If your old windows are rotted past the point of repair or they just don’t stay up the way they should, it’s time to get them replaced. We know there’s a huge variety of ways to purchase windows, so breaking the choices down into three main categories may help you decide which is best for you.
Off-the-Shelf
The least expensive option is to buy a window off the shelf. Minnesota home centers and lumber yards offer this type, but only double-hung or casement styles are usually offered. As for hardware, the only option is usually a painted metal crank.
If you’re looking for the energy-efficient tax credit, the double pane glazing this type of purchasing option offers won’t help you out there. The price is relatively low at $270-$350 per window, and the wait time is at most 3 weeks. But this is a good option if you’re on a tight budget and need a basic window.
Made To Order
Available in home centers, lumber yards and window retailers, made to order windows offer quite a few more options than off the shelf options do. You can pick and choose which features you want out of a catalog, which includes unlimited styles and a small variety of crank styles. It also offers tax-credit worthy-glass coatings like low-E as well as patterned or laminated glazing.
Usually, these are available in pine, though sometimes you can choose clear alder or Douglas Fir. Expect to wait a minimum of 4 weeks for your windows to be fabricated and delivered. These will cost you between $315 and $650 per window.
Custom
The third, and most expensive, option is customized windows. You can get any design you’d like, including ones you create yourself and historical replicas. There are more custom sizes available as well as a variety of finishes for your hardware, including solid bronze. You can get glass with any glaze, including ornate leaded art. Because these windows are built to your specifications, expect to wait at least 6 weeks, and to pay between $800 and over $2000 per window.
You can find the right window for you by looking at any of the above sources. Or you can contact a professional window company to discuss your options. Window Outfitters offers no-cost, no-obligation free estimates. And through the end of May, we’re offering discounts on window installation and other exterior home remodeling services.
Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.
