the long run. What’s more, your immediate expectations may not be met. Follow the above tips and ensure to consider contractor reputation and other factors such as long-term maintenance costs before making your choice.
