Evaluating Replacement Window Estimates

When you've made the decision to have replacement windows installed in your home, you'll likely be reaching out to multiple companies for estimates on how much the job is going to cost. That's a smart decision because it will allow you to compare different companies and see who is charging a fair price and who may be trying to take advantage of you. One important thing to remember is that an estimate is not the actual price that you will pay. Rather, it is a contractor's best guess as to what they think the job will cost based on their experience and expertise. An estimate usually varies from the actual cost by about 10-15%. Most reputable companies will come out to your home for a free, no-obligation consultation, which will allow them to listen to your needs and look at the windows that need to be replaced so they can provide a more accurate estimate. Be leery of companies that offer quotes over the phone or charge to come out to your home for a consultation because those are both signs that the company is not professional.

What to Look for in an Estimate

When you receive an estimate, you'll want the potential contractor to put it in writing to make it easier for you to review. It should be transparent and lengthy and provide a number of details, including how long they estimate the project will take, the cost of materials, the cost of labor, and anything else that you would be charged for.

Why Aren't All Estimates Close in Price?

In a perfect world, all the estimates you get would be fairly similar, making things easier for you. Unfortunately, that is often not the case and you're likely to see some estimates that are much higher than others. But why is that? Well, when an estimate is on the high side, it's usually because the contractor is more established and respected and might have more equipment and employees to pay for. Another reason for a high estimate is the quality of the replacement window. A high-quality, name-brand replacement window is going to cost more than one of lower quality. When an estimate is much lower than others, it could be an indicator that the contractor is either desperate for a job (stay away) or that it may be some sort of scam. If it looks too good to be true, it usually is, and a job of this importance is worth spending a little more money on to ensure that it is done right.

Research Your Contractor

After you've reviewed your estimates and think you've found the contractor you want, you might be ready to get the project going. But wait! Don't go signing any contracts just yet. First, you'll want to do a little more research to make sure that you're choosing a reputable company to work with. Visit their website and see if it looks professional because that's a good indication of whether they take their business seriously or not. Next, check to make sure that they are accredited through the Better Business Bureau, and see what their rating is. An A+ rating from the BBB is a good sign of a trustworthy company. Finally, look for reviews from past customers to see if they were satisfied with the job the company did. If you see a trend of good reviews, it's probably safe to go ahead and work with that company.

If you're looking to have replacement windows installed in your San Antonio, Austin, or Dallas-Fort Worth area home, or anywhere else in Central Texas, Expo Home Improvement is the company to call. We will come out to your home for a free, no-obligation consultation where we will listen to your needs, provide you with an estimate, and answer any questions that you might have. To learn more about the replacement windows we can install in your home, contact Expo Home Improvement today.