A poorly planned window replacement is at a greater risk of delays, going over budget or even ending up unfinished. If you are considering having your windows replaced soon, read on as we take a look at some of the important things to keep in mind when budgeting your window replacement.
1. Plan way ahead. There’s no rule that says you only have to start thinking about your window replacement budget when it’s a few days, weeks or months away. You can start drawing up window replacement plans even when you’re expecting to have it done two, maybe three years from now. Planning ahead lets you revise details of your project, some of which may affect your budget – window styles, finishes and glass options among them.
2. Do your research. Window replacement may not be as complex as a home addition or a kitchen remodel, but it nevertheless deserves the same amount of attention and research. Find out what the ballpark price is by asking friends and family who have had their windows replaced recently. Weigh the pros and cons of traditional window materials like wood or vinyl against composites like our own Fibrex® material. Research can help you make informed decisions, particularly on the ones that may have an effect on the budget.
3. You have more than one financing option. While cash remains the best way to pay for a window replacement, it may take time to save up – not the ideal option if you need new windows on short notice. Fortunately, there are other options to finance a window replacement project: credit card, home equity loan (HEL) and home equity line of credit (HELOC) are just a few options that may be available to you. Your window replacement contractor may also offer financing options.
4. Include an “emergency” budget. Window installers do their best to assess the condition of the house before providing a quote or estimate. However, it’s not unusual for problems like dry rot or damaged framing to be found only after removing the old windows, which means repair costs are not included in the estimate. Having an “emergency” budget – which is usually worth about 10% to 20% of the project estimate – should help make sure that your project is completed as planned.
Renewal by Andersen® of Houston provides window replacement services to customers in Katy, TX, and the surrounding communities in Texas. Give us a call at (281) 547-6177, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
