Isn’t it a shame that this question is SUCH a mystery. I mean really how is it, in the information age, that people have no idea what it costs to replace their windows?
The answer: MOST replacement window companies do NOT want you to know.
Most window companies do not feature any kind of price in their advertisements or websites. Instead, they wait until the end of a no-obligation demonstration, to write down their price on a piece of paper then begin offering you discounts. The question you should ask is why are the prices so nebulous?
Some window companies advertise one price, the cheapest price available. They don’t advertise or talk about any of the good windows, just the cheapest. Let me ask you: When’s the last time you got a good deal (i.e.- quality product at a fair price) buying the absolute cheapest product? In ANYTHING?
My preference is to deal with companies that not only offer upfront pricing but, pricing that makes sense. How does pricing make sense? Multiple price points, for various quality of a product.
Now I will admit I’m 100% biased here. Our company offers multiple price points, for windows of various energy efficiency levels.
But isn’t this a better way? Our prices are pre-printed, and homeowners can see clearly the various options and prices available. We explain how each level affects performance and price, and genuinely try to sell the product that provides the best balance between price and value.
OK so how about the answer to the original question?
In a world where companies either advertise one price (like $189) or hide their pricing and reveal prices upwards of $1000.00, we’ve found that the absolute best balance between price and value happens in the range of $440 and $550.00.
If you think about it doesn’t this make sense? You’re paying for the window to be manufactured, different glass technology, and delivery costs. You’re paying for the window to be installed, insulated around the perimeter, and often trimmed in decorative metal. Does it really seem feasible to pay $189.00 for this product and service? If it does, does it really seem feasible to get a quality product out of this?
Conversely, does it really seem to make sense, that a vinyl replacement window should cost $1000.00?
The answer to both questions is NO.
Great Value happens when you pay fair prices for quality product and craftsmanship. As soon as you skimp, you get what you pay for. And when companies try to hide their pricing, you often get swindled.
A good vinyl replacement window should cost between $440 and $550.00, installed. There are many, many articles out there for you to read, take a look: [ How much should replacement windows cost? ]
And as a window retailer, I’ve probably got a lot of enemies in the club for talking about this. Well, I don’t care. I care about providing a quality product and service and earning a living. I happen to believe that FAIR pricing is better than the cheapest, guaranteed. It works in almost every other area of life why would windows be any different?