Having been in this industry for nearly 20 years, this is one of the questions I've heard thousands of times... in one way or another. Sometimes its more in the form of a statement like "I can't afford new windows" or "I'm always looking for the best deal out there". Either way, the reality is that window replacement is not only expensive, it is likely the largest investment you'll ever make into your home (other than buying it).
Keeping this as short as possible, but actually answering the questions is what I'm gonna do for you. if you're really looking into this type of investment, it's important that you know how to decide whether or not you can afford new windows, and more importantly, whether or not they're worth it. There are a handful of things that go into the cost of anything, in this case; new windows.
First off, why are you wanting to replace your windows in the first place. If it's cosmetic, is it something that paint can accomplish? If it's maintenance, can your windows be serviced? If it's energy savings, how do you measure whether or not replacement will provide the kind of savings you are looking for? If you can't answer these questions, you probably shouldn't jump into this process. It's unnecessarily painful, and your time could be better used elsewhere. Secondly, who can accomplish your goals for replacement? There are a number of people that can "fix windows" but ultimately, you'll be replacing that same window if any amount of time goes by.
The thing to understand is what goes into the cost of new windows. The biggest expense is the cost if the window itself. Vinyl windows are far less expensive that wood windows, regardless of what you are told. In most cases, the product cost for vinyl; is half or less than a clad wood product. Then the next most expensive part should be the labor to install the product itself. Full frame replacement should cost more than an insert because there is so much more expertise needed. The reason most companies do inserts (vinyl) is because it is far less in depth and can be accomplished by a far lower level of installer. The other things that go into a full frame install is the material needed such as casing, the overhead expenses such as advertising and debt. Finally, you have to remember that tax goes up with the cost of material. All in all, there can be a varying range of cost but as the quality goes up, so does the price.
What needs to be understood is that the company providing the service controls a handful of those expenses. The part they have the control over is mainly the quality ( style) of install and the materials they use to complete it. For example, a full frame installation will require interior casing, more insulation, and possibly exterior trim. More than that, it may require interior or exterior painting, which obviously adds to the bottom line. Compared to insert, or vinyl windows, where there is no casing that is being replaced so no painting is necessary. The end result is considerably different, but so should the price tag be. But as far as the windows themselves go, there really isn't gonna be much difference. The dealers do in fact have a lower price per product, but they have the overhead it costs to operate a dealership such as more employees and warehouse space. In the end, I can offer a lower price working through a dealer than being a dealer myself.
The last thing that needs to be said, and most important, is that there is no such thing as a window sale. Offers of "BYGO" and extra incentives to buy today are only there to fool people into believing that they'll miss out on some amazing deal if they don't sign today. The fact is that there is a 3 day recission rule that allows you to cancel a contract when you buy products in home. That exists because there are so many predatory companies out there to make you feel pressured into making a quick decision. The truth is, the only way a company can give a discount is to mark their goods and services up. I'll gladly write further about this topic, but this is all too common in my line of work that it is a primary reason I do what I do. I believe in treating people like people, and being lied to is not how I want to be treated. There is no such thing as a window sale!
In conclusion, the reason that windows cost so much can be complicated. Overall, once you understand that the quality of product makes a big difference in what you're looking at, the way it's installed (primarily who is doing the install) can make the rest of the difference. At United Home Services, we believe that quality speaks for itself, and we don't need to trick people into doing business with us. We treat people like people, and that's the way we'll always do business.
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