Should You Buy Replacement Windows in a San Diego Lowe’s or Home Depot?

If you’re someone who frequents local home improvement stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot, you’ve likely seen the counters inside their stores that offer home improvement services. One of those services is replacement window installation. You can go up to the counter and talk to the person who is (hopefully) sitting there to start the process of getting a quote on replacement windows for your San Diego home.

Before you do this, however, here are a few things you should know about ordering replacement windows from the San Diego “big box” stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot.

The Person Behind the Counter Is Likely Not a Replacement Window Expert

When you go up to the installation service counter at Home Depot or Lowe’s to talk to them about replacement windows, you will likely encounter someone who has gone through at least some training about replacement windows. They will know what brands of windows they sell in their store, as well as some of their features—basically the information you can find on the manufacturer’s website or in their brochures. They will also be able to set you up with an in-home appointment during which you can have measurements taken so you can receive a quote.

However, beyond that, you probably won’t be able to get too much information out of the person behind the counter. They may have a hard time answering any technical questions about replacement windows and almost certainly won’t be able to compare their windows to others on the market (brands they don’t sell in their store).

In contrast, when you work with a dedicated replacement window company like BM Windows, you have access to replacement window experts! On our team, we have people who have been working in the replacement window industry for decades. They are all extremely knowledgeable. Even our receptionist is able to answer many of the initial questions homeowners have about replacement windows. But if she doesn’t have the answers you need, she will get them for you in a timely manner. If you have follow-up questions after your initial consultation with us, it’s easy to get ahold of your consultant and get them answered.

Our team members have real, working experience with replacement windows and their installation. Their knowledge doesn’t just come from brochures or other product literature—it comes from many years of hands-on work with replacement windows and doors. They can give you great advice about the best windows for your specific home. They can tell you what features you could truly benefit from and which ones might not be worth your money. They can also help you compare brands of replacement windows—and can even give you helpful information about window brands we don’t sell so you can make an informed choice.

Outsourcing the Installation of Replacement Windows and Doors

When you order replacement windows and doors from a San Diego Home Depot or Lowe’s, they then outsource the installation of the products to an outside company. And while we have no doubt that these companies are licensed contracting companies (as Lowe’s and Home Depot claim), they are likely not dedicated replacement window and door installers. In all likelihood, they are companies that do all types of construction work.

At BM Windows, our installers are highly trained replacement window installation experts! They have installed thousands of windows and doors in their careers. They know the best installation methods to ensure that your windows provide you with the best performance possible. We have very high standards that our installers must live up to. They don’t cut corners, and they never leave until you are completely satisfied! They also work efficiently so your home isn’t under construction for days, or even weeks. In fact, they can often install windows in an entire house in just one day!

Inconsistent Customer Service

If you’ve worked with Home Depot or Lowe’s on a project in the past, you know that their customer service can be hit or miss. You may work with someone who goes above and beyond to help you out, or you could work with an employee who just wants to do the bare minimum. In the beginning—when the Home Depot or Lowe’s employee is trying to make the sale—you will likely get pretty good service. However, after that, the service can be inconsistent. You might get a good subcontractor to do your installation, or you might not. And what about if you have issues with your windows in the future and want to make a warranty claim? Working with a huge company like Home Depot or Lowe’s can be challenging to say the least.

On the other hand, when you work with an independent replacement window company in San Diego like BM Windows, you will get amazing service from start to finish. We have a great reputation for being helpful, informative, easy to work with, and for providing great communication throughout the process.

Even after your new windows and doors are installed, and we’ve received your final payment, you can still call us up at any time with questions. Maybe you need paperwork for a certain rebate or tax credit, or you just have a question about how to best maintain your new windows. We will happily help you out! If you ever have to make a warranty claim, we will handle the entire process on your behalf until the issue is fully resolved.

To conclude, Home Depot and Lowe’s stores are great for a lot of things. If you need supplies for your DIY home improvement project or want to visit a decent garden center, the big box stores can be just what you need. However, when you’re looking for specialized products that require expert installation, like replacement windows and doors, you may want to look at a San Diego company that is dedicated to providing just those things.

Contact BM Windows for a quote on replacement windows for your San Diego home. Even if you already have a quote from Home Depot or Lowe’s, we can provide you with an additional quote so you can compare. We think you’ll find our prices to be quite competitive to theirs, but for superior products and service!