If you need replacement windows, but don’t have a huge home improvement budget, then you’ll need to find the most cost-effective solution.
Window replacement can be pricey, especially if you choose a lot of upgrades or have a lot of windows to install. While you want the best windows that you can afford, since they will have a good return on investment as far as saving money on your utilities is concerned, you do need to keep a few things in mind.
Here are seven tips that will definitely save you money on your next window replacement.
1) Don’t Choose Any Upgrades
If you need a whole house window replacement but have budgetary concerns, then your best bet is to not upgrade those windows. Instead, go with new windows that are very similar to what you already have.
Then, if you decide to put in that bow window upgrade, later on, you certainly can, once it’s in your budget. In the meantime, there’s nothing wrong with replacing those windows with the exact same style, only new.
2) Only Replace the Windows That You Need To
There’s a good chance that only some of your windows need to be replaced. If this is the case, then there’s little need to choose a full window replacement.
Instead, just replace the ones that have broken or cracked frames, or the ones with shattered windows.
As long as your other windows are in good shape, you can always go back through at a later date and replace the additional ones a few at a time. It all comes down to choosing the best option for your current budget, while not ignoring those damaged windows.
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3) Repair Your Windows Instead
You have several options when it comes to windows repair. You can replace just the damaged panes of glass, which will definitely cost you less than an entire window replacement, or you can call in a custom window framer to have the just the frames repaired.
Once again, it all depends on the extent of the damage and the work that needs to be done in order to bring your windows back to code. You may not need to replace even one entire window (frame and all) if some repairs will do the trick.
4) Get Multiple Quotes
Whether you chose to go the windows repair route or the window framer one, you’ll need to get some quotes from different companies. This is particularly true if you decide that you want a whole-house window replacement.
You should never go with the first company that you receive a quote from, especially if they sought you out – you didn’t have to reach out to them.
Instead, spend some time researching companies in your area before choosing the best one that suits your budget. With that said, you don’t want to go with the least expensive option either. There might be a reason why they’re so inexpensive.
5) Do It Yourself
If you have DIY (do it yourself) skills, then you might be able to install or repair your windows on your own. This will save you quite a bit of money when it comes to the overall price of your window replacement.
After all, in most cases, the materials are affordable. The main cost comes from the installation services. Of course, if you don’t have any DIY experience, then you definitely need to hire an expert window installation and repair company. You don’t want to damage your home or the windows.
6) Check with Your Homeowner’s Insurance Company
Depending on the circumstances, your homeowner’s insurance might cover most of the cost of your new windows. You’ll have to pay your deductible, of course, but that will be much better than having to come up with thousands of dollars out of the pocket for the entire project.
Your insurance company is more likely to do this if you can prove that the damage came from a storm that rolled through, from an earthquake, or from some other type of natural disaster. It never hurts to ask, however, and the worst that they can say is “no.”
7) Take Maintenance into Account
If you’re struggling to rectify your budget and compare it to the overall cost of window replacement or repair, then you should do a bit of math.
For example, at what point does it cost more to maintain and keep repairing those windows compared to the overall costs of a complete replacement? Obviously, a replacement would be more money up front, but in the long run, it might save you some, based on what you would spend on those replacements.
In addition, you’ll more than likely save a bit on your energy bills, especially if you have old, drafty windows. Between the two, you might find that a full window replacement is the cheapest option.