Sealing the Deal: How to Avoid Surprise Costs with Replacement Windows

Purchasing replacement windows for your home is more than just flipping through a catalog, picking your favorite deigns, and them having them installed. There are many factors that go into choosing the right windows and it is important to know what you’re paying for, before you hire a contractor. Criteria such as the amount of windows needed for the house and level of energy efficiency all affect the price of a replacement window installation.

So, what can you expect when a contractor comes back to you with a proposal figure? Here are some examples of what influences how much you pay for replacement window installation services:

Size
The size of the windows is a major factor in price. If your home requires standard size windows, the cost is affordable. Overly large or odd-shaped windows will force a jump in cost, so expect to pay a little more for custom-built pieces or windows that require safety glass.

Material
Material matters when it comes to the efficacy of your windows. Vinyl is an inexpensive option that requires little maintenance. Fiberglass and wood clad windows are considered high-end materials, with wood requiring painting on the interior which increases the costs.

Insulation
Windows come in multiple insulation levels: double or triple pane glass with Low E coatings. The higher the insulation level, the higher the cost and the better the windows will perform to keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

Condition of Current Frames
Another consideration with the price of replacement window installation is the condition of your home’s existing window frames. Typically, the existing frame is used in a replacement window job. However, if there is damage to the frames, (if they are warped, moldy, or rotten) repairs or a total renovation may be in order. Of course, this can up the cost of installation.

Installation
Installation fees are also tacked on to the cost of replacement windows. Fees that cover removing and disposing of the old windows should also be included. Double-check with the window contractor to ensure that you know the costs of these additional services up-front with things like replacing rotted wood, exterior clean-up and painting.