Window Replacement Reviews:

Are you ready to replace the windows on your house? Perhaps you want a new look or style or maybe you want the Federal tax credit of $1500 before it no longer exists. I have several neighbors who have already taken advantage of the tax credits for replacing older windows. Our house is roughly 15 years old and the windows could probably be updated/replaced, but the cost to do the house would be over $10,000 (before any tax breaks). Many of the window manufacturers and installers claim you will be getting a return on your investment of nearly 95 to 99% which includes tax savings and energy costs over the lifetime of the new windows. I get ads almost daily in the mail for these "window replacement offers" and our newspaper is loaded with them. One thing I recommend anyone doing before they commit to such a big project is to see if your energy supplier will come out to your home and perform a FREE energy audit to see if your windows are truly "drafty" and even need replacing. Sure an installer will say you need them, but how much energy are they really costing you. Most energy companies can give you a good idea based on the based of the existing windows and the results of their in home testing.

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Choosing your Window Replacements - We chose Milgard company (an Oregon company - that's where we live) and the windows were the "Tuscany" series. The lock system is called "smart touch" and works great. According to their advertising booklet, they have been named "Best Quality in the Nation" 6 times by Builder magazine. Also names "Most Used Vinyl Windows" 4 times by Builder magazine. There are other manufacturers like Pella and Andersen that are just as respected and offer excellent quality windows for your home. Many claim that your ROI is close to 99% and many give you a lifetime glass breakage warranty. Look for windows that are ENERGY STAR rated in all 50 states. The project may take a few days depending on how many windows you have and if your house is a single or 2 story home. Many installers will tell you that you could expect to lower your heating/cooling bills by up to 25 percent. Vinyl windows are the cheapest way to go and not necessarily a bad thing. You will also find windows made from steel, figerglass, aluminum, and wood. There are single, double, and triple glazed windows - triple glazed are more expensive than single. Also, windows filled with argon gas will give you more savings in terms of energy costs but they are more expensive to purchase. When getting estimates, make sure you get in writing exactly what the installer is planning on doing. Most should include in their pricing things like removing older windows, installing the replacement (new) ones, and cleaning up any mess they have made. Also, since some of the siding will have to be removed to get in the new window framing, some painting may be required after the installation. Installers should be able to check out your existing windows and determine if there are more serious issues like dry rot with the framing. If this does exist, then repairs will increase the overall project. My neighbor had water damage around their windows which tipped them off originally and when they had their replacement windows installed they had to replace some of the siding which added to their project cost. If you live in a bad weather climate, try planning your window replacement during the better weather months. Your house will be open to the elements during the install and most good installers will avoid days when foul weather is expected. Window sizing is another variable which can increase the cost as well. Non standard windows may cost more from the manufacturer and require additional work from the installer to get them in. Home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowes sell window replacement materials - check to see who the manufacturer is and get details on warranties and such.

How Much Do Replacement Windows Cost?:

Window Replacement Costs - Installation was about $585 per window. We had 10 windows, and some were very large. Total cost was somewhere around $6200.00. We found websites with cost estimates from other homeowners and most ranged from $300 to $600 for each window installed. A few mentioned higher quality windows that were closer to $1000. The average house with 10 windows should be no more than $7500 and you could see the price down to about $3500. Custom sized windows (those that are non standard) could double the project price. Get those types of details in writing in advance. Always get 3 estimates (more if you want) and check references on the installers. Look for good warranties - usually offered by contractors that work with Lowes and Home Depot. We have had bad luck with Home Depot so we went with an independent installer that was recommended by our neighbors. Have yet to see a price difference in my energy bills, but winter is coming and that should be the first sign of savings.

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