subject: Controlling Replacement Window Costs: Three Things You Should Know [print this page] If you are considering buying new windows for your house, it pays to avoid going blindly into a showroom or home improvement store and letting a salesman talk you into what you need. If you're prepared, you can avoid "sticker shock" when a final estimate is delivered. You'll also be able to keep your window cost within a set budget if you know a little about replacement windows going in.
How to Control Window Cost
Window cost is greatly determined by three things: type of window type of glass number of windows to be installed
The most popular type of windows are vinyl, aluminum, and wood. Each has its own features, pros, and cons. Vinyl and aluminum windows are the most prevalent for new construction and replacement windows because of their lower price points. To many homeowners, wood windows look the best, but you are going to pay more for the aesthetics. Glass comes in single, double, and triple pane, air- or gas-filled. Each type of window glass has its own strengths and weaknesses. More expensive glass types offer higher insulation values, providing energy savings. Other types of glass include heat-absorbing, soundproof, or reflective panes. Lastly, installation is what really bumps up window costs. Installing replacement windows yourself is easier in houses with siding. You simply take off the window trim, pull the nails from the window flange, and replace. You may also have to install new window flashing, but you can follow the example of what's there. Replacements in stucco homes should be left to a professional window installer, as you can seriously mess up your stucco which will cost an arm and a leg to fix. You can search window manufacturers' Web sites to get an idea of baseline costs, but you have to factor in accessories, such as grilles and screens, which increase the per window cost.
