Six Industry Tips When Purchasing Replacement Windows For Your Home

The home improvement industry as a whole is very competitive, particularly due to the lack of home equity available for homeowners to be able to draw from to complete larger home improvement projects. The fact that this industry is so competitive with some "fly by night" organizations can often breed bad vendors and contractors, leaving consumers with the challenge to do their homework and ask the right questions to get the best value, quality, service and price, a combination often difficult to come by.
Regarding the replacement window industry specifically, contractors or companies with poor reputations are reflective from the design consultant all the way up the proverbial management food chain. Take time to invest in a reputable company with a proven product so you only have to make an investment once. The following six tips will give you confidence in weeding out bad companies and products from good ones.

• Get Three or More Estimates. You may not be the type of person who loves the process of interviewing and gathering estimates, but when it comes to purchasing replacement windows for your home, you can't be lazy about this critical first step. Obtain at least three estimates as the more information and pricing you obtain, the easier it will be to make an educated decision. Having more than one estimate in hand also offers negotiation control. This process is not difficult, just a little time consuming. Search for companies that offer complimentary in-home design consultations.
• Assess Exactly What Windows Require Replacement Ahead of Time. Before meeting with the first design consultant, evaluate what windows you believe require replacement. Design consultants may find other windows that need replacement, which you can make the decision at that time given their reason for the recommendation, but at least you have done a review of your windows ahead of time to make the best personal purchasing decision.
• Review Different Window Brands. Don't automatically purchase the most expensive replacement window due strictly to brand. There are always other options that still blend high quality manufacturing with better value. Ask such questions during your estimates.
• Let the Estimate Sit. Avoid signing up with the first vendor who gave you the lowest estimate. Oftentimes you can negotiate for a lower price unless the company happens to have a price promise assurance program, which offers great face value.
• Quality Is Not Always Expensive. If you search, there are reputable and quality window manufacturers in the marketplace. You can typically get the best deal by removing the "middleman" out of the cost when you work with a company that both manufacturers and installs. This tends to achieve the best price with the fastest installation timeframe.
• Consider Vinyl Windows. Vinyl windows are known to be more durable than wood and they are also less expensive to manufacturer, thereby passing the savings on to you. Wood can rot over time when exposed to the weather elements and vinyl tends to have a longer lifespan.

Consumer Advice When Purchasing Composite Shutters

More homes are starting to introduce composite shutters as part of their home window treatments. Composite shutters are characterized by large, movable louvers that are not just fashionable, but also functional. It creates a comfortable and traditional feel in any home that is easy to clean, are weather resistant, and add more value to your home than any other window covering. Quality shutters are typically crafted from a combination of plastic and wood fibers that are treated with zinc borate and phenolic resins. They are customizable to be painted any color to meet the specifications of the homeowner.
There are a number of reputable window fashion companies that specialize in window treatments that can help make the decision and installation process easy and painless. The first step is to identify what windows or rooms you wish you have new shutters in your home. Whether for your den, family room, kitchen, or bedroom, a design consultant would be also able to help with interior design ideas.
The next step is to speak with a few companies and consultants to get material and installation ideas, timeframes and to compare costs. There are shutters that come in a variety of louver widths to make sure you see all the options available for your composite shutters.
Composite shutters also have specific benefits over wood shutters in that the phenolic resins help to improve resistance to moisture while the zinc borate increases resistance to rotting and also to termites. The plastic and wood mixture results in a longer lifespan. Look for companies that offer lifetime warranties on their products to ensure the best value in your investment. Composite shutters also offer the strength of wood shutters and can be milled to have the grain appearance of wood. Quality composite shutters will not crack, peel, rot, warp, break, bend or fade.
This type of shutter is also energy efficient, allowing shade as a cooling mechanism to the home. Crafted with conservation in mind, well-made and quality shutters can be up to 1600% more energy efficient when compared to aluminum blinds and can provide UV protection for your home.
Don't be afraid to have shutters installed in unique shaped windows or for French doors where there are handle cutouts. A reputable and experienced company will be able to accommodate any curves, arcs, or door cutouts. Take the time to research window fashion companies in your area to make the best overall decision at the best price and enjoy your newly transformed home.