Box Store Replacement Windows

Box Store Replacement Windows - Are You Getting the Best Replacement Window Available?

Box Store Replacement Windows - Are You Getting the Best Replacement Window Available?
By Justin M Howe

Lowe's or Home Depot make replacement windows very easy. They provide a turn key service to provide you the windows, offer you the support in getting them ordered and even provide an installation option to install them. By creating a "one stop shop" the large stores can cover it all. However, how do you know if you are getting the best window replacement project that you can from the large box stores? The information below details three areas you should consider when choosing a box store to supply your replacement windows.

Window Quality

Both Lowe's and Home Depot have several options to choose from when selecting replacement windows. To begin, each store carries their unique brand of window that is only found in their store. Lowe's carries the Reliabilt vinyl line and Home Depot carries American Craftsman vinyl windows. Both window lines are unique to each company meaning you will not be able to find the window brands outside of their respective stores. If you are worried about the quality of the "house" brand of windows, you should know that in a 2007 Consumer Reports test, the Reliabilt scored highest of the vinyl windows tested and the American Craftsman scored third.

In addition to their store brand windows, Lowe's replacement windows offering also includes the Pella brand. Pella has been in the window and door business for over 75 years and has a reputation for delivering quality products. Pella's service support after the sale insures that if you have problems with your window, it will be resolved. Home Depot carries the Andersen and Jeld Wen brands. These are large window manufacturers that have years of research behind their product. Like Pella, purchasing Andersen or Jeld Wen windows insures you are getting the support from the manufacturer after the purchase from the box store.

Window quality should not be considered a major concern when purchasing from the box stores. With house brands ranking at the top of Consumer Reports, and other brand name window companies available, you will be able to find a product that meets your level of quality.

Experienced Personnel

Purchasing and ordering windows is by no means brain surgery. However, there are many different factors involved with ordering replacement windows and it requires someone familiar with the process to insure the order is correct. The challenge homeowners face with stores such as Lowe's or Home Depot is getting consistency in the experience of employees. While each store has personnel that are dedicated and trained to specific departments of the store, it is not always easy to determine how much experience that person has with the product they are selling. An employee in millwork (windows) today could have been in electrical three weeks ago.

This is not to say that whomever you purchase replacement windows from at either store does not know what they are talking about. Both stores hire strong personnel, train well, and are very willing to help customers. Even so, you should always make sure the person helping you with your replacement windows is the most qualified person at the store. This will insure the details are covered and your order is correct.

Quality of Installation

One of the attractive aspects of the large home improvement stores is that they provide installation services along with the replacement windows. The "one stop shop" aspect makes it easy for homeowners to not have to search for a contractor to install their windows. In addition, the large stores offer installation pricing that is relatively inexpensive to fit most project budgets.

Before you commit to having the store's installers perform the work you should always research other installers to perform the work. Find out what the average installation costs are for your area. Chances are when you compare the installation prices to the Lowe's or Home Depot prices, you will find that the box store price is significantly cheaper than a professional installation company or an installer.

Before you think you are getting the steal of the century keep this in mind: The process to remove and replace a window is basically the same whether you do pay $100 or $200 an opening to get it done. If the work is getting done for $100, in order for the installer to make the same amount of profit as the $200 installer, they either have to cut material costs or reduce labor costs. If material costs are cut, you might not get the best caulk or the highest quality trim around the windows. This can lead to rotting wood and leaking windows.

Likewise, for contractors charging $100 to install a window, they have to install twice the number of windows to make the money the $200 per window installer does. This means they would have to spend half the time installing one window. If the basic process is the same, how good is the installation if they are taking half the time to complete it? The large stores use volume to offset their low installation price and in order to achieve volume they must install as many windows as they can in as short a time as possible. Keep this in mind when considering the quality of the installation that you will receive for the price point that the large box stores offer.

(The above statements are not meant to disparage the box store installers. They are good hardworking people like you or me and put effort into the work they do. Just be aware of how the system operates before beginning a project with a box store so you are not surprised at the results if they are less than desirable.)

Justin M. Howe

Window Replacement Experts

Complete information on the entire window replacement process

http://www.window-replacement-experts.com

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Replacement Windows - What's the Best Type of Vinyl Windows?

Replacement Windows - What's the Best Type of Vinyl Windows?

Replacement Windows - What's the Best Type of Vinyl Windows?
By Christine OKelly

One of the most important steps of choosing replacement windows is deciding what type of wood or vinyl windows you would like to have. A large part of this decision is convenience and aesthetics, but it isn't the only factor to consider. Where the window will go and the amount of space you have also makes a significant difference in the style you choose.

Casement, Single, And Double-Hung Replacement Windows

One of the most common types of windows, casement-style vinyl windows, adds a contemporary feel to your home with its single sash. This can open out, to the right, or left. These are best known for their wider view allowing more natural light to come in, providing better visibility from the home.

Usually in wood, double hung varieties are often found in older homes. They add a more traditional feel to the home. You can find them in wider widths than casement styles, and can often use a single double hung instead of two casements. Many people select this style because optional ornamentation makes them as much of a delight inside the home as outside. Single-hung versions can only open upwards.

Bow And Bay Vinyl Windows

Many people often get these two types confused when purchasing replacement windows. Both styles come out from the actual framework of the house, but that is about where the similarity ends. Bay windows are three joined panes that create a single visual area similar to a semi-circle. Generally, they have two double or casement windows with a fixed frame on the side, but they can contain vented and fixed as well.

Bow styles consist of four separate windows to create the half-circle type shape. They have more viewing area and add visual space to the room. You can choose from a combination of fixed or vented styles, or use all the same type.

Fixed, Sliding, And Awning

As you may have guessed, fixed replacement windows can't be opened, but they make up for that in style. These come in straight glass, mullion bars, as well as various designs, colors, and styles to fit any space. Sliding varieties will only open by sliding it on its rollers to the right or left. It eliminates the need for additional exterior finishes because this style comes with a sleek trim on its own. They are also beneficial in areas where you would not want it to open outwards such as along a stairway or walkway. Similar to casement windows, these are short and often very wide. These are ideal for placing under or over windows and doors to provide additional light and ventilation.

Replacement windows are generally chosen for price, but style should also receive careful consideration. Vinyl windows can change the interior and exterior appearance of your home. They can increase the amount of light the interior of your home receives, increase its ventilation, and even add beauty with specialty finishes, colors, and ornamentation. When you consider all of these factors, you will be able to enjoy a home that is both comfortable, and beautiful.

Christine O'Kelly is an author for Custom Order Online, the online vinyl windows supplier. They combine convenience with the best prices and customer service to provide customers with a superior experience when purchasing replacement windows.

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Great article on Replacement Windows