If you buy a sweater that you don’t actually love, you can return it. But if you buy a whole houseful of windows that you don’t love? Your options aren’t as simple.
We want to be certain that our customers who are buying new windows in the Raleigh, NC area never regret their purchase. That’s why we’re sharing this list of the top 10 costly mistakes to avoid when buying new windows.
Thinking you need new windows when what you need is a glazier
Suppose you have broken window glass. Or you’re seeing moisture between the panes of glass in your windows. In either case, you might think that you need to replace your windows.
Luckily, in both cases you usually don’t need to replace your windows. A glazier is a professional who repairs or replaces glass. Their services will cost much less than you would spend replacing a window.
For our customers in the Raleigh area, we recommend Window Wise for glazing services.
Not considering price versus cost
One of the costliest mistakes to avoid when buying new windows is not calculating the true cost of the windows.
The material you choose can impact how often you’ll need to cleaned or paint your windows. Choosing a lower quality window, or one that isn’t the best material for your home’s environment, may mean that you’ll need to replace your windows more often. Scrimping on energy efficiency can lead to high energy bills for your home.
When choosing new windows, it’s important not just to look at the sticker price of the window. Instead, you should consider the cost you’ll incur because of that window’s features over time.
For example, a vinyl clad window may be cheaper than a fiberglass clad option, but may wind up costing you more over time.
Vinyl expands and contracts with temperature swings. Over time, vinyl-clad windows are prone to seal failure and other maintenance issues because of this.
Comparatively, a fiberglass clad window is the least prone to melt, rot, or warp over time. These windows, even in darker finishes, often don’t even show dents or scratches.
No window is ever truly maintenance free (unless you never clean your windows). But a fiberglass-clad window may be a more cost-efficient purchase over time than windows made from other materials.
Hiring an inexperienced installer
Of all the mistakes to avoid when buying new windows, this is the one that has the potential to save you the most money (and frustration).
The best window installed improperly will eventually fail.
A window that has been installed with poor care and craftsmanship is a window that’s prone to leakage, seal failure, gaps between the sill and the frame. It may get so bad that eventually the window is inoperable, and won’t open or close.
That’s why it’s critical that you do more than pick a great window. You must also choose a trustworthy and skilled team to install your windows.
Finding quality installers can be difficult, but it isn’t impossible.
You can read Google reviews or search a company’s rating with the Better Business Bureau to be sure they’ve done quality work previously.
That way, you can have confidence not just in the windows you’ve purchased, but in the installation team, too.
Buying windows that aren’t to code or don’t meet your HOA requirements
Be sure that your draftsman, architect, builder, or contractor is familiar with local building codes. These may require that windows in certain places or of certain sizes have specific features.
For example, it’s a universal requirement that windows in bathrooms be made of tempered glass. Tempered glass is treated so that it will shatter into dangerous shards if it’s broken. This kind of glass is required in bathrooms because falls are more likely in bathrooms than in any other room of the house.
This example is universal best practice. But other, local building codes may require tempered glass or other features in other areas of your home. Be sure that your design and build team know the local building codes as you select your windows.
A similar mistake when buying new windows is not researching your neighborhood’s Homeowner’s Association (HOA) guidelines.
From colors to materials to brands, HOA’s may have strict guidelines about what types of windows are and aren’t allowed. Be sure to make sure your dream window is in line with your HOA guidance.
Choosing looks over function and features.
You should love the way your new windows look. But you should also love how they operate and the features they offer.
For instance, we love to recommend a tilt wash window to our clients who have mobility issues, or who are busy parents. These windows are extremely easy to operate and maintain, meaning less headache and elbow grease for you.
Replacing a window with the same window.
Many homes in our area (Raleigh, Apex, Cary, and Holly Springs, NC) were built with builder grade wood windows.
It may be what you’re used to seeing in your home and your neighborhood. But all-wood windows are not a smart investment in central NC. That’s because the direct sunlight and high humidity in our area cause all-wood windows to deteriorate and rot. And that break down happens quickly, meaning another costly round of window replacement. When looking to replace an all-wood window here in North Carolina, we suggest you opt for aluminum, fiberglass, or vinyl clad instead.
This potentially costly window buying mistake goes beyond picking the wrong materials. That’s because replacing your windows gives you the opportunity to change the look of your home in a dramatic way.
Just because your home had white windows doesn’t mean it wouldn’t look spectacular with black windows. You don’t have to be limited by the windows you’re replacing. Take time to look at pictures for inspiration. Our gallery is a great place to start.
Not knowing what your window installer will and won’t do.
There are no industry standards, and each window installer may have unique installation procedures.
For example, we at Window Works Co. don’t fill in the small nail holes that you will see after your new windows are installed. We also don’t paint our customers’ windows after installation.
That’s because we know that we are experts at installing windows, but we aren’t master painters.
Talk through your expectations with your installation team to avoid any unexpected surprises.
Not thinking through the window’s ultimate function
Every window is unique. It’s important to know how your new windows may differ from your old ones.
For instance, suppose your new window has a larger window sash and/or less jamb space than your old window did. You may not be able to install blinds inside of the window. Certainly, there are workarounds that will enable you to still hang blinds. But, it would be a shame to think you could reuse your blinds when you may not have budgeted for all new ones.
This is one of the reasons we have a showroom where we invite customers to see and use the windows we sell. That way, they can know exactly what to expect from their new windows.
Not understanding what voids the window warranty.
Did you know that putting screws or nails into certain parts of your window may void the manufacturer’s warranty? Or that putting certain types of energy efficient films on your windows also voids your manufacturer’s warranty?
If you’re like most homeowners, you never considered that these common practices might void your window warranty. Of all the mistakes to avoid when buying new windows, this is the one that we see window buyers make most frequently.
That’s why it’s always a good idea to read your warranty carefully and be sure that whatever you plan to do to your new windows won’t void the warranty.
Not preparing yourself for what you may find during the replacement process
No one wants to uncover hidden damage during a home renovation project.
Unfortunately, if your windows were in bad shape, you may uncover issues caused by leaks or moisture. These issues include rot or mildew in the walls around your windows.
Repairing this damage now may mean spending more time or money than you originally planned to. But, it will protect your investment in your home over time.
There are many mistakes to avoid when buying new windows. We at Window Works Co. know that the process of buying new windows can be overwhelming.
We give our customers the knowledge and support they need through every decision.
Our sales and installation team have helped hundreds of homeowners in Wake County love their home’s windows.
We’d love to help you, too. Just fill out the form below to tell us about your project today.
