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Price Shopping for Windows and Doors
Why it doesn't add up

No matter the size and scope of your window replacement project, you've likely got a budget amount in mind. Your contractor can provide a reliable gauge of how realistic it may be, given the project you hope to complete.

Unfortunately, most homeowners aren't sure what to expect when it comes to project pricing. If you haven't chosen a contractor and you opt to consult with many replacement window companies, you'll soon notice that most of their "sales pitches" are very much the same - quality products, expert installation, dependable service, etc. Following several in-home meetings, the companies and their products quickly become a blur.

So what's a homeowner to do? Base your decision on price, of course.

While price shopping might make it easier for you in the short-term, the long-term effects can frequently be disastrous. Reliance on price can result in sacrifices in the quality of workmanship and materials.

But - conversely, price isn't necessarily indicative of quality. In fact, it's difficult to tell at "face value" if window products are reliable and if they will last so it's recommended that you try to judge each product on its own merits without making price a factor in determining quality.

So what other tools are available to help you evaluate products - and how effectively they may (or may not) solve your problem? Here are some considerations:

• Don't make uninformed decisions; understand each products strengths and weaknesses
• Ask your contractor or the product manufacturer to quantify the life of the product
• Use that information to figure the annual cost (e.g. an expensive product that will last 20 years is likely a better choice than an inexpensive product that will only last five years)
• Ask about warranties and service options
• For energy efficiency and savings, look for NFRC performance ratings and the Energy Star label

While price is undoubtedly important, homeowners surveyed by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) agreed that the following factors were most important in the selection of a contractor:

Project price will ultimately impact your selection of contractor and product. There is no doubt about that. However, we do caution you not to make it the only (or even dominant) criteria in your buying decision.