9 Common Colorado Window Replacement Mistakes to Avoid

One of the smartest and most cost-efficient upgrades you can make to any home is replacing the windows. It not only creates an extra layer of energy efficiency and effectively reduces your utility bills, but it also adds a TON of value to your home and makes your house more attractive from the curb. However, this process can be a real pain. Here are 9 common Colorado window replacement mistakes that you should definitely avoid.

Window Replacement, Complicated?

Yes, it seems like a very straightforward and easy process, but unfortunately, it’s much more complicated than removing old windows and replacing them with better ones. For one, not all replacement windows are created equal. There are hundreds of options and styles to choose from, including the brand, models, materials, and of course size and style.

Aside from that, you still need to find a good and reputable window technician to install them for you. How on earth can you be sure you’re making the correct choices?

Things to Avoid

Please be sure to keep in mind that there really isn’t a right or wrong to any decision. Each and every Denver homeowner has their own unique set of circumstances regarding window upgrades, and you can only base your choices and ultimate decision on how appropriate the windows are for your circumstances.

Ultimately, the biggest errors around your decision making have almost nothing to do with your final choice, but everything to do with how you arrived at your decision. Most homeowners make at least one of the following mistakes, so be sure to prepare yourself and cover all of your bases so you can avoid these problems and have a better experience upgrading your windows!

1. Not  Researching  

As with any decision, ample research is required. It takes a lot of time and a lot of effort to research things like this but it’s always worth it. You won’t know if you’re making a good decision or not if you aren’t sure of the available brands or styles of available windows that will fit your home. During the beginning stages of this project, you should make sure you’re familiar with the whole process of window installation from beginning to end, including how windows should be removed, how your new ones will be installed, and which windows will be the most worthwhile to you. Make sure you research these things using reputable and unbiased sources and don’t take shortcuts. Question everything and find the answers!

2. Trusting a Salesman’s Judgement

Remember that this is YOUR decision. If you’re headed to a hardware store and the sales person isn’t trying to provide a product for YOUR situation, walk away. This is ultimately your decision, so if you feel influenced by an opinion, goaded, or bullied, make sure you walk away. This has a variety of applications though. For example, you know a contractor personally who is trying to convince you that there is only one option for your home, or your dad insists on a single set in stone approach to the situation. You SHOULD gather and listen to these outside opinions, but you should also keep in mind that there are 100 ways to do these things and at the end of the day it’s your house and your decision.

3. Rushing into Things

Like most stressful situations, we want to be finished as soon as possible, but that is no excuse to rush a window replacement. This is a huge upgrade to your home and it’ll cost you thousands of dollars, BUT it will last you decades and add a ton of value to your home if done correctly. It isn’t like choosing a chocolate bar in the checkout aisle of the grocery store. You have nothing but time and you should weigh your options carefully to avoid making a move until you have explored all possibilities.

4. Assuming All Windows Are Created Equal

Even after you research, it’s easy to still feel like all windows are pretty much the same. This is such an easy error, especially if you’re upgrading really old windows because just about everything will be a major step up from the windows you already have. Keep in mind that windows vary, especially when you consider the materials, brand, design, and workmanship. There are hundreds of options to fit each and every budget, so you’re really hurting yourself if you put all windows in the same category.

5. Picking Windows Based On Price

Price is easily the most considered aspect of a window replacement project, but it isn’t the only thing to consider. If you have a strict limit on your budget for the project, it’s always possible to finance since home improvements are a huge investment. Since a window replacement project is a high ROI investment, it can be beneficial in the long term to splurge a little and avoid the need to upgrade again in a decade or two before you sell your home.

6. Not Understanding Your Personal Goals

There are plenty of reasons to upgrade windows, including the aesthetics or energy efficiency of your home or increasing its value, but the thing to remember is what your specific goal is. If you don’t know WHY you’re doing this project, you can’t choose the right windows. Make sure you think carefully about why you want to upgrade your windows, and research from there.

7. Choosing Short-Term Upgrades Over Long-Term Upgrades.

You should never upgrade your home with the intent to do it all over again in a few years. There is really no reason to spend money on upgrades that will only last a few years unless you are planning to turn around and sell the home. Even at that rate, it is still a questionable strategy. In all other scenarios, it’s so much smarter to invest in windows that will have the greatest long-term payoff as opposed to a short life expectancy. We’re talking decades of use! Spend a little extra for a better set of windows and you’ll save money.

8. Not Considering the Way it Looks

If you’re the type of homeowner who focuses on functionality over form in all situations, the way your new windows will look might seem completely unimportant. Keep in mind though that you won’t be the only person looking at it. I don’t mean that Joe Passerby’s opinion really means anything, but if you were considering selling your home at some point, your windows should have a good design and aesthetic value so that your curb appeal improves along with the value of your home. Windows with a better design will always fetch a better sales price when you’re ready to go on to your next venture elsewhere.

9. Choosing the First Contractor You Meet.

Selecting a contractor is perhaps the most important choice in the whole project aside from the windows of course. Don’t find a contractor and roll with it. There are plenty of options out there, so be sure to ship around to ensure you get the best price and a contractor you can communicate with. Your contractor should also be reliable, and able to get the job done correctly and on time. You can always ask for references.

If you avoid these mistakes, your window replacement project will be smooth! Don’t forget that there is no such thing as a right or wrong answer, but you must be sure that you are completely informed on the subject so that you end up with a new set of windows that is appropriate for your property, goals, and of course, budget.

If you’re interested in looking at quotes or are approaching your final decision, please don’t hesitate to contact us today! We are always happy to assist homeowners in the Denver area to make the right decisions for their homes.