8 Things to Know Before Buying Windows

1. The right ingredients – There are a TON of ingredients that go into a good window. Look, I can go out and buy the best tomato for a Sunday sauce, but without the rest of the proper ingredients with the correct measurements, it’s not going to be grandma’s sauce. Installation is certainly one of them, so are the ingredients the installers use such as fasteners, caulking, insulation and many more. Whoever you’re speaking to about windows should be extremely competent in this process and be able to give your real-life scenarios on how they’ve overcome challenges to maintain not only structural integrity but aesthetically pleasing as well.  

1. No One Call Close – Don’t fall for sales tactics. Many companies use a very scripted and/or directed process that rushes homeowners to decide. These tactics usually include “special pricing”, “Keeping installers or laborers scheduled”, “Internal Cost Cutting Measures”, “You have 3 days to cancel”, “special manufacturer incentives”, “limited time finance offers” and many more. If you ever come across a circumstance like this, as Jeff Foxworthy would say “here’s your sign” 

1. Budgets – there is a purpose to a budget, however the budget should be formulated with information behind it. So how do you accomplish that? When you have the right consultant, they will be able to educate you about your unique and particular application. Before you meet with a consultant, take time to explore your priorities – this should be above and beyond any initial concerns you may already have. For instance, maybe you window seal is broken and it’s drafty. So, you know you need a new window, however this provide you the opportunity to explore, must the new window be stained wood just like your others or are you open to a different color? If it must be wood, must it be the same species? Do you want the same window style? There’s a ton a question to ask yourself that should be included into your budget.  

1. Don’t Settle – You may not know, but many companies only offer limited options. Being offered different glass packages or options doesn’t mean those are ALL your options. Always be certain to do your research, learn about the manufacturers and the different materials they offer. But most importantly WHY. Every material has a purpose behind it and with that purpose comes pros & cons. For instance, Marvin offers products that include Wood, Aluminum, Fiberglass & a mixture, of those. There is a reason and there is a purpose and not all material experience the degradation you may be told to essentially fit a particular company’s agenda.   

1. God is in the details – maybe you’ve had or haven’t heard this expression. The saying expresses the idea that whatever one does should be done thoroughly - details ARE important. So, what kind of details? Details can include HOW a window or door is being installed, who is doing it, how many per day, how is responsible for alarms, wires, window treatment, paint, nail pops – you name it. If the details are boiler plate – they aren’t details, they are “not my problem memo’s” 

1. The Cost of Paying – we have TWO parts to this.  

1. Part A - is the monkey in the room. I can assure you 99.9% of the time, paying cash/check is an immediate cost savings measure however savvy investors DO in fact know how to use OPM “Other People’s Money”. Having finance options is a great option and you should explore them after a good discussion with your consultant. 

1. Part B – is how can any company provide 50% off labor? Seems sketch to me. Look, if your receiving tons of advertisements via social media, internet, TV, radio, print & mail I’ve got news for you. You’re paying for it. Many companies assume 15-20%+ of their budgets to marketing…...I think you get the point here.   

1. Value Engineer – In our industry, sometimes this saying is a bit of a cliché. The point is you don’t think you can “afford” a premium product. I’m happy to tell you that, you indeed can. With the right manufacturer and a knowledgeable fenestration expert. There are many ways to “value engineer” your desired window and door to make it financially feasible. Whatever you do, remember if you try to buy something “cheap”, you might end up with more than you bargained for. 

Never Settle – Warren Buffet once said, “price is what you pay. Value is what you get”. Be sure you get exactly what you want. Purchasing windows and doors is an investment not only in your home, but also in your family. Remember If it’s fast and cheap it won’t be good. If it’s cheap and good, it won’t be fast. If it’s fast and good, it won’t be cheap.