Vinyl, Wood, or Fiberglass
Vinyl, wood, and fiberglass are the three most common window materials, and all three are energy efficient. Vinyl windows are virtually maintenance-free, but many don’t like the look of a vinyl window. Wood windows are beautiful, but do require maintenance to keep the wood looking great throughout the life of the window. Fiberglass windows are more expensive, but also are incredibly durable.
Casement or Double Hung
Though the cost for casements and double hung windows are similar, as is the energy efficiency, switching from one to the other can influence the cost of replacing your windows. Casement and double hung windows come in different sizes, increasing the amount of labor needed for the conversion. If you are replacing casements with casements, or double hung with double hung windows, the sizing should be similar and additional costs are not incurred.
To find out how much replacing your window costs, contact a contractor for a free quote.
Installation or DIY
Once you’ve decided the material and style, it’s time to decide whether you want to install the windows or hire a contractor. There are a lot of factors to consider: budget, time, experience. We once had a friend whose husband decided to install all their new windows himself. The result? The windows were in, but the trim was not installed for over a year. If you’re concerned about the same situation happening to you, or are worried about installing yourself,