Home improvement can be expensive but there’s lots of tips and tricks to ensure you stick to your budget and get the best value out of your project.  As a local family owned and operated window and door replacement company in Dallas-Fort Worth, we believe in partnering with our customers to achieve the best solutions for their home.  All window and door replacement projects begin with an initial consultation.  Our window and door consultants will perform an assessment of the home’s current windows, provide feedback and recommendations, explain all of the options, and leave a quote for budgeting and planning.  We operate with complete transparency and have our customers’ best interests at heart.  Here’s some tips on how to cut the cost of your window and door replacement project.  

1. Get another quote for comparison. 

The window and door industry is saturated with companies so you can choose who is best to partner with for your project!  However, not all window and door replacement companies are the same.  Pricing can range dramatically across companies with your best value somewhere in the middle.  In addition to the pricing of the quote, be sure to explore what is included!  When comparing quotes, you want to check if you are comparing apples to apples. Is this a reputable company that is insured and bonded?  What product and labor warranties are included?  Does the quote include all materials, installation, permit, taxes, and fees?  How does the quality of products and services compare?  Did you check out the company’s reviews?   

2. Choose Energy Star rated vinyl windows. 

Energy-efficiency is the greatest benefit of window replacement.  Our new windows control your home’s temperature more consistently, ultimately reducing energy bills and making everyday living more comfortable.  When you choose EcoView Windows and Doors, you will feel the comfort of saving energy every day.  EcoView Windows and Doors proudly offers Energy Star rated windows manufactured by ENERGY STAR® Partner companies.   The ENERGY STAR® program certifies replacement products like windows and doors to ensure the environment is protected while keeping homeowner’s energy costs low.  In order to earn the ENERGY STAR® label, the product undergoes a series of evaluations to determine how well energy is saved based on strict guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  Choosing ENERGY STAR® products can save a household nearly $600 on energy bills each year.  This is significant savings considering the average household spends approximately $1,900 each year on energy alone.     

3. Be mindful of the color you choose as this can drive price. 

Vinyl windows allow for a wide variety of color options to perfectly complement your home.  Selecting a colored frame can also transform the look of your home as well.  Keep in mind, different colored frames may have different pricing.  If your quote comes in over budget, you can explore different color options. 

4. Consider all windows configurations and types. 

Often times, you have options to change window configurations in your home to either save money or improve the look.  At EcoView, we are able to make all shapes are sizes of windows.  While some manufacturers may require you to mull a half circle window on top of a single hung, we often recommend changing this to 1 single arched window – saving you money AND enhancing the overall aesthetic.  We often make recommendations to our customers like changing a bulky twin of single hungs to a slider window or changing the picture window over your kitchen sink to an operable window for airflow.  Always be open to changing your window configuration or type. 

5. Avoid unnecessary add-ons (like triple pane glass or double hung windows if not needed to address a specific issue ). 

A common tactic across window and door replacement companies is to hard sell upgrades as a minimum standard.  However, at EcoView Windows and Doors, we use certain features to address specific issues, wants, or needs rather than drive up contract prices unnecessarily.  Triple pane glass is a great example.  A dual pane Energy Star rated window will completely transform your home’s efficiency and this glass package is not necessary on every window to achieve an upgrade.  Instead, utilizes triple pane to address specific issues like noise reduction or a side of the home that gets blasted by the sun.  Next, double hung windows are a great option … if you will use its features.  Many companies try to convince customers that all of their single hung windows should be changed to double hung driving up the price.  However, if you do not open your windows often then this is likely an unnecessary upgrade.  Always ask questions when a company is recommending upgrades to ensure a want or need is being addressed rather than driving up your project price.   

6. Watch out for companies that will not set appointments with one spouse. 

If a company will not set an appointment for a free quote unless both spouses are present, then the company plans to use hard selling tactics to close the sale in the home that day!  At EcoView, we truly offer a no-obligation consultation.  We know it’s hard to coordinate 2 decision makers’ schedules and we trust our customers know who needs to be present.     

7. Recognize high pressure sales tactics and gimmicks that often push higher prices. 

Always be leery of a company that offers significant price drops that leave you wondering the true cost of your project.  If a retail price starts really high and by the end of your appointment, the company has discounted your quote 30% or more …  You must question the transparency and honesty of pricing.  What if you had signed at the higher price before they threw out another price drop?  Companies that utilize high pressure sales tactics and gimmicks often leave customers wondering about the true value of what that company has to offer.  At EcoView Windows and Doors, our pricing is straightforward.  We give you our best price right out of the gate so you can budget and plan your project.  We operate with honesty and transparency, so you know the value of what we have to offer. 

8. Ask about financing options for 0% interest or low monthly payments. 

Don’t be afraid of financing – use great promotions to your advantage!  An offer of 0% interest is a great way to buy now but pay later.  Maybe you planned to do your window and door replacement project after saving up, but with 0% financing you could enjoy your home improvement project now.  Or, if you have already saved but are debating on which home improvement project to do first, why not do both!  You can utilize 0% financing for your window project and pay cash for the other project.  Lastly, low monthly payments are a great way to break up the project cost and start enjoying a more comfortable home. 

9. Opt for splitting your windows into several projects to meet budget. 

Tons of our customers choose to split their windows into projects.  You can start with the front windows to instantly boost curb appeal while you save to do the rest.  Other customers opt to replace windows in the bedrooms, making the home instantly more comfortable and replace the remaining windows later down the road.  At EcoView, our quotes are separated by window so it’s easy to split into projects for budget and planning. 

10. Choose the right company. 

Like all home improvement projects, if you choose the wrong company or contractor, you can end up paying more if the project does not go right.  Always select a company you can trust to do the job right the first time and stand behind their work.  Reviews and referrals are a great way to learn true customer experiences and feedback.  Plus check out the company’s history, warranties and guarantees.   

As a homeowner, you have a lot to consider when choosing who you will partner with on your home improvement project.  Keep in mind, all of these options can greatly impact the cost of your project.  We hope these tips and tricks help you to make the best decision for you and your home.