When you’re ready to replace the old energy-wasting windows in your home, you have a lot of options to choose from. It’s natural to think about price when you’re making any kind of improvement to your home, but you want to make sure that you are choosing the right windows based on the windows themselves and not the initial cost. And we think homeowners here in the Minneapolis area ought to be able to make an informed choice when the time comes.
So perhaps you’ve started your research with an internet query about the cost of replacement windows. There is never a straightforward answer on how much something is going to cost and why, unless you get a more accurate quote for your home and specific windows. There are a lot of different elements that affect the cost of a window, but it is good to have an idea of what might go into factoring the price.
The Window Quality
Quality of the entire window is going to make a difference in its performance as well as how long it lasts. It just makes sense to choose the highest quality windows your budget will allow for. Skimping on quality to save money isn’t a good idea when it comes to something as important to your home’s energy efficiency and value as windows. Don’t be tempted by those bargain-basement prices of what is advertised as a budget window. You get what you pay for, and you can’t expect high quality with a low price.
The Materials Used to Manufacture a Window
The material that goes into putting the windows in and any extras that you add to it are going to make a difference in the price that you pay. This can be everything from the coating on the outside, the weather stripping, the window frame, hardware options, and more. Cheap vinyl windows from a big-box home improvement store are going to be low priced, but they won’t be as energy efficient or last as long as a higher-priced fiberglass window like the ones we install from Marvin.
Glass Packages
The glass packages that you choose or coatings that go on the glass will change the cost of the windows. So will the type of filling, be it air or some type of gas. The glass package cost also includes the number of panes. Older and historic homes generally have single pane windows, but the best place to start in upgrading your windows is with double panes. In fact, for some parts of your home that may get a cold wintry blast out of the north, you may even want triple pane glass. You want something that is efficient but also works with your budget.
Window Installation
The installation of the windows is going to cost something, especially if you are paying for a quality service. Yes, you can go buy windows and try to install them yourself, but we don’t recommend it. Unless you are an experienced window installation pro, you’re most likely not going to be able to do the job the way the manufacturer intended. Your new replacement windows are only going to be as good as the company you hire to install them. And in fact, be sure to check the manufacturer’s warranty before you buy those windows. Some warranties have terms that cover the installation methods used, and if not done properly, the warranty could be voided. It’s a good idea to work with a company the manufacturer recommends.
Give us a call here to find out more about the window replacement that you can get from us. We’re used to working with homeowners to select the best windows for their homes AND their budgets.
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.
