Now and then, homeowners face the need to replace their old windows with new ones for various reasons. Some of the reasons for window replacement may include improving curb appeal, the old windows are damaged, or perhaps you want to improve on energy saving before the summer or winter seasons arrive.
However, most homeowners get discouraged when they find out how much it cost to replace windows. Thus, if you are not careful on how you approach the window replacement project, chances are you may end up coughing out a lot of money that leaves a dent in your finances.
However, there are various ways you can approach a window replacement project to ensure you get a quality window replacement job without breaking the bank. Here are four tips on how you can minimize the cost of window replacement services.
Replace all the Windows Simultaneously
In a bid to save money on window replacement, most homeowners make the mistake of replacing one window at a time over an extended period. Unfortunately, this can drive up the overall cost of buying new windows because you forfeit your eligibility to enjoy the economies of scale.
However, if you conduct a full-scale window replacement project all at once, it means you have to buy materials in bulk. Buying in bulk enables a window dealer/store to extend the economies of scale to you by providing a discount. Hence, unlike buying a single-window unit at a time, buying in bulk enables you to purchase materials at a subsidized cost, allowing you to save money.
Choose a Cheap Installation Method
Typically there are two types of window replacement installation methods you can implement for your project, namely:
Full-frame installation is often more costly than window inserts because you have to buy and install new window frames. Additionally, the installation process takes longer because of the work involved in completely removing windows frames from your walls and installing new ones. Hence, with a full-frame window replacement, you can also expect higher labor costs because of the number of hours billed.
However, window inserts are a lot cheaper in cost compared to buying new windows and frames. Additionally, window inserts take less time to install, and thus the billed hours are less, which means fewer labor costs.
Thus, if you are planning a window replacement project, it is advisable to opt for a window insert instead of a full-frame window replacement installation because you get to save money on both purchase and labor costs.
Consider Builder Grade Windows
New windows fall under two grades, namely, builder-grade windows and premium-grade windows. Builder-grade windows are low-quality windows constructed from less expensive materials. Construction companies in large construction projects commonly use them to minimize construction costs. Despite the low quality, these windows are durable, look great, and provide all the benefits of a regular window.
On the other hand, premium windows are constructed from high-end materials that are expensive, and thus they tend to be more costly than builder-grade windows. In a nutshell, premium windows are primarily utilized in luxury construction developments, where high-end materials are the standard.
Thus, if you are not looking for luxury windows and want to save money on window replacement, it is highly advisable to opt for builder/contractor-grade windows because they are less expensive.
Buy Low-Cost Frame Materials
You can use various types of materials for your window frames, including wood, vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass, composite, and clad. However, all these materials are available at different price ranges. Additionally, each material has its pros and cons, and thus you need to conduct some research on which material is best suited for you.
Nonetheless, as far as saving money on window replacement is involved, it is advisable to choose materials that are a bit cheaper but still durable. Suppose you want your window frames to have a wooden look. In that case, you can opt for composite instead of actual wood.
Composite frames comprise a mixture of PVC polymers and wood fibers. Thus, the frame gets the appearance of wood but costs much less than actual wooden frames. Thus, you get what you want, but at a cheaper cost.