If you’re looking to purchase new windows, you may be researching money saving tips for buying new windows to make your project more affordable. In our Raleigh, NC area window replacement business, homeowners often have questions about how to keep costs down on when buying new windows.
Unfortunately, many of the tips you may have read aimed at helping you save money on your project can actually wind up costing you more money in the long run.
Read on to learn which window replacement cost saving tips we recommend you avoid. We’ll explain exactly how they’ll end up costing you more, not less.
Five “Money Saving Tips” for Buying New Windows That Will Wind Up Costing You Money
1. Buying Used Windows
We’ve been in business in the Raleigh, NC area since 2007. In that time, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners replace their windows. We can think of exactly two projects where homeowners replaced perfectly functional windows for purely aesthetic reasons.
Bottom line: If someone went to the time, trouble, and cost to replace their home’s windows, there was probably something wrong with the original windows.
Steer clear of Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist ads for “good condition used windows”. They will almost certainly lead to issues with leakage, seal failure, or other problems that will cost you time and money to fix.
2. Using Bargain Window Installation Materials
We use some of the top-of-the-line materials when it comes to installing windows.
For example, we use silicone-based expansion caulk instead of regular construction caulk.
Yes, it costs 4 times more than the caulk they have in bulk at the big box store.
But it lasts years longer, and will expand and contract with your windows, preventing rot and warp issues.
It may seem wise to use cheaper materials when you’re setting a budget for your project. But, a little more spent on materials upfront will wind up saving you a ton in maintenance down the road.
3. Reusing Moulding and Casing Materials When Replacing Your Windows
Sometimes, homeowners will ask us if we can save their old moulding or casing to reuse during their window replacement project. Their logic makes sense; if it’s the windows, and not the casing, that need replacement, why pay for new casing?
Unfortunately, what we often see is that reused moulding materials become brittle during removal. Typically, a good portion of them will wind up breaking, or becoming warped beyond salvage. This means spending valuable time sourcing replacement moulding.
Our advice? Budget for all new mouldings and casings at the start of your project.* That way there won’t be any unexpected surprises on installation day.
*Our only caveat to this is if you have a very unique moulding, such as for an arch-top window. If that’s the case, then it may make more financial sense to reuse your moulding.
4. Splitting Your Project Into Phases
Yes, replacing some of your windows now and the rest later may help you spend less money now. Overall, however, your project will wind up costing more.
There are two reasons for this:
One is that you will be paying more for labor and related construction costs (dump fees, etc.) by having an installation crew come to your home for multiple window replacement projects.
The other is that window companies typically have annual price increases on their windows. Unless you complete both phases of your project within the same year, you will wind up paying more for the same windows by delaying part of your project.
5. Not Knowing Exactly What You Want
Windows are complicated to purchase. Nearly every aspect of a window, from the material it’s made of to the color to the way it’s installed are customized to your specific needs.
Not knowing exactly what you want before you order windows can be a costly mistake to make for several reasons.
Unfortunately, a mistake made ordering windows can cost you thousands of dollars.
But don’t worry, you don’t need to be overwhelmed by the cost and the multitude of decisions to make.
Just read our helpful guide to figuring out exactly what you need when buying replacement windows.
Summary
We know that windows are expensive. But, we don’t believe that you should overpay for them.
At Window Works Co., we’re invested in helping our customers understand which “Money Saving Tips” for buying new windows are actually traps to avoid. We are also dedicated to working with our customers to help them make smart decisions and stay within their budget. We know that’s a critical step in finding the windows you love.
When you’re ready to purchase new windows, use the form below to tell us about your project and schedule your free, no-obligation consultation appointment today.
