Our houses are a reflection of who we are. From the exterior color we choose, to the interior layout, and even the artwork we put up on the walls all reflect our tastes and personalities.
When our hair gets a little shaggy, we pay a visit to the barber or hairstylist, and just like we have to maintain our appearance we also have to maintain your houses.
One of the ongoing challenges of home maintenance is the upkeep of our windows. As windows age, they may develop leaks as a result of decaying frames or house settlement.
Which is why homeowners should consider all of the different factors involved in replacing windows prior to talking with a contractor. Here are five things you should consider.
Location
First and foremost, where is your house located? Prices vary widely by market so if your house is in an outlying area such as Lake Tahoe you’ll be paying more due to delivery and travel costs for the installer.
Window Count
How many windows are in your house, how many different sizes of windows? Count ‘em up and note each size. Are there patio/sliding glass doors? Knowing how many windows need to be replaced and having a rough idea of the window sizes will be key to obtaining an accurate quote from the contractor or installer.
Type of Home
Next, what type of house do you have? The installer is going to want to know. How high of a ladder should she or he bring? Do you live in a castle with a 12 story tower that needs a window replaced? What kind of siding is on your house? Installation costs will vary based on the degree of difficulty for the installer, so think about what the installation might entail.
Current Window Conditions
How much deterioration have your existing window frames undergone? How much leakage are you experiencing? This will determine if you need full frame window replacements or if you can retrofit new windows over the existing frames. Full frame window replacements, for which the frames must be replaced, are much more invasive and involve additional costs such as painting. The only way to really resolve rot issues is to replace the frames as well as the windows. Keep in mind, as well, that with some additional construction costs you can increase the size of windows when you do a full window replacement instead of repair.
Type of Windows
You’ll have to decide what kind of windows you want. There are a few options, including vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum, and wood clad. Your decision might be based on the weather in your area or on aesthetics and how the windows look on your house. Curb-appeal might be your priority. You also have some options for glass, either Low-E or clear. Low-E will be a bit more expensive but the windows keep your house warmer in winter and cooler in summer so they may be worth the additional investment.
Your big choice is going to be whether you need or want new windows frames and all, which will also offer more overall efficiency, or whether you want to just replace old glass with new double pane units. While just replacing with new double pane units will offer better energy efficiency because they will resolve leakage issues, replacing frames with more efficient material might be the wiser approach in the long run.
If you do a little research up-front on these items you’ll have a much more productive conversation with salespeople or contractors when you pick up the phone to get a quote. If you’re just at the beginning of the process and need a ballpark, $400 per window installed for standard-sized windows is a soft benchmark.
To be sure, it’s a lot to think about. But just as we look in the mirror and determine we need a haircut, we need to look at our houses — and our windows — and decide if they need a little beautification as well.