If you’ve been looking for a replacement for your windows, you know how hard it is to see their true price. If you search on the internet, most companies don’t actually show the price of their services. Most encourage homeowners to call to set up a quick talk. After that small talk, they will give an estimate and things will move from there.
The main reason for this isn’t some shady stuff. It’s actually because they don’t know the actual price themselves. Don’t get this wrong though. They don’t actually know how much it would cost since different window will require different materials. This would mean different prices for different homeowners. The actual price depends on the needs of the homeowner. If they want something a little more special, the price will be more expensive. Opt for a simpler design and it would be cheaper. Point is, the reason they encourage people to call is to have them describe exactly what they need. This way, they can make an informed estimate of how much it’s going to cost.
Having said all of that, I’m pretty sure that you now understand the reason they can’t give out estimate out right. However, I will still give you the real price of replacement windows. This should give you an idea of the potential cost of a window replacement project.
The real cost of replacement windows
Just like any other industry, window replacement companies will seek better relationship with window manufacturers to get a discount on all their products. This is one crucial step to operating a business because a huge discount would mean better profit ration.
The cost of quality windows can range anywhere from $120 – $190 per window. The price is also dependent on the features of quality of the window. Prices are higher for double and triple pane windows. The more features and design, the more expensive it’s going to be.
Quality is important
You need to play particular attention to the quality of the windows. Just like any other products, there are good and bad windows. Some windows are specialized and will require better tools and craftsmanship. All of these things get accounted for the final price of the product. Still, the cost of all these things should not affect the price of the windows too much as the most common windows are made automatically.
If you opt for designer windows, expect higher prices. Designer windows aren’t made by robots which means that great craftsmanship is involved.
Labor cost
The labor involved in window installation can range from $50 – $200, depending on the type of window used. A one-man crew may get away with lower pricing but this can mean both bad and good depending on how you look at it. Bad since a one-man crew won’t have staff and crew to offer customer support if needed. Good because it’s cheaper labor.
Companies tend to ask for higher price since they need to pay for their staff, customer support, office rent, manpower, and other additional services. Companies also tend to provide superior service because of all the things mentioned above.
The fact is, the decision is still up to you. If you are not particular about your window design, you can get away with a bland style and save money. You can also save money by hiring a one-man crew but you would need to sacrifice on things such as customer support and warranty service. One thing is for certain here – you need to find the right balance between quality and affordability. Find that sweet spot and you’re good to go.