It’s never a bad idea to educate yourself on products before you purchase them—especially when it comes to large purchases like replacement windows. Many people find it helpful to do some research before meeting with a salesperson so they can ask educated questions and get the answers they’re looking for. They also want to have some basic knowledge under their belts so they make informed decisions before signing a contract.
Below, we list a few things you would be wise to consider before purchasing replacement windows for your San Diego home.
The Type of Frame Material in Your Replacement Windows
One of the first things you should decide—maybe even before contacting San Diego replacement window companies—is what type of frames you want your windows to have. Not all replacement window companies sell windows with all the various frame materials available (vinyl, wood, aluminum, and fiberglass). For example, at BM Windows, we specialize in windows with vinyl frames. For example, if you have an historic home and only want it to have windows with wood frames, we would have to refer you to another company that sells that type of window.
Windows with vinyl frames make up the vast majority of the replacement windows installed in San Diego homes—and for good reason! High-quality vinyl has very good insulating qualities, it is durable, and windows with vinyl frames are almost always more affordable than windows with wood or fiberglass frames. Fiberglass windows might be slightly more energy efficient than vinyl windows, but they are quite a bit more expensive. Aluminum windows (when you can find a company that sells them) are generally not recommended because they are not very energy efficient and are often still more expensive than most vinyl windows.
There is a lot of information online about the various frame materials and their pros and cons, but if you have any specific questions, we are always happy to answer them!
How Energy Efficient You Want Your New Windows to Be
Just about every potential customer we talk to wants their new windows to be more energy efficient than their current windows. But some windows on the market are definitely more energy efficient than others. If you live in an area of San Diego that gets especially hot in the summer, you may want to get replacement windows with upgraded energy efficiency technology. But if you live on the coast, where it doesn’t get as hot, an upgrade like this might not be worth the money.
In general, the more energy efficient the windows are, the higher the cost. We can help you find that “sweet spot” with windows that will make your house more comfortable, but that won’t break the bank. We can help you compare the energy efficiency of various products on the market (using third-party data) so you can make an educated decision in this important area.
Replacement Window Warranties
The warranty that comes with replacement windows isn’t always a consideration for homeowners, but it should be! You want to purchase windows that come with a lifetime warranty. That way, if anything ever goes wrong, the cost to repair or replace the defective windows will be covered!
Look for replacement windows that come not only with a manufacturer’s warranty (which covers the windows themselves), but also an installation warranty (which covers the parts and labor used in the installation). Between both of these warranties, your replacement windows will be pretty much fully covered for as long as you own your home!
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Who Will Install Your Replacement Windows
It’s not just the windows themselves you have to keep in mind—it’s also who will be doing the installation work. Some companies in the area outsource the installation of the windows they sell to subcontractors. This is what the “big box” stores do, as well as some other replacement window companies in San Diego.
At BM Windows, every window we sell is installed by our own experienced and highly trained installation team, and their work is guaranteed!
The Price of Replacement Windows for San Diego Homes
We would be remiss if we didn’t talk about the cost of replacement windows, since this is a huge factor in the purchasing decision for many homeowners looking to install replacement windows. Very few homeowners have an unlimited budget when it comes to home improvement projects, and new windows are no exception.
There can be quite a wide range of prices for new windows. You can buy cheap windows with no features and no warranty, all the way up to what could be considered “luxury” windows with all kinds of bells and whistles and a double lifetime warranty. Most people purchase replacement windows that are somewhere in between—windows that are made from quality materials by a reputable company offering a good warranty.
That’s what we sell at BM Windows.
Not only that, but we also sell windows that are well priced relative to their quality. In other words, they are a good value. After hearing what features you’re looking for in your new windows and what your budget is, we might recommend some window brands to you that you haven’t heard of before. Some of the lesser-known brands (at least to the average homeowner) don’t spend a ton of money marketing their products to the masses. Instead, they focus on quality and keeping their windows affordable. So, keep in mind that just because you haven’t heard of a window brand we suggest, it doesn’t mean it isn’t a good brand!
You can read more about what goes into the cost of replacement windows here.
Other Features
Finally, you will want to think about what other features or upgrades you want in your new windows. Some of the available options are: upgraded sound suppression technology, enhanced security features, different types of glass (safety glass, obscured glass, tinted glass, etc.), and decorative features such as grids and colored frames. If any of these things are “must-haves,” make sure the San Diego replacement window company you are working with offers them.
A Company You Can Trust
Maybe most importantly, you want to work with a trustworthy replacement window company.
At BM Windows, we always put our customers first! We will help you compare products and find the best windows that fit your budget. We’ll provide you with an easy-to-understand quote, with no hidden charges. We won’t use high-pressure sales tactics. And we’ll be there for you during the entire process—and even beyond (like if you ever have to make a warranty claim down the road or need paperwork after the fact for a rebate or tax credit).
Our company is highly rated online by past customers, and many of our new customers come from referrals from friends and neighbors. We have even received industry awards for our amazing customer service!
If BM Windows sounds like the type of company you would like to work with, contact our San Diego office. We can answer any initial questions you have, and when you’re ready, schedule an in-home appointment, during which you can receive a quote on replacement windows for your home.