You’ve heard all the horror stories before. Remodels and home improvement projects never finish on time or on budget. If you receive an estimate for a project, double that number, and expect that to be the final cost in the end. So, what about purchasing retrofit windows in San Diego? Is this one of those projects that is expensive to begin with and then becomes even more expensive before it’s all done?
As these experts in retrofit windows in San Diego will tell you, that shouldn’t be the case! Replacing your windows should be a straightforward project with an upfront cost that is thoroughly explained to you and that has no financial surprises waiting for you down the road. If you have done some cursory research on replacing your windows and are concerned about the prices you’re seeing, here are some ways to reduce the cost:
The Cost of New Replacement Windows Versus Retrofit Windows in San Diego
When replacing the windows in your home, you have a choice. You can go with new construction windows, which do not necessarily need to be the same size as your current windows. New construction windows are made for homes that are being constructed, therefore when your old window is removed, the framing will also need to be removed and then rebuilt with the new window attached to it. On the other hand, you could go with retrofit windows, which fit right into the space where the old window is removed. No construction or reframing is needed for retrofit windows.
New construction windows are almost always more expensive than retrofit windows in San Diego. The work to install them is more extensive, plain and simple. There is no real difference in look or quality. For those looking to replace their windows with new, energy-efficient windows of the same size, this is great news because the less expensive (and less invasive) option is every bit as good from a quality perspective.
So, when you first start researching the process of replacing your windows, be sure you’re looking at prices for retrofit windows. You may find that they are much more reasonable than you originally thought.
The Cost of Vinyl Frames Versus Premium Wood or Fiberglass for Retrofit Windows in San Diego
When you replace your windows, you will also have options for frame material, and different brands will offer different choices. The most common options you’ll see are vinyl, wood, and fiberglass. It can be tempting to think that the most expensive option is the best-quality one, but that’s not necessarily the case with frame material.
For retrofit windows in San Diego, vinyl is incredibly durable and easy to maintain. Vinyl frames last for an average of 20 years or more, as long as they are properly cared for, and they will truly look as good as new the whole time. They also happen to be the least expensive option, and by quite a bit!
When you look at wood and fiberglass, there is an argument to be made that both are ever-so-slightly more durable than vinyl, and some people may simply prefer the look of wood. Either one is a fine choice—they are both excellent quality materials—but the cost of either one compared to vinyl is considerably more. The durability payoff is not commensurate with the cost increase, so you would need to consider carefully whether or not it’s worth it to you.
What great news for people considering replacing their windows—a high-quality material happens to also be the most common and the most cost effective!
The Return on Investment from Retrofit Windows in San Diego
Choosing retrofit windows over new construction windows and choosing vinyl frames over wood or fiberglass will certainly keep your costs down when replacing your windows, but another factor to consider is the fact that replacing your old, drafty windows with new, energy-efficient ones will actually save you money over time. Thinking about the return on your investment can help offset the upfront cost of retrofit windows in San Diego.
First and foremost, the energy efficiency increase will save you money on your monthly energy bills. Depending on the windows you have currently and the types of glass and frames you choose for your retrofit windows, you may save as much as 15% each month. That adds up to huge savings over time and absolutely helps reduce the sting of the initial purchase price of the windows.
In addition to the energy savings, you will also increase the value of your home by replacing the windows. If you are planning on selling your home anytime soon, buyers will notice and appreciate new windows, and they’ll be much more willing to pay a higher price, knowing that the home they’re about to purchase has the added energy efficiency, security, and curb appeal that new windows provide. That higher price may even add up to more than the cost of the windows, which is a great return on investment for you.
The bottom line is: It’s up to you to decide what qualifies as “expensive.” But there are ways to bring the cost of retrofit windows in San Diego down without sacrificing the quality. Better yet, you get a fantastic return on your investment, which should be more than worth it in the end.
