Let’s talk about window shopping. Not the kind where you browse from store to store, but don’t actually buy anything, but the kind where you’re actually shopping for new windows for your San Diego home.
New windows can be a sizeable investment in your home, so you would be wise to not just go to your local home improvement store and buy the first windows you see. You will want to shop around a bit to make sure you are getting quality windows at a good price. You also want to work with a company that will provide you with great customer service and that will be there for you should you ever have issues with your windows later on.
Here are four things San Diego homeowners should ask when shopping for windows:
Who Will Be Installing the Windows I Purchase in my San Diego Home?
Don’t assume that everyone selling windows has a dedicated installation team who will be installing the windows you purchase. Many companies in San Diego (including big box stores like Lowes and Home Depot) outsource the installation of the windows they sell to subcontractors. This means the people installing your windows might not be trained or skilled specifically in window installation.
Ideally, you want to work with a San Diego window company that has their own team of installers who have been trained and are held accountable to the standards of the company.
What Type of Warranty Is Included?
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t pay too much attention to product warranties and what they cover. However, with replacement windows, you might want to make an exception. Window warranties can vary quite a bit. You can find windows in San Diego with a five-year warranty or windows with a lifetime warranty from their manufacturers. If you read the warranty’s fine print, you will find that it won’t cover any issues that result from an installation error. That’s why you want to make sure you also have an installation warranty from the company doing the installing. Very few companies selling windows in San Diego offer a window installation warranty, so don’t assume that a company offers one unless they tell you specifically that they do!
What Is Included in the Cost?
If you get a quote on new windows that seems too good to be true, one of the first things you should ask is what is included in that price. Some San Diego homeowners have been surprised when they get a final bill that is much higher than they were expecting, because their initial quote didn’t include the cost of the windows’ installation! Or maybe their quote didn’t include hauling away the old windows. Make sure you understand the quote you are given, and if something doesn’t make sense, be sure to ask!
How Do These Windows Compare to Others on the Market?
If the energy efficiency of your new windows is a top concern of yours (as it is for most homeowners buying new windows), be sure to ask your window sales rep to show you the energy efficiency numbers. Specifically, you’ll want to know the windows’ solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), which is a standardized measurement of how well windows keep out unwanted heat. The SHGC gives you an easy way to compare different brands and lines of windows. A lower SHGC is better, because it indicates that less solar heat is allowed through the window.
By asking these four questions, it will help you narrow down your options and find the best windows for your home and the best San Diego window company to work with!
