You know that window replacements need to be a priority on your list of upcoming Dallas home improvement projects. Maybe you’ve come to realize just how much heating and cooling you’re losing every year, or how much quieter your home could be. No matter the reason, you’re prepared to face another problem you’ve heard about from other homeowners: confusing window replacement estimates.
Why is it that what you see advertised may not line up with the estimates you receive? At ZINTEX Remodeling Group, we believe in pricing transparency from start to finish. We also know that with windows, it can be hard to assess how your needs align with our Dallas window replacement price ranges. Read on as we share some of the top reasons why window pricing can be confusing.
Table of Contents
- Unique Window Measurements Can Obscure Pricing
- Window Replacements Include More Than Glass
- It Can Be Hard to Count Windows
- Window Customizations Can Increase Costs
- Some Window Companies Use Bait and Switch Tactics
Windows Are Measured Uniquely
Most home improvement companies are going to talk about measurements in terms of square inches. Window remodeling companies, on the other hand, use an entirely different system called “united inches.” What are united inches and what do they have to do with pricing confusion?
United inches describe the linear frame measurements of a window and are calculated by taking the width of your window and the height of your window and adding them together. So, if your window has a width of 36 inches and a height of 60 inches, that window has 96 united inches (36+60).
United inches may be the secret behind those special offer prices you come across that don’t end up lining up with your estimate. Chances are, that seemingly fantastic offer only applies to smaller windows, with the fine print saying something like, “Only good for windows up to 70 U.I.” If your window replacements fall outside of those specific parameters, your estimate is going to be higher than you expected.
Windows Are More Than Just Glass
When we’re talking about windows and window replacements, what are we actually talking about? Some Dallas homeowners anticipate that they can simply replace the glass to reap the benefits of window replacements when really, they need to replace everything, including the frame and sashes. Thorough window replacement also includes:
- Waterproof flashing tape
- Air-tight, moisture-resistant low expansion foam
- Weatherproof sealant
- Quality, reliable labor
All said and done, we’re probably talking about a price range of $1,350 to upwards of $3,500 per window. If you’ve only researched the cost of new glass, you’ll probably find your window replacement estimate a bit shocking.
You May Have More Windows Than You Think
You’ve looked at the price range we just shared and now you’re doing some quick math. Let’s say you’re anticipating that your price per window will fall around $2,000, so now, it’s just a matter of multiplying $2,000 by the number of windows you want to replace. Looking around, you’ve counted 8 windows, bringing you to an estimate of $16,000.
Are you sure that you’re counting the windows correctly? Really basic windows and standard layouts are often easy to count. For example, if you have two single-hung windows a few feet apart on one wall, you know you have two windows on that wall.
Dallas-area homes are often known for those gorgeous, oversized window configurations, and what you think of as one window may actually be several. Don’t hesitate to ask any design consultant who comes out to your home to walk you through their window count if it differs from your own.
Certain Window Customizations Can Have Major Impacts
Homeowners are often surprised by just how much of a financial impact certain window customizations can have. After all, if you stick with small windows with standard shape and operation, it can’t cost that much more to switch from a white finish to a black finish, right?
Wrong. Something as simple as a custom frame color can as much as double the cost of your windows, even without additional customizations. This is why it’s so important to talk through any customizations you’re considering during your consultation. That way, your design consultant can give you price comparisons in real time.
Some Window Replacement Companies Use Bait and Switch Tactics
We mentioned already that some window replacement offers may not live up to expectations if you don’t understand the fine print. Unfortunately, this isn’t the only tactic that you might consider bait and switch.
For example, window companies may give you a quick quote that is appealingly low because they’re quietly omitting certain details, like window screens or sealant, which will add to your total cost when it comes time to sign a contract. The most egregious example of a bait and switch that obscures real pricing is when companies quote products only and omit the cost of labor. Make sure you understand what is included in a quote before moving forward, especially if that quote is much lower than the others you’ve been given.
Does ZINTEX Do DFW Window Replacements?
Window replacements are a unique home improvement project for several reasons, from the unique measurements to the occasional confusion around how many windows really need replacing. Now you know some of the top reasons for window replacement cost confusion. What’s next?
At ZINTEX Remodeling Group, we’ve built a reputation across 25 years as a leading bathroom remodeling company. What you may not know is that ZINTEX is also a Dallas window replacement company, too. Find out more about our window replacement services in this guide.
Topics:
