Seven Window Buying Mistakes To Avoid

Are you planning to purchase new windows for your home? Installing new windows can be a sound way to upgrade your living spaces and make them more comfortable. Still, new windows are a significant investment, so it’s best to avoid these seven window-buying mistakes we’ve seen over the years.

Choose the window over the window company

Just because a window manufacturer advertises on tv, the radio, and in your mailbox daily doesn’t mean it’s the right window for your home. Extensive advertising campaigns often lead to sticker shock, so beware of the highly advertised window brands.

There are over 1,000 window manufacturers in the U.S., so don’t discount a window because you haven’t heard of it. Ask questions about the parts that go into the window, such as the type of glass used, where the windows are made, and the defect rate. We recommend working with a locally owned and operated replacement window company that understands the local market and has a solid reputation. If they’re doing good business, they’ll offer a window(s) that works in North Texas.

At Window Depot of Dallas, we believe installation is as important as the window. A premium window with poor installation is worse for your home than a standard window with a precise installation.

Numbers over everything

The NFRC has likely rated the windows you’re looking at, defining energy efficient values like Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) and U-Factor. These numbers indicate how well your windows perform in the hot Texas heat. Primarily, do they keep the temperature out and the interior temperature in? High-quality replacement windows should allow you to give your HVAC system a rest.

This becomes problematic when you start to compare windows solely on NFRC ratings. There are always ways to make a window more efficient, but you reach a point where the cost to get a “more efficient” window outweighs the benefit. Windows can lead to lower utility bills, but a window with 10% better NFRC numbers won’t relate to 10% more money saved every month.

NFRC ratings are critical, but you must love the window, trust the company to install it properly and ensure your must-have features. The cost to achieve the “best” energy ratings rarely will pay you back.

Too much reliance on the warranty

Like ice cream, window warranties come in different flavors. There are 10-year warranties, lifetime, double lifetime warranties, and more. If you’re not confused yet, let us add that the warranties cover different segments of your project. Some windows offer a glass warranty, operable parts warranty, finish warranty, and labor warranty.

Warranties are essential, but ideally, you buy new windows that don’t have problems. The best product is one that never requires you to file a warranty claim. Furthermore, the window company is the key to your warranty experience and understanding of your project. So, don’t let the warranty decide your purchase because it’s probably not as good as you think. Remember, the manufacturer’s lawyers write warranties.

 

Signing too quickly because of an expiring discount

Beware of the one-time-only discount or special offer. Before Covid-19, window prices were negotiated annually, so the price your window company paid didn’t depend on the day, week, or month. You should, too, if they’re paying the same price all year.

Since Covid, that has been in flux a bit. Some manufacturers send ad-hoc price increases due to supply chain disruptions or increased demand, but the industry has started to settle over the past 12 months.

Your rep might have a good reason to offer you a discount during the initial visit. Some companies offer 5% off the top because it saves their reps time and money by not having to come out a 2nd or 3rd time. That is respectable and fair. However, your antenna should go up if a company can afford to offer a 40% discount during the initial visit.

 

Not paying cash

In home services, cash is king. Companies don’t pay merchant services to deposit or cash checks, saving them between 3 – 5% of the transaction. If you’re looking to finance your new windows, know the window companies may be paying as much as 15% of your deal to the finance company! They typically will recoup that fee through markups.

Even if cash is the lowest price, it will not provide the same security as paying with a credit card. Once cash and checks are deposited, you, as the homeowner, cannot quickly retract that from the window contractor. If a deal sours or the company you chose didn’t fulfill the terms, you’d need to take them to court to sort it out. However, if you paid with a credit card, you could dispute the charge with your card issuer, who will typically take your side in a dispute.

While cash typically gets you the lowest price, make sure you are handing the money to a reputable window company, not some fly-by-night installer turned window business.

 

Failing to perform due diligence

Past performance is often an indicator of the future regarding window replacement contractors. A quick Google search of the company name will go a long way. Here are a few things to look for:

• Positive reviews on multiple sites: Google My Business, Facebook, Angi, BBB, etc.
• Owner responses to positive AND negative reviews. In construction, problems will arise, but you want to work with a company that will do the right thing in the face of problems.
• Check for a physical location. If and when you need to speak with someone in person, it’s nice to know where you can find them.
• Photos are a big feather in the cap. When meeting with a company representative, ask for photos of recently completed projects. Companies who take pride in their installation should be ready to share their photos.

Not having a paper trail

Even in 2023, some window companies operate on handshake details. Please don’t do it. Get everything you can in writing from your window company. We recommend your contract should include at least the project’s brand, series, color, quantity, payment terms, and price. Some companies may include more but don’t settle for less.

In closing

Hopefully, this article helped identify some common mistakes homeowners make when purchasing new windows. Replacing your home’s windows is a big investment, but if you take the time to research and avoid these pitfalls, it can be a smooth and enjoyable process. If you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, we would love to help you choose the right windows for your home. Call us at 214-399-9592 or stop by our showroom today.