There are many considerations you must make when you replace your windows.  The technology available for windows has improved dramatically in recent years.  That being said, you must be careful because some windows are actually designed to fail so that when a new home owner purchases your home, they will need new windows. 

Therefore, a very important consideration to be made is how long you intend to stay in your home.  The longer you plan to live in a home, the more sense it makes to invest in a premium quality window.  If you simply want something better than the old original windows you have to make your home more appealing to potential buyers because you intend to sell immediately, then it makes sense to spend less on your windows.  And, if you intend to be in your home for 5 to 7 years, you must be aware that even though a less expensive window costs less now, you may not realize a good return on your investment if the windows have fallen apart by time you sell your home. 

Another consideration to be made, is the money you can save through energy savings due the constantly rising cost of energy–the longer you stay in your home, the more sense it makes to invest in highly energy efficient product that will pay you back over time.  Once you have completed the Window Project Cost Analysis, you will have all the information you need to make an educated decision about your window investment.

Because the Window Project Cost Analysis is designed to give you the most accurate projection available, it is essential that you obtain measurements prior to beginning the analysis.  You may complete the analysis without obtaining all the required information, however, the results may be less than perfect if you fail to fully complete each question with accurate information.  Therefore, before you get started, be sure to take as much time as necessary to do the following:

1) Obtain accurate measurements of each window.  Windows are built according to United Inches (“U.I.”).  To the obtain accurate U.I. measurements, you will want to measure the width and height of each window from the insides of each opening.  Please refer to the diagram below.

2) Determine the style of window for each opening.  The following are recommendations as to appropriate style of windows based on opening size.  These recommendations are made based on what most homeowners prefer, taking into account aesthetics and cost efficiency.  Though you may vary from the suggested parameters, most companies have restrictions on which style of windows can be built for openings due to safety and longevity of operation.  Therefore, it is advisable to follow the parameters suggested below.

Most homeowners prefer Double-hung, tilt-in windows for easy cleaning when the opening width is less than 48 inches.  When the opening width is greater than 48 inches, but less than 60 inches, a side-by-side Slider style window is most appropriate.  When the opening is greater than 60 inches wide, an End-vent-slider, or “picture” window is most appropriate (when you have a large opening that has three separate windows, normally fixed glass in the middle and a double-hung on each side, it is advisable to replace with one large End-vent slider to save money because one large window is generally less expensive than three separate smaller ones–if you choose to replace each window separately, be sure to provide separate measurements).  A Fixed (or “dead-lite”)window does not open and close. Casement or “crank” windows are normally restricted to opening less than 42 inches wide.  Hopper windows are standard for smaller-sized basement windows, and will tilt in at the top.  Awning windows push out at the bottom and are a rare choice of style.  If a particular opening does not fall within the suggested parameters, or if you vary from the suggested parameters, you should choose the Specialty Window option, and appropriate adjustments will automatically be made regarding cost.

Identify your window type